CBD – one of many extracts from the cannabis plant – has been found to have numerous wellbeing benefits, one of which is helping alleviate anxiety and stress. Joseph Gerrity CEO of Crescent Canna, explains how it works…
According to ONS, 37.4% of adults in the United Kingdom said that Covid-19 has affected their wellbeing. If left untreated for a long period of time, anxiety can develop into more severe conditions such as Social Anxiety Disorder and phobias. This is where CBD can come in…
You might have already tried different ways to help you relax and focus on the present. Methods such as reading, baking or taking daily walks do have a short-term calming effect on the body.
If you are looking for something more, consider CBD. Many people have turned to this natural remedy for support this year due to increased anxiety. If you are new to CBD, forget the idea that it will give you the ‘high’ feeling associated with cannabis use.
It’s a natural compound that doesn’t have the intoxicating effects of THC (the psychoactive compound found in cannabis) and it’s legal in the UK.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the most researched cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which can cause you to feel “high,” CBD has no psychoactive or intoxicating effects. It’s also safe, non-addictive, and offers a range of health benefits.
How can it help with anxiety?
The root of anxiety disorders is low serotonin. While research is still preliminary, scientists at University of San Paulo in Brazil and King’s College in London suggest that CBD can help the body produce serotonin. This is a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating emotions.
CBD has been noted to have a calming effect on people and lower the intensity of their emotions due to the potential therapeutic properties. Many clinical human and rodent trials are currently underway to build up substantial evidence.
A clinical study focused on public speaking, concluded that CBD improves performance anxiety for people with social anxiety disorder and for people without. In laboratory animal studies, CBD has also been shown to decrease symptoms of depression.
Throughout our lives, our brains grow and adapt by forming new neurons. CBD could help to counterbalance the brain damage caused by chronic stress. This study concluded that CBD encourages neural regeneration and that ‘pharmacological targeting of the cannabinoid system as a regulator of neurogenesis may be vital in the prevention of treatment of mood or memory disorders.’
How do I choose the right product?
Choosing the right product is a matter of preference. Due to the number of products available, it can seem overwhelming to find the right option. CBD comes in several forms such as, oils, capsules, freeze rollers, edibles, drinks, food and vapes.
The overall strength of a product is directly related to its effectiveness. Cheaper products typically contain less CBD and are therefore less effective. While stronger ones may come to a higher price per bottle, they come to a lower price per dose, making them a more cost-effective option.
No matter what you’re using CBD for, look at each product’s specific applications and use your own judgement when deciding what to buy. And consult with a doctor if you are taking any other medication.
How should I take it?
This depends on why you need it, where you want it to reach and how quickly you want it to work. A popular method is sublingual delivery, which is placing the oil under your tongue. This is a fast way to absorb CBD as it bypasses the liver allowing more to immediately enter the bloodstream.
You can also take it with foods. There is a wide range of CBD-infused food and beverages such as cocktails, cookies and popcorn, chocolates and gummies. Ingesting CBD takes longer than other methods as it’s partially broken down by the liver and digestive tract. You can also apply a topical product or inhale it by smoking or vaping it.
How much CBD should I take?
The right dosage for you will be dependent on your weight, age, existing medical conditions and the concentration of CBD you’re taking. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all dosage and there might be some trial and error while you start to understand what works best for you.
Many experts agree that if it’s your first-time using CBD, start with a low dose and gradually work your way up. The dose can also vary by form. For example, gummies typically contain 10 to 25 milligrams (mg) of CBD per gummy, while an oil product could contain anywhere from 10 to 300 mg per dose. Talk to your doctor if you have a medical condition or are taking any other medication.
With thanks to Crescent Canna
Read more anxiety-reduction tips here.
