CBD oil for anxiety is a hot topic lately, and for a good reason. CBD has been tested on healthy people and those with poor mental health, and in all trials, it reduces anxiety symptoms. A recent study found that CBD also reduces participants’ blood pressure, so it does more than make them feel better. Click here to learn more.
The researchers also noted that the drug was safe to use over the long term, with few side effects. However — not all of the research agrees. Questions about effectiveness and safety remain to be answered before you opt for CBD oil as your go-to treatment option.
As with most research on CBD, scientists aren’t 100% sure how CBD oil reduces anxiety. Researchers agree that it has something to do with the chemical structure of CBD, which stimulates serotonin (the “happy chemical”) and increases endocannabinoids. Some research has also linked the endocannabinoid system to specific parts of the brain involved in fear and anxiety. So — a few different ways: serotonin, endocannabinoids, and the parts of your brain linked with fear and anxiety. But we don’t know precisely how or why it works quite yet.
Is CBD Effective For Anxiety Disorders?
Researchers aren’t entirely sure how CBD oil reduces anxiety, but they know that the effects are powerful. A clinical trial of CBD in people with social anxiety disorder found that participants who took 600 mg of CBD daily experienced a 40% drop in anxiety symptoms compared to those who took a placebo. (1) And if you consider secondary measures like blood pressure, you’ll see some evidence backing up the claims.
As with most research on CBD, scientists aren’t 100% sure how it reduces anxiety symptoms. One theory is that it has something to do with the chemical structure of CBD. CBD stimulates serotonin — the “happy chemical” — and increases endocannabinoids. Some research has also linked the endocannabinoid system to specific parts of the brain involved in fear and anxiety.
This is one of many theories, but scientists are beginning to figure it out. However, we still need more research to understand how CBD can fully reduce anxiety. When we do, we can use that knowledge to help treat people with anxiety disorders.
CBD oil is an excellent option if you’re looking for something that will work and meet your needs. As noted in the reviews above, you may want to try out different brands and flavors to find one you like. And don’t be afraid of failing at an experiment here and there because the best CBD oil for anxiety comes from a reputable company whose products have been lab-tested.