Cannabinol, or CBD is being used to help with many diseases and conditions. CBD has proven to be a very effective alternative to prescription drugs for treating stress and anxiety. This is very good to know as so many of us are facing increased stress and fears over the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Several clinical studies have shown that CBD can help with:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
One thing to make clear, CBD does not help with stress by making you “high.” One of the most well-known cannabinoids is called Tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC. THC is the chemical in the cannabis plant that offers the mind-altering high feeling – however CBD does NOT contain THC, which is why it is 100% non-psychoactive.
So if it is not mellowing you by getting you “high” like smoking marijuana can, how does CBD reduce anxiety?
It is believed that CBD effects the level of neurotransmitters — the so called “feel good” chemicals in the brain. One of them most influential of these on mood, is serotonin.
Serotonin plays an important role in your mental health. Low serotonin levels are commonly associated with people who have depression. In some cases, not having enough serotonin may also cause anxiety. This is why most antidepressant drugs are designed to effect serotonin levels one way or another.
If you choose to supplement with CBD to combat anxiety, it will work best as part of a comprehensive stress-reduction treatment plan that includes making other lifestyle changes aimed at reducing stress.
Stress reduction techniques include:
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Exercise more
- Practice specific stress reduction techniques, such as: yoga, meditation or tai-chi
- Get enough sleep
- Practice positive thinking
We are living in very stressful times. Stress can be really damaging on your health, even in the best of times, now, with the COVID-19 crisis, it can lower your ability to combat the disease.
It is more important than ever to take measures to reduce stress and anxiety, and CBD can be an effective part of that regimen.
Have you or anyone you know used CBD for anxiety? What were the results? Please reply using the comments below.
