CBD for Anxiety: Here’s How It Works

As CBD products continue their reign as one of the most popular herbal remedies, it’s essential to look at the top reasons people enjoy these extracts. In markets around the world, CBD is primarily bought for its mood-boosting potential. So naturally, this means that clients are trying to use CBD oil for anxiety and to achieve a calm focus.

CBD for Anxiety Review

In this section, we’ll review the science behind CBD and its potential impact on anxiety. First, we need to mention that the FSA has not stated the efficacy of taking CBD oil for panic attacks or using CBD for anxiety disorder. So here, we will simply present the scientific relationship between our internal cannabinoid system, hemp compounds, and the reduction of anxiety. 

If you’re interested in customer reviews of our product, click here. Otherwise, read on to learn how CBD can impact your physiological system.

Remember, how you choose to use CBD is your responsibility, but always be cautious. We recommend following the FSA’s guidance to never take more than 70mg of CBD per day and consult a medical practitioner in the case of chronic or emergency psychological discomfort. As such, using CBD oil for panic attacks or other intense anxiety-based symptoms is only recommended under the guidance of a medical professional.

CBD is a plant-cannabinoid compound, meaning that it is a class of compounds that naturally occurs in hemp. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it can’t manifest the buzz that THC creates. In fact, all of our products are THC-free.

Cannabinoids interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). This ECS is instrumental in the prevention and reduction of anxious sensations. Endocannabinoid receptors, such as CB1 and CB2, are distributed throughout our nervous system, including the brain. Specifically, these receptors have a strong presence in the “hippocampus, prefrontal cortex (PFC), amygdala and hypothalamus.” Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Hippocampus

The breakdown of neurons (neurogenesis) in the hippocampus is closely related to anxiety and anxious behavior. Luckily, the CB1 cannabinoid receptor helps to promote the growth of new neurons in this area in adults.

Prefrontal Cortex

Through neuroimaging techniques, abnormalities have been found in the prefrontal cortex for individuals who frequently experience anxiety. In addition, these abnormalities have been linked to neuroinflammation in these regions.

CB2 cannabinoid receptors in this region seem to have the potential to counter this neuroinflammation. This alone shows promise in the ability of CB2 activation to help reduce anxiety. In addition, mice who have a greater frequency of CB2 receptors show fewer signs of stress while navigating mazes. As a bonus, research also indicates that CB1 receptors in this area help manage anxiety.

Amygdala

The amygdala is well known for its relation to anxiety and fear. One way the amygdala establishes this role is through the activity of potassium channels (rivers of potassium that occur in the outer layer of cells). These channels influence excitability and can cause excessive fear and anxiety while reducing other fear inhibiting mechanisms in the brain.

Luckily, the human ECS helps to modify this as well. As the endocannabinoid system works, it creates and uses arachidonic acid (AA). Arachidonic acid helps adjust these protein channels, giving the endocannabinoid system potential to influence anxious symptoms that stem from the amygdala. 

CB1 receptors are also found in many neurons in the amygdala. These receptors help manage the activity of the movement of the GABA neurotransmitter. Once these GABA molecules reach their targets, they can create a powerful calming and anxiolytic impact.

Hypothalamus

Like each of these parts of the brain, the hypothalamus plays a multi-faceted role in the regulation of anxiety regulation. One way that this regulation plays out is through the control and movement of oxytocin, a neurotransmitter produced by the hypothalamus. 

You may have heard of oxytocin, a hormone/neurotransmitter that helps to produce the sensation of love between you and your muse. This oxytocin activity is often accompanied by those pleasant, calming, and warm body sensations that we associate with falling in love.

What’s really fascinating is that endocannabinoid activity can encourage the movement of oxytocin. For example, CBD inhibits an enzyme called FAAH. FAAH is responsible for the breakdown of the bliss compound anandamide (AEA). AEA, a vital endocannabinoid compound produced by the human body. This compound helps to regulate mood, dopamine transmission, and more. Modern research shows that the prevention of anandamide breakdown (which is achieved by blocking the FAAH compound) prevents the desensitizing of oxytocin receptors. Additionally, oxytocin helps to manage the proper functioning of AEA.

Perhaps, as we care for and feed the endocannabinoid system, we can reap the rewards of both the bliss compound (AEA) and the love chemical (Oxytocin). An uptick in these delicious, internally produced compounds could easily lead to a drastic improvement in anxiety-related symptoms.

Here’s How to Use CBD to Achieve the Best Results

So you reviewed the details, and you’ve decided to try CBD. Great! But remember, these products are not magic formula. Still, so long as you stick to some basic guidelines, CBD can quickly help you achieve new levels of wellness and clarity.

Can CBD Make You Anxious? 

One question that you may not have considered is, “can CBD make you anxious?” Unfortunately, the answer is maybe, if you purchase the wrong type of product. CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD have tons of research showing that they are likely to help with stress and reduce the impact that stress causes. However, THC has been shown to create the opposite response, possibly increasing the stress response. 

So, we recommend that you avoid full spectrum CBD formulas (which often contain relevant amounts of THC) and choose CBD Isolate and Broad-Spectrum CBD products (which include 0% THC). All products found on our site are 100% legally compliant, quality-tested, and THC-free.

Can You Use Topical CBD for Anxiety?

A reasonable question, but this one is almost certainly no. Topical CBD interacts with the same types of receptors as ingested CBD but in different areas. As a result, topical CBD will sink deeply into the surface tissues and muscular tissues, creating a potent local impact. 

In contrast, orally ingested CBD will circulate throughout the bloodstream and impact a wide variety of targets in the nervous system. This gives it consistent access to vital cells contained in the nervous system.

So at the end of the day, use broad spectrum CBD or CBD isolate, keep your dose within the recommended guidelines, and be sure to leverage a combination of topical and oral CBD as needed to address your individual concerns.

Final Takeaway

While we wait for official statements from the authorities about the effects of CBD, feel free to enjoy our products and geek out over the science with us. So long as you are in good health, purchase lab-tested CBD, and stay within the guidelines of use provided by the FDA, CBD use will treat your body to a fantastic array of rejuvenating effects.

Check out our incredible product selections, and order your premium CBD today!