Approximately 30% of adults in America suffer from anxiety.

Anxiety can be a debilitating disorder that really impacts your quality of life. While most visit their doctor for anti-anxiety meds, some anxiety sufferers are wary of taking on prescription medications.

Thankfully, CBD oil can be a natural alternative. Science has pointed to its effectiveness at relieving anxiety.

Ready to learn about how you can use CBD oil for anxiety? Just keep reading!

What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a CBD-rich extract of one cannabis plant called industrial hemp. These high levels of cannabidiol have many beneficial effects on the body.

And no, CBD oil won’t get you high.

Marijuana Vs. Industrial Hemp

In contrast to marijuana, industrial hemp is required to have a THC level below 0.3%. This means that extracts made from this plant are completely non-psychoactive.

The psychoactivity is what makes marijuana a Schedule I Drug according to the DEA. As a result, CBD is completely legal and can be used without a prescription.

Marijuana and Anxiety

If you suffer from anxiety, it’s actually better to avoid marijuana as a whole. Although marijuana does contain CBD, the high levels of THC have been shown to induce anxiety even in the presence of CBD.

Because of this, it’s best to opt for CBD-only products sourced from industrial hemp.

How Does CBD Oil Help Relieve Anxiety?

One of the CBD oil benefits is relieving anxiety by interacting with many receptors in the body. By activating these receptors, CBD can modulate neurotransmitters to help relieve anxiety.

How It Works: the Endocannabinoid System

In the human body, there are receptors known as endocannabinoid receptors. These are natural receptors that are designed to interact with cannabinoids like CBD. The totality of these receptors in the body is known as the endocannabinoid system.

There are two main receptors: CB1 and CB2.

When CBD binds to and activates CB1, it produces a potent fear reduction. In fact, the fear-reducing properties of CB1 are so effective that genetic mutations that impact CB1 activation induce anxiety.

Activation of CB1 receptors can also reduce the effects of chronic stress, one of which is the development of anxious behavior.

Serotonin Receptors

There are current prescription drugs for those struggling with anxiety on the market that act as serotonin receptor activators. They are fairly effective at treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

In clinical trials, serotonin receptors reduce fear and mediate the effects of chronic stress which have been shown to lead to anxiety.

Research shows that CBD helps to modulate serotonin receptor activity, although serotonin signaling is complex for even the most well-versed scientists. This may be one of the underlying mechanisms behind CBD’s anti-anxiety effects.

How to Find a Quality CBD Oil

There are many qualities to look for when searching for the best CBD oil for anxiety. Below are the what’s and why’s of quality CBD traits.

Full Spectrum Extract

CBD for anxiety is most effective when it is present with all of the other hemp plant compounds. Phenols, flavonoids, and terpenes enhance the effects of CBD in a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect”.

This is in contrast to CBD isolate products which have been processed to isolate only CBD. While these products are still effective, they don’t provide as much benefit as full spectrum hemp extracts.

Pure Hemp Extract and Minimal Additives

Contaminants present in CBD products put a damper on the benefit to your body. To get the most bang for your buck, you’ll want to look for a product that’s produced to be free of contaminants. Third party lab tests for contaminants are a plus.

Third-Party Tested for CBD Potency

Since the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements like CBD. For this reason, a company could fill a bottle with any kind of green oil and label it CBD — even though it contains no active CBD.

Besides looking for a trustworthy company, you should look for independent lab tests that verify the potency of the product. Good companies will proudly display their Certificate of Analysis (CoA) on their website for prospective customers to see.

To be doubly sure, you can even look into the trustworthiness of the lab completing the test.

How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety

There are various ways you can take CBD. For anxiety, topical creams won’t work but all other oral or vaporization administrations will!

Here are some ways you can use CBD oil for anxiety:

CBD Tinctures

CBD tinctures are the classic hemp extract. You take these sublingually, or under the tongue, for high absorption. The blood vessels under the tongue are very close to the surface and can absorb sublingual CBD quickly for the best effect. Once you swallow the CBD oil, the rest is absorbed through the digestive tract.

CBD Vape Oil

Vaporization of CBD oil is a very effective way to take CBD.

When CBD is vaped, the vapor is absorbed into the lungs. On the surface of the lungs, there are tiny blood vessels that absorb the CBD and transport it to the rest of the body.

Vaping CBD is one of the most efficient ways to use CBD oil.

CBD Softgels or Edibles

CBD softgels and edibles aren’t as fast-acting as tinctures or vapes because they have to be absorbed through the multi-step digestion system.

Does CBD Oil Really Work for Anxiety?

Yes, CBD oil really does work! The existing research in scientific literature supports the potential of CBD as a treatment for anxiety.

Through its activation of certain receptors in the body, CBD is able to modulate neurotransmitters to relieve anxiety sufferers.

But, all of these benefits are dependent on the quality and potency of your CBD oil. So, make sure you’re looking for full spectrum, third-party tested products.

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