As access to medical and recreational marijuana increases and becomes legal in more states across the country, many who suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety are having excellent results with cannabidiol or CBD.
If you choose to try CBD for anxiety, be aware that regulation on these products is not consistent. However, many people are finding relief with CBD, so there’s no reason to avoid it when it’s legal in your area.
If you’re considering using CBD to quiet your anxiety, here are some things you need to know.
What CBD Does and How it Works
It’s important to note that CBD is not the part of the marijuana plant that causes a high. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the chemical that produces a sense of intoxication.
Experts believe that CBD lowers anxiety by impacting serotonin receptors. Physical impacts of CBD include a lowered heart rate and slower breathing rate.
For those prone to anxiety attacks, the ability to dose themselves as needed with CBD can add a sense of control to a frightening condition.
Serotonin Receptors and Anxiety
Low levels of serotonin are common among those who suffer from anxiety and depression. Those with low serotonin levels have a hard time feeling joy or any positive emotions without some sort of pharmaceutical help.
Current pharmacological practices include the use of an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). These medications find the serotonin receptors on cells within the central nervous system and fill them, preventing the sense of serotonin drop commonly suffered by those with anxiety and depression.
Minimal Side Effects
While SSRI side effects can be quite unpleasant and include lowered sexual enjoyment and constipation, CBD side effects can include changes in appetite and a need for sleep.
Neither SSRI nor CBD medications are considered addictive, though stopping treatment with SSRI’s can lead some with anxiety to suffer a difficult withdrawal period.
Buyer Beware
While SSRI development must go through years of testing, CBD is as yet largely unregulated. Despite this, many people are finding relief with CBD.
Just be sure that when seeking a CBD tincture for sale, you buy from a shop that is well aware of the quality of their suppliers and has a good reputation for quality.
The science of CBD is finally undergoing the testing necessary for anxiety sufferers to find consistent and reputable sources of this product.
Confusion on cannabis products will likely continue until the public is sufficiently educated on the myriad uses for cannabis outside the world of THC.
However, those currently getting good results from THC can serve as educators and examples of what a flourishing CBD industry can do for anxiety sufferers.
Have you used CBD to quiet your anxiety? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
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