Participants were recruited via digital advertisements of two CBD products and given either isolate or broad spectrum CBD tinctures to use as stress management aids.
Participants were asked to report on their self-perceived anxiety levels and how CBD affected them, and reported feeling less anxious as well as lessening thoughts of problems caused by CBD.
1. CBD interacts with CB1 receptors in your brain.
CBD has shown promise in several animal models of anxiety. In one such model involving restraint stress, CBD significantly reduced heart rate increases associated with the test; this effect was likely mediated by CB1Rs [70]. It also produced anxiolytic effects in Vogel-conflict test (VCT) models through GABAA receptor activation [71].
An awake fMRI study demonstrated that CBD produced dose-dependent polarizations of brain activity, leading to increases in BOLD signaling at sites linked to the olfactory bulb and prefrontal cortex while deactivating regions in the cerebellum and brainstem – including ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) regions – suggesting it may help regulate abnormal stress responses.
If you’re curious about CBD for stress, talk to your physician first. They will be able to advise on safe dosages and ways to take it. If you already take medication for depression or anxiety, make sure that before adding another supplement.
2. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is an extensive network of chemical signals and receptors found throughout our bodies and brains. It includes cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol endocannabinoids produced naturally in our bodies as well as enzymes responsible for producing or breaking down these chemicals – serving as traffic cops to maintain balanced levels and activities of many other neurotransmitters in both environments.
CBD interacts with the EC system to decrease stress. It does this by blocking FAAH enzyme that breaks down anandamide and stimulating AEA synthesis and 5-HT1A receptor signaling in the brain – increasing serotoninergic neurotransmission sensitivity which in turn lowers anxiety. Furthermore, studies indicate it prevents chronic stress-induced decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis while suppressing fear expression according to animal studies.
Studies indicate that CBD may help relieve symptoms related to conditions like social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia. Furthermore, CBD can assist with migraines, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome as well as reduce cravings in individuals who struggle with addiction issues.
3. CBD interacts with your digestive system.
Survey respondents who reported using CBD for self-perceived anxiety reported significant relief from symptoms as a result of using it.
CBD may act on non-endocannabinoid receptors to alleviate stress and anxiety. For instance, it could help decrease gastrointestinal distress by binding with transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Additionally, CBD reduces oxidative stress by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor g (PPAR g), thus decreasing neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity.
Clinical studies have revealed that CBD effectively relieves physiological symptoms associated with anxiety, such as increased heart rate. Furthermore, CBD’s soothing effects help regulate abnormal stress responses like elevated cortisol levels. Furthermore, CBD works well alongside traditional anti-anxiety drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medication may be particularly helpful for people suffering from low serotonin levels.
4. CBD interacts with your immune system.
CBD interacts with your immune system to foster a healthy response that aids healing and stress relief, potentially due to how CBD activates genes such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARg). PPARg activates genes which reduce neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity.
CBD interacts with serotonin in the brain to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms; however, further research must be completed in order to fully comprehend how it helps alleviate them.
Studies conducted on healthy participants who underwent simulated public speaking tests have demonstrated that taking 300 mg of CBD significantly reduces anxiety and heart rate when compared to taking placebo, similar to what one mg of clonazepam can achieve.
