Research indicates that CBD could alleviate neuropathic pain associated with diabetes or HIV/AIDS, and reduce nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatments. Furthermore, CBD could possibly assist in relieving spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.
Studies are limited, yet evidence points toward CBD as having beneficial effects for anxiety symptoms and sleep disorders, and may also reduce seizures for people living with epilepsy.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive. It is legal in all 50 states. It is safe to use.
CBD is an abundant phytocannabinoid found in cannabis that can bind to various physiological targets of the human endocannabinoid system. Studies have revealed its wide array of pharmacological effects independent from its interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors; such effects include anti-seizure, muscle relaxant and anxiolytic effects; positive allosteric modulator of a1-, a1b-, and a3-glycine receptors and PPARg; acts as an agonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily members 1 through 4, as well as acting as negative allosteric modulators of m- and d-opioid and GABAA receptor type A respectively.
CBD shows neuroprotective properties in several animal models of neurological conditions, including neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, CBD reduces stress-induced increases in blood pressure while having vasodilatory properties in healthy subjects and anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and antioxidant effects within cardiovascular systems.
Higher doses of CBD can interfere with certain medications. This occurs when it competes for liver enzymes that break down medicines such as blood thinners and antiepileptics. Furthermore, CBD may cause abnormalities in liver-related blood tests; thus it’s best to notify your physician if taking such medicines while simultaneously using CBD. It should also be avoided being combined with alcohol as this may increase side effects from both treatments.
It is effective in treating a variety of conditions.
CBD has shown great promise as a possible treatment for multiple conditions. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy at relieving anxiety in those suffering from clinical psychiatric disorders, decreasing use of psychotropic medication in schizophrenia and PTSD patients and mitigating cue-induced cravings in those suffering opioid addiction.
CBD has proven itself an effective anti-epileptic medication in two double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Both confirmed its ability to decrease seizure frequency associated with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes as well as tuberous sclerosis complex seizures in children. CBD can be taken either orally or topically and is generally safe for most people including children.
CBD has been shown in limited clinical trials to alleviate anxiety for those living with social anxiety disorder (SAD). One study showed that oral CBD significantly decreased self-reported anxiety during speech performance compared to placebo; another research team discovered it reduces activation of brain regions associated with emotionally fearful stimuli for PTSD patients.
Research must continue into the effectiveness of CBD for treating other disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. A recent open-label trial concluded that CBD improved motor symptoms and overall quality of life for Parkinson’s patients but results weren’t statistically significant; thus confirming further trials may be necessary to ascertain its usefulness in treating conditions such as chronic pain, cancer or inflammatory diseases.
It is affordable.
When purchasing CBD to treat anxiety, make sure the product has been independently tested and verified as having therapeutic levels of active ingredients. Keep in mind that most CBD products don’t come with a standard therapeutic dosage – the concentration of cannabinoids will differ between batches.
Dependent upon your unique needs and preferences, CBD may come in the form of oils, tinctures, capsules, patches, vapes or topical preparations that can be directly applied to the skin. While oils and tinctures tend to provide fast relief in sudden anxiety episodes, other forms may take up to 30 minutes or so until taking effect and may leave an earthy hemp taste which some find hard to accept.
Gummies are another convenient and discrete form of CBD administration, featuring discrete packaging with delicious fruity flavors that makes dosing precise. Gummies tend to be less costly than oils and provide precise dosing and convenient packaging. Charlotte’s Web gummies contain broad-spectrum CBD combined with L-theanine to deliver balanced relaxation; third-party lab tests confirm their purity and potency for quality assurance, fast acting yet long lasting effects, fruity flavors to suit any palate – these calming options make an excellent alternative!
