CBD has been studied scientifically to treat an array of symptoms, such as pain and anxiety. It’s also used for arthritis pain as well as dystonia–an additional form of muscle discomfort.
Studies suggest that CBD could help alleviate anxiety symptoms. It works by engaging the receptors within both the brain and immune system to effectively reduce anxiety symptoms.
Benefits
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound with anti-anxiety properties and some studies indicate it could potentially treat mood disorders like depression. CBD can also act as an effective pain reliever; however, its effectiveness often works better when combined with THC (the component in cannabis that gets you high). A mixture of CBD and THC known as Sativex, approved for use by NHS England to reduce muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients has recently become widely popular.
CBD may reduce seizure risk for those living with certain forms of epilepsy, as evidenced by a clinical trial on children diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. Furthermore, evidence has also suggested it may improve sleep for people suffering PTSD; more research needs to be conducted into its potential benefits for this population.
CBD may interfere with certain medications, including blood thinners, antiepileptic drugs and immunosuppressant medicines. CBD can reduce the effectiveness of sedatives like Klonopin (clonazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam) while increasing side effects; furthermore it might interfere with cytochrome P450 enzyme which breaks down other medicines, like Tylenol; thus these interactions should be avoided.
Side effects
CBD does not appear to alter people’s breathing or vital signs, and does not make them sedated or high. Instead, CBD could potentially help relieve anxiety, stress and chronic pain while improving sleep – further studies on this subject are warranted.
CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS regulates various aspects of sleep-wake cycles, blood pressure, nervous system pain management and anxiety disorders. CBD may assist with insomnia symptoms while increasing GABA activity to calm your brain prior to bed.
CBD may help with fibromyalgia as studies have demonstrated its beneficial properties for improving sleep and decreasing pain in those suffering from it. Furthermore, it could assist in treating depression, PTSD and social anxiety symptoms as well.
Dosage
CBD can be taken orally through capsules, gummies or liquid extract. Topical applications of CBD may contain additional ingredients like menthol or capsaicin which could hinder or mask its effects.
Research into the possible therapeutic effects of CBD for anxiety, insomnia and pain remains limited. A low dose (30 mg) increased mental but not physical sedation among healthy participants while larger clinical trials with higher daily oral doses (>300 mg) have demonstrated more consistent but less profound improvements.
The appropriate dose of CBD depends on several factors, including weight and metabolism, the condition being treated, other medications being taken concurrently with CBD use, alcohol consumption levels and type of product used (tincture, gel cap capsule vape). For best results, begin small and gradually increase over a few weeks until reaching your target dosage. Anyone taking a high dosage should notify their physician in order to monitor liver enzymes for signs of damage.
Interactions
CBD may affect the metabolism and concentration of certain medications in your body, leading to either side effects or decreased effectiveness. For instance, CBD may interact with blood-thinning medicines or anti-seizure drugs used for controlling seizures such as Clobazam or Lamotrigine; or reduce their effectiveness altogether. It could also increase side effects such as those experienced with Ibuprofen use or antidepressants – possibly leading to adverse side effects or making their effectiveness less efficient.
CBD may interact negatively with supplements that produce similar effects, like hops, kava, or L-tryptophan. Doing so could result in too much sleepiness or slowing of breathing if taken together with these substances.
CBD could interfere with CYP450 enzymes, which break down approximately 60% of clinically prescribed medications and alter their levels in your body and increase side effects, including antidepressants such as Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram), Remeron (mirtazapine), Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Valium (diazepam). Furthermore, CBD may alter opioid painkillers such as Morphine/Opioids while increasing effects of Rifampin-based antibiotics used against tuberculosis treatment.
