CBD For Anxiety; Does it really work?

            Merriam-Webster defines anxiety as: “apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness over an impending or anticipated ill.” Everyone feels anxious at some point in their lives. Maybe you’re anxious about the upcoming midterm. Maybe it’s because you’re getting behind the wheel or because you bought a plane ticket and know you know you have to fly. Whatever the reason is, anxiety is a perfectly healthy and normal biological function. But sometimes it can be overwhelming and even debilitating.

            Let’s use flying for example. Some people get anxious on planes, but it’s totally manageable. They still book flights and go on about their lives. There are others, however, who are crippled by their fear of flying. They might adamantly refuse to board a plane, out of fear for their lives. If you think about it logically, it really doesn’t make sense. Statistically speaking, you are much more likely to die in your car ride on the way to the airport then you are in a plane crash. But that’s the thing, anxiety sometimes doesn’t make sense, it just sucks.

            The symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person. No two people are exactly the same, and it is incredibly important to understand your own body. With that in mind some of the more common symptoms of anxiety disorders are: feeling restless and or losing sleep due to constant worrying; constantly feeling “on edge” or fatigued; having difficulty concentrating; social isolation; and irritability. Anxiety disorders are very common, and in most cases can be treated with medication.

            There are tons of different anxiety medications, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. But there are more holistic alternatives to medication. Cannabidiol, or as it’s more commonly referred to as ‘CBD,’ can not only help treat the symptoms of anxiety, but chronic pain and insomnia as well. CBD is the non-psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Essentially meaning, you’re going to feel the effects of cannabis, but you won’t get high. CBD is all natural, totally legal, and completely safe. A report by the World Health Organization stated “To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

Serotonin is the neurotransmitter in the human brain responsible for regulating anxiety disorders. Those who have low serotonin levels are most likely to suffer from anxiety. CBD typically helps in raising the serotonin levels to be average by assisting the body to process serotonin optimally.

Cannabidiol also binds with dopamine, the chemical structure that makes our bodies feel well. We can’t emphasize enough that CBD doesn’t give serotonin or dopamine. Instead, it enhances their sensitivity hence leading to controlled homeostatic effects.

            I am by no means claiming that CBD is going to cure all of your problems and that you should throw your doctor prescribed medication away. Absolutely not. I just want to inform people about potential alternative treatments. Maybe you’re thinking about doing something about your anxiety, but you don’t want to hop straight into dependence-developing medication. CBD might be your perfect, non-addictive, completely natural solution. I personally take 40mg nightly, right before bed. And since then, I’ve had far fewer nights of tossing and turning. I think CBD has the real potential to help a lot of people, and in all fairness it deserves the popularity it’s gained.