Is it legal to use CBD products?
In 2018, the Farm Bill removed hemp from Schedule I Controlled Substances in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products compliant with federal regulations if they contained less than 0.3 percent THC. On the other hand, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC are still considered marijuana by federal law, even though they are legal in some states. Check state laws when traveling to ensure compliance.
There are a variety of CBD oils for sale, including those from hemp. THC is another cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that have psychoactive effects. The FDA has approved the use of Epidiolex which is a CBD drug that is used for managing of rare forms of epilepsy. Remember that FDA has not approved other drugs for medical use thus you should use these products cautiously.
What Is CBD?
CBD is one of the extracts from cannabis. It is a cannabinoid that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce a “high” feeling. It is being studied for its potential therapeutic effects on various conditions, including anxiety.
How CBD May Help With Anxiety
CBD has been shown to help regulate your anxiety levels in patients. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in your body, responsible for regulating mood, stress levels, sleep, and anxiety. CBD oil is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders.
CBD is believed to interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central nervous and peripheral nervous systems. It is thought that CBD can alter the serotonin levels in your body. Serotonin is defined as a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in mental health. Decreased levels of serotonin will cause depression and anxiety.
It is believed that CBD is beneficial for people with CBD. However, it is always important to discuss with your doctor before opting for CBD products to manage anxiety and other conditions.
What Research Says about CBD for Anxiety
One study found that CBD oil effectively reduced anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. The study found that people who took CBD oil had a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms.
Another study looked at the effects of CBD on anxiety in rats. The study found that rats given CBD had a decrease in anxiety. Thus medical CBD is being incorporated as a nervine sedative and adjunct remedy in managing anxiety disorders.
In a 2017 clinical trial, researchers in New Zealand studied the effects of CBD on 397 individuals. Medical CBD prescriptions were provided to participants for various disorders, including non-cancer pain, cancer-related symptoms, neurological symptoms, and mental health issues. After three weeks of CBD treatment, all individuals in the study reported improvements in their overall quality of life.
Although cannabinoids are still a relatively new concept in the medical world, CBD has treated anxiety and depression for years. According to a survey of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease conducted by researchers at Columbia University, 200 mg of CBD (orally) twice daily was able to improve the overall quality of life and memory function in 84% percent of participants versus The incidence rate for sexual health problems was 3.2%. 0.8 percent of the study population reported worsening symptoms, which is a tiny number considering that most people worry about this subject at some point in their life. Thus it is proper to conclude that CBD helps manage various conditions but should be used with caution. It is also essential to avoid all CBD products with a THC concentration of more than 0.3% as they can cause psychoactive effects.
How to Use CBD for Anxiety?
Various forms of CBD can be used for anxiety. CBD oil is the most popular form, but you can also take CBD in capsule form, tincture form, or vape oil.
Finding the correct dosage of CBD for anxiety may take some trial and error. Start with a low dose and increase it until you find the amount that works best for you.
What are the Risks and Side Effects of CBD for Anxiety?
The risks and side effects of CBD for anxiety are minimal. CBD is non-addictive but can interact with other medications. It is also safe to use in children and pregnant women.
However, some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or changes in appetite when taking CBD. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, stop taking CBD and consult your doctor.
Does FDA regulate CBD?
The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) does not regulate the sale and distribution of CBD. Remember that CBD is considered a dietary supplement thus not subjected to regulation by FDA. Therefore when purchasing this product from the online stores, it is essential to ensure that the company you are buying from has good standing and reliability.
You can check on some factors such as:
- Online reviews of the store
- The licensing of the store and whether the FDA has issued it a warning letter.
- You can also check the certificate of analysis with various details, such as the concentration of CBD and THC levels.
- The store should also have a return policy if the product does not work for you.
- Check for any false medical claims: a store that makes any false claims is not genuine and will sell illegal products in the market. Ensure you are keen to check for such fine details before making your purchase.
Conclusion
The use of CBD to manage various medical conditions is still under research. But according to the preliminary studies, it is effective in managing anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, among other conditions. When purchasing any CBD product, ensure that it has a CBD concentration of less than 0.3%.
