The Use of CBD Oil to Treat Anxiety

The Use of CBD Oil to Treat Anxiety Holistic Health Print Does CBD Oil Help Relieve Anxiety? By Lisa M. Gerry Lisa M. Gerry is a freelance writer and editor who has written about mental health, happiness, travel, social activism and more. Learn about our editorial policy Lisa M. Gerry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on March 22, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on June 25, 2019 More in Self-Improvement Holistic Health Happiness Meditation Stress Management Spirituality Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships View All In This Article Table of Contents Expand What Is CBD? Is It Legal? Should I Try It? View All Back To Top You may have noticed the recent influx in CBD products on the market. There are CBD gummies, sodas, chocolates, teas, cocktails, lotions, dog treats, and more. One of the most common ways people take CBD is mixed in a carrier oil that they place under their tongue and then swallow.   There are many benefits attributed to CBD oilâ€"everything from curing insomnia and improving glaucoma, to reducing inflammation and lessening anxiety. At this point, there are very few studies that have resulted in conclusive findings on the therapeutic effects of CBD.   So, what exactly is CBD oil? How (if at all) can  it help alleviate anxiety? What Is CBD? Cannabidiol (CBD) is an extract from the Cannabis sativa plant. While it is derived from the same plant that produces marijuana, CBD does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the component in marijuana that elicits a psychoactive reaction, or a “high.” Function While there are many far-reaching  claims  about the positive effects of CBD oilâ€"as well as lots of anecdotal reporting of happy customersâ€"there have been few conclusive studies.   Anxiety is a common, distressing and disruptive condition. It is defined by  an  extreme apprehension that is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms like feeling nervous, irritable, or on edge, as well as having a sense of impending doom or danger. Its symptoms include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating or trembling, feeling weak or tired, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal problems. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), “Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in this country  age 18 and older, or 18.1 [percent] of the population every year.” While there are many pharmaceutical treatments for anxiety, there is still a great desire and need  for discovering new and more natural remedies.  For some, CBD has been one such treatment.   In the 2015  study, “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders,” published in  the journal Neurotherapeutics,  the researchers sought to determine CBDs efficacy in treating anxiety-related disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The studys authors referenced 49 primary preclinical, clinical, or epidemiological studies and they determined that acute use of CBD was effective in reducing anxiety. It did not  cause an increase in anxiety and was well tolerated in humans with no negative impacts on mood, vital signs, or psychomotor skills (ones where movement and thinking are combined).   The studys authors note  that further research is needed on the physiological and therapeutic  effects of CBD on anxiety sufferers as well as the effects of  chronic use.   Is It Legal? The  Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018  removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, which means that hemp and its derivatives (which includes CBD) are no longer illegal substances under federal law. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the authority to regulate CBD and other hemp products and they have said they will be particularly vigilant regarding therapeutic claims by CBD products that have not been approved by the FDA.     In 2018, the FDA approved a drug called  Epidiolex, which contains CBD, and has been shown to be an effective treatment of seizures that are caused by two rare and serious forms of epilepsy. Currently, that is the only FDA-approved therapeutic use of CBD. The CBD used in Epidiolex is pharmaceutical grade and the amount in each dose is closely controlled. The CBD products that are currently available on the market are not regulated in that way and so there have been reports that the amount of CBD in each product and/or dose may vary significantly. In rare instances, the retailer might not be forthcoming or honest about all of the ingredients in their products.   Should I Try It? According to many anecdotal reports, some people who suffer from anxiety have experienced an easing of their anxiety symptoms, or a  pleasant calming effect after taking CBD oil. It may cause some drowsiness, so that is important to considerâ€"in fact, many people use it to help  improve their sleep.   Side effects are rare and minimal but may include changes in appetite, changes in moods, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting. There is also some worry that the use of CBD may lead to an increase in liver enzymes, which can be a marker of liver damage or inflammation.   If you are considering trying CBD oil, talk with your doctor. Make sure they consider whether it might interact with any of the other medications you are taking, including blood thinners. CBD is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.   While there are many therapeutic and pharmaceutical treatment options to help ease anxiety and its symptoms, its always worth looking into new options. For some, CBD oil has been a wonderful addition to their treatment toolkit.   The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs