According to a recent mental health survey, anxiety, depression, and stress are the top reasons people seek mental health help. Although many over-the-counter and prescription drugs are available to help manage these issues, they often cause side effects and in cases of misuse may lead to dependency.

As a result, patients frequently inquire about alternative treatment approaches to deal with their mental health problems effectively. One of these is the use of cannabidiol (CBD) – the second most common active compound in the cannabis (marijuana) plant that confers various established health benefits without causing intoxicating effects. 

The potential benefits of using cannabidiol (CBD) as a coping mechanism for anxiety and stress include its:

• Perceived safety
• Natural properties, and
• Effectiveness 

However, despite the increasing amount of research on the benefits of CBD for anxiety, numerous experts emphasise that existing research has yielded conflicting results and further investigation is necessary.

Nevertheless, there is preliminary evidence suggesting that CBD may offer some help for people struggling with anxiety or depression. This article discusses these claims in detail so that you can make an informed decision about using CBD for anxiety.

When Does Anxiety Become a Problem?

Feeling anxious occasionally is a common experience. If you have to deal with a work problem, attend an interview, take a test, or make a big decision, you might experience feelings of anxiety or nervousness. In fact, certain levels of anxiety can actually be helpful, as they enable us to recognize potential threats and keep us alert for our safety.

However, an anxiety disorder extends past the typical fretfulness and mild unease you might experience occasionally. It is a form of mental health issue. If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, you might react to specific things and situations with feelings of fear and apprehension. You might also notice physical symptoms of anxiety, like a racing heart and sweating.

Anxiety disorder occurs when:

• Anxiety hinders your capability to operate effectively.
• You frequently overreact to situations with responses that are disproportionate.
• You have no control over how you react to circumstances.

The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 identifies various types of anxiety disorders. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most frequently occurring type of anxiety disorder. This state leads to fear, anxiety, and a perpetual sense of being inundated. It is marked by constant, exaggerated concern about common issues like work duties, well-being, or household tasks.

Can CBD Help with Anxiety?

Presently, the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for anxiety is limited, with low response rates and lingering symptoms. Additionally, adverse effects can impact tolerance and adherence to these treatments. 

Hence, the significant impact of anxiety disorders and the constraints of existing therapies make it essential to prioritise the development of alternative treatments. This is where CBD holds significant potential.

A research review suggests that CBD shows promise in treating various anxiety disorders, but more investigation is needed to explore its long-term and therapeutic outcomes in specific patient groups.

Promising Results of a Novel Trial 

Recent research published in the journal, Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, is the first-ever randomised trial investigating the effects of legal, readily-accessible cannabis on anxiety symptoms.

In order to gain a deeper insight into the different immediate and lasting impacts of CBD and THC, the team of researchers enlisted 300 individuals with anxiety: 42 had never used cannabis, while 258 had experimented with it before. 

The bigger group had to choose between three different flower products: A product high in THC (24% THC and 1% CBD), a product high in CBD (1% THC, 24% CBD), or a product with equal parts CBD and THC (12% CBD and 12% THC).

Participants had the freedom to use the cannabis products as often and to the extent they desired for more than four weeks. The study participants typically utilised the assigned products three times weekly. Scientists used a mobile lab to visit each participant at home and conducted tests before and immediately after they consumed cannabis at home.

After the research period, each of the four groups noted a reduction in anxiety levels. However, the cannabis groups experienced more significant decreases in how anxious they felt compared to the non-cannabis group, and individuals using products with a higher concentration of CBD showed the most progress out of everyone.

While individuals in the CBD-dominant group did not experience impairment, they did feel a decrease in tension right after smoking. 

Hence, these results indicate that cannabis with high CBD levels led to immediate tension relief, which could potentially lead to decreased anxiety symptoms in the long run. Moreover, CBD provided stronger anti-inflammatory effects compared to THC, suggesting that products with a higher CBD content may help alleviate anxiety by reducing inflammation in the brain and nerves.

CBD for Generalised Anxiety

In 2011, a pilot study examined the effects of CBD on individuals with generalised social anxiety disorder (SAD) and healthy control subjects during a simulated public speaking test (SPST), a widely used method to assess anxiety. In participants with SAD, CBD was significantly more effective than a placebo at reducing anxiety and discomfort – their decreased anxiety levels were similar to those of the control group members.

In 2019, a study compared the effectiveness of three different doses of CBD (150 milligrams, 300 milligrams, and 600 milligrams) and a placebo in males during an SPST. In contrast to a placebo, the 300-milligram dose of CBD had a notable impact on reducing participants’ anxiety while giving a speech, while the 150-milligram and 600-milligram doses did not. These findings demonstrate that varying levels of dosage also affect CBD’s effectiveness and that increasing CBD does not always improve outcomes.

Another study in 2019 examined the effects of CBD using significantly lower doses compared to previous clinical trials – some subjects took 25 milligrams daily, while others took 50 or 75 milligrams daily. Anxiety levels decreased in the initial month for the majority of participants and stayed at a low level. The quality of sleep also got better, but it varied more compared to anxiety. Moreover, side effects were reported by just three patients.

CBD for Anxiety and Depression

Researchers in 2020 examined the impacts of different amounts of CBD oil on 397 individuals with various health conditions. 

Individuals with non-cancer pain or mental health symptoms saw notable enhancements in anxiety and depression, along with their capability to carry out regular tasks. Hence, CBD oil was recommended for these groups, showing considerable anxiety reduction and improvement in mental health symptoms. 

The study officially concluded that CBD was well tolerated and is safe to use for non-cancer chronic pain relief and neurological and mental health improvement.

How to Use CBD for Anxiety

The best way to use CBD for anxiety differs from individual to individual. You might discover that one approach is more effective for you than another. 

Thus, experimenting with various approaches may be necessary to find the most effective way to deal with your anxiety. For example, in terms of CBD absorption into the bloodstream, vaping and smoking are more efficient and have quicker effects than edibles.

The different ways you can use CBD for anxiety include:

• Oils and tinctures that are ingested sublingually (absorbed directly into the blood via tissues under the tongue).
• Gummies that are sweet and fruity to chew and ingest.
• Sprays for spraying CBD directly into the mouth.
• Capsules, soft gels, or tablets that are ingested orally with a drink.
• Vapes that create inhalable vapour by heating CBD oil.
• Flowers (dried hemp plants) that are commonly smoked after being ignited.

How Does CBD Help Relieve Anxiety?

CBD acts on receptors within our endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex signalling network that controls various physiological and psychological responses. Receptors act as locks, located on the exterior of cells in the brain and body. CBD and neurotransmitters serve as receptor keys.

The ECS receptors are identified as CB1 and CB2. CB2 influences the immune system and inflammation. CB1 exerts a greater influence on the brain.

GABA modulation

Pre-clinical researchers have studied the effects of CB1 receptor activation by cannabinoids such as CBD. CBD activates CB1 receptors, producing effects that help reduce anxiety. Scientists think this may be because of its ability to modulate the activity and levels of GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid).

GABA is a natural neurotransmitter and reduces activity in the brain by blocking certain signals in your central nervous system. GABA is well-known for creating a calming effect. Decreased levels of GABA lead to heightened brain activity, potentially reducing feelings of anxiety.

Hence, CBD could boost GABA function, leading to increased relaxation and decreased anxiety levels. CBD might also assist in reducing anxiety by balancing out glutamate’s stimulating effects by boosting GABA activity.

Remember, these experiments are conducted on animals, not humans. Other theories also exist regarding how CBD could potentially aid in alleviating anxiety. More studies on humans are necessary to ascertain the true mechanisms behind the potential benefits of CBD for anxiety.

How Long Does CBD Take to Work?

The time it takes for CBD to take effect varies depending on the method of administration, with sublingual being the quickest. CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream generating an immediate response.

Consumables should be avoided by those seeking immediate effects. Gummies and other edible items are included in this category. This is because items that individuals ingest orally must pass through both the stomach and liver before entering the bloodstream. This process causes the potency of the consumed CBD to decrease significantly and gives a delayed effect.

CBD-infused topical lotions and creams will not be very effective against anxiety as they do not enter the bloodstream and are more suitable for managing localised problems such as pain.

Determining the Dosage of CBD for Anxiety

Determining the correct CBD dosage for managing your anxiety can also be a challenge. 

Numerous clinical trials immediately begin by testing high doses. For example, effective doses for reducing anxiety, when tested in a speech simulation with patients suffering from SAD, were found to be 600 milligrams, while 300 milligrams were administered to male subjects during a speech simulation.

On the other hand, alternate studies indicate that even smaller amounts, such as 25 to 75 milligrams, can be just as successful in addressing anxiety issues and/or sleep difficulties.

Thus, professionals recommend beginning with the smallest effective dosage and progressing based on your body’s response. This ensures safety and allows your body to gradually adjust to the new substance.  

Is CBD Safe for Treating Anxiety?

At present, CBD is solely authorised for treating specific seizure conditions. Besides anti-seizure drugs, there is no FDA regulation of CBD products. This implies that the government is unable to ensure the safety of any CBD product or verify its contents as claimed by the manufacturer.

Moreover, companies are prohibited from promoting them as medications, nutritional supplements, or food enhancers. So, before attempting to try CBD for anxiety, it’s important to take these factors into account:

• The quantity of CBD in the product might differ from the label’s indicated amount.
• The product could contain undisclosed ingredients, such as THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana that makes you feel ‘high’.
• If the manufacturing process is not monitored by the government, there is a risk of contamination in the product.
• Medical professionals are unsure of the amount of CBD that is absorbed by the body when consumed, inhaled, or applied topically.
• Research has examined CBD in various amounts; however, the exact dosage required for beneficial effects, as well as the frequency and duration of treatment, remain unknown to scientists.
• Using CBD along with other medications can be dangerous, as they can interact and lead to side effects like weight gain, drowsiness, upset stomach, and changes in appetite.

The Pros and Cons of CBD for Anxiety

We’ve summarised the main advantages and disadvantages of using CBD to treat anxiety in order to assist you in making well-informed choices.

Pros

• CBD is derived from the hemp plant. It goes through minimal processing in comparison to prescription medications. A lot of CBD products are derived from organic hemp that is cultivated without the use of pesticides.

• Weight increase, sleeplessness, and impotence are frequent adverse effects of prescription anxiety medications such as SNRIs, SSRIs, and TCAs. Addiction can occur with the usage of specific anti-anxiety medications. CBD has a significantly lower number of side effects when compared to these medications. Moreover, CBD does not carry the risk of addiction since it is not intoxicating. 

• There are numerous methods of consuming CBD, whether an individual prefers to do so discreetly or openly. CBD can be incorporated into various food and beverage products, taken sublingually, vaped, or swallowed as a CBD gummy or tablet.

Cons

• CBD producers are mandated to include health warnings on the label. Companies must also refrain from making health claims that have not been proven by science yet. Nevertheless, this rule is not as rigorous as the regulation of prescribed medications, enabling companies to market products that may not match their advertised claims.

• Regrettably, numerous companies manufacture and promote CBD products that do not meet legal requirements. You should ensure you purchase CBD products from trustworthy sources for this purpose. Make sure to always verify the third-party lab findings for the product to confirm it has the stated ingredients and is suitable for human consumption.

Final Thoughts: Should You Take CBD for Anxiety?

Preclinical studies definitively show that CBD is effective in decreasing anxiety behaviours associated with various disorders, such as GAD. The anxiety-reducing effects of CBD seem to be influenced by various areas of the brain, but exploring other receptor actions could uncover more mechanisms.

Furthermore, existing research on both animals and humans primarily focuses on short-term CBD use in individuals without health issues, leading to a need for additional research to determine if long-term CBD use has similar effects in specific patient groups. In general, there are potential benefits and requirements for more research on CBD for anxiety treatment.

However, do not discontinue any prescribed medication or begin using CBD for anxiety without consulting your doctor first. They will provide recommendations on the most suitable treatment options for you according to your symptoms and prognosis.

Until further research is conducted, we can conclude that CBD is showing promise as a beneficial, relatively harmless, and safer alternative for treating anxiety and mental health problems.