CBD is becoming a popular wellness aid. This nonpsychotic cannabis constituent can be used to improve mental and physical health in a variety of ways. It is often used to treat stress and anxiety.
But how exactly does CBD work inside the body to reduce stress? This article will tell you what you need to know.
How Does CBD Reduce Stress?
Scientists are still puzzled as to exactly how CBD works inside the body, but it is believed that its effects are based on its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors that are densely packed throughout the body and the brain. It is responsible for several bodily functions, including memory, appetite, sleep, fertility, and mood. When CBD enters the body, it interacts with receptors in the ECS to produce various results.
One of the receptors it reacts with is the 5-HT1 receptor which is a type of serotonin receptor. Serotonin is a ‘feel good’ hormone that increases feelings of happiness and well-being. The CBD causes serotonin levels to increase reducing anxiety and pain.
And CBD’s interaction with the 5-HT1 receptor isn’t the only way it increases happiness and reduces stress. It also interacts with CB1 receptors located in the brain’s amygdala. In doing so, it heightens activity in the brain’s amygdala-hippocampal-cortico-striatal circuit which is linked to emotional processing.
The Proof is in the Pudding
It makes sense that CBD interacts with the body to produce certain results. But does it really work? A variety of studies show its effectiveness.
A 2010 study found that CBD can reduce symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD). In addition to making people feel calmer in social situations, it also changes blood flow patterns in the brain region associated with stress and anxiety. In doing so, it reduces the severity of the disorder overall.
A 2011 study backed up these results showing that CBD was particularly effective in reducing SAD with public speaking.
A 2014 animal study looked at animals faced with stressful activities such as a forced swimming test (FST), an elevated plus maze (EPM), and a conflict test (VCT). CBD helped reduce the animals’ stress in dealing with these activities providing antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
A 2015 analysis revealed that CBD could be a “potential treatment for anxiety disorders” as it was shown to be effective in treating SAD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
A 2016 research study looked at CBD’s effects on PTSD and insomnia. It found that the cannabis constituent improved sleep and reduced feelings of PTSD-related anxiety.
How to Use CBD to Reduce Anxiety
CBD will be best used to treat anxiety when taken internally. There are various forms of CBD that can be administered including:
- Oil
- Sublingual spray
- Capsules
- Edibles
- Vaporized flowers or oil
Research shows that 300-600 mg of CBD will typically be effective in reducing stress. It’s best to start with lower doses to see how it affects you before increasing the amount you are taking.
Some people take CBD daily to reduce feelings of overall stress. Some will take it just before a stressful event, such as a public speech.
If you are taking CBD before a stressful event, be aware that you will need to give it some time to work. Depending on the type of CBD you are taking, it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to hit. Smoking, vaping, and sublingual sprays have more immediate effects than capsules and edibles.
Be Careful About the CBD You are Taking
CBD has mostly positive results, but beware, the cannabis market is still highly unregulated. This means many companies sell products that are not as pure and potent as advertised. Some may even contain THC.
To avoid unsafe products, it’s essential to use a brand name you can trust. Freely is highly recommended.
Freely creates unique supplements targeted to help you reduce daily stress. Our tinctures, gummies, and creams are formulated to address anxiety and aid with sleep. Our products are high-quality and affordable.
Stress can be highly detrimental to health. Freely offers an all-natural solution that will get you feeling your best. Visit our website to find out what we have to offer.
