Anxiolytic effects of CBD

Since 2020 and the health crisis, requests for consultations to treat depression have increased considerably. CBD (short for cannabidiol) is believed to be a powerful, natural anxiolytic and antidepressant. Without the euphoric or stoned effect, cannabinoids interact with our mind. The consumption of this natural compound derived from the hemp plant is perfectly legal and is believed to have a long-lasting effect on the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. In this article, let’s find out more about the use of CBD as an anxiolytic and its daily use!

Anxiolytic effects of CBD

Emotional and psychological regulation

CBD is effective against anxiety disorders because it acts on several areas of our brain, including the endocannabinoid receptors. These brain cells are responsible for reducing and regulating our emotional and psychological state: This is the reason why the use of CBD as an anxiolytic would soothe stress, anxiety, or anguish. By binding directly to these endocannabinoid receptors, cannabidiol helps to reduce negative behaviour and indirectly affects cell longevity.

Serotonin production

Serotonin is a neuromodulator: it’s a compound produced by our neurons to manage all neuronal communication. The use of CBD as an anxiolytic promotes serotonin production, which in turn plays a role in mood and stress management. This chemical messenger provides soothing information to the central nervous system, particularly the 5-HT1A receptor. Drugs such as Prozac act on this same serotonin system: CBD therefore acts on the brain in the same way as antidepressants, but in a much more natural way.

Neuron regeneration

Finally, CBD affects the hippocampus, the area of our brain that plays a major role in memory and cognition, but also in mood regulation. In patients with depression, scans show that their hippocampus is atrophied and generally smaller. The administration of anxiolytic CBD would promote the regeneration of the hippocampus, a promising approach for alleviating anxiety and depressive episodes.

The benefits of CBD for combating stress, anxiety, and depression

Stress reduction

Stress can have many consequences on our health: heart rhythm problems, sweating, loss of energy, fear of failure, etc. More or less invasive, the feeling of stress impacts our physical, emotional, or mental well-being. Even though it is a natural biological reaction to a constraint or pressure from our environment, stress can be a burden or handicap in our daily lives. The use of CBD as an anxiolytic is a great remedy to help the body and mind relax and unwind without altering the person’s lucidity (as is the case with THC).

Anxiety reduction

Anxiety can be expressed in many ways, depending on the individual. Ranging from anxiety, nervousness, fear, panic attacks, these psychological and/or physical manifestations can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those suffering with anxiety. Again, although this is the body’s natural reaction to a situation that is considered dangerous or difficult, this mechanism can lead to a serious psychological imbalance. Taking cannabidiol as an anxiolytic can relieve anxiety disorders thanks to its calming, relaxing, and anti-depressant properties. Related physical discomfort and insomnia are also reduced.

Depression alleviation

The symptoms of depression are debilitating in everyday life (loss of motivation, mood disorders, low self-esteem, isolation, etc.). Chronic depressive episodes can lead to communication and temperamental problems, with serious consequences such as paranoia, the development of phobias, or burn-out. Quickly addressing anxiety states is essential to prevent symptoms from worsening. Although medical treatment is still required to treat depression, the use of CBD as an anxiolytic is a great tool for calming anxieties and complementing medicines.

What does the science say?

CBD was democratised in 2018 as it was made legal in France. Thanks to the numerous clinical trials conducted on CBD therapy, scientists have been able to demonstrate its soothing, relaxing, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antipsychotic benefits. With regards to the anxiolytic effect in particular, studies clearly show that CBD has considerable potential as a natural treatment for anxiety disorders. Due to the fact that it promotes a good mood and helps to chase away dark thoughts thanks to serotonin and dopamine stimulation (the happiness hormones), CBD is unquestionably included on the list of alternative medicines. With its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, it acts on the nervous system and blocks the pain receptors.

CBD, a natural anxiolytic

The use of CBD as an anxiolytic is a 100% natural remedy that does not cause any major side effects or dependency. It is an alternative to opioid painkillers and benzodiazepines, drugs that are still necessary in acute cases, but which may be poorly absorbed by the body. In addition, we now know that Valium and Xanax can be highly addictive. Cannabidiol is safe and not addictive! You can legally consume CBD-based products in order to relieve stress and anxiety provided they meet European standards, including that they contain zero or less than 0.2% THC.

CBD as an anxiolytic: can everyone benefit from it?

In France, the sale of CBD to under 18s is prohibited. But apart from this, there are no risks associated with using CBD when supervised. As long as the products comply with the THC content limit of less than 0.2%, they do not induce any psychoactive effects and can help relieve the symptoms of disorders in adolescents, such as insomnia or anxiety. CBD as an anxiolytic does not act as a sedative: it simply slows down hyperactivity in the brain to allow each individual to relax and fall asleep naturally. However, CBD has an effect on well-being, but it is not medicinal: it is not a substitute for professional care or medical attention. In addition, you should be aware of potential drug interactions and/or certain contraindications, such as heart conditions or high blood pressure. If you have any concerns, seek medical advice.

How do you choose which form of CBD to use as an anxiolytic?

The right form

If you want to take advantage of the benefits of CBD as an anxiolytic, you must choose a product suitable for anxiety disorders. Choosing the right form of CBD depends on your taste and preferences, your sensitivity to cannabinoids, and the desired outcome. Among the different options available to you are:

• CBD oil: oils provide a fast and long-lasting action. It can be taken orally or sublingually, particularly to relieve ongoing stress and anxiety. Mild, moderate, or severe depression can also be alleviated by using it in addition to conventional drug treatment, if required.
• CBD flowers: choose to vape CBD flowers if you need a quick, short-term effect on the body. It is an appropriate choice for treating and relieving high levels of anxiety in the short term.
• CBD herbal teas: CBD infusions are recommended to alleviate mild stress and to relax the body and mind, especially before going to sleep.

The right dosage

It is also important to take the right dose of CBD when used as an anxiolytic to effectively combat anxiety. There is no universal dose: it depends on your sensitivity, your weight, and your body fat. Therefore, you need to calculate individual parameters carefully to enjoy all the anti-stress benefits of CBD without the risk of overdosing. Take gradually increasing doses until you find the perfect dose for you to achieve the desired relief without any side effects.

Good quality

Finally, you should pay particular attention to the quality of the CBD used. Avoid low-quality products as it will be harder to get the desired effects. Good-quality plants, organic cultivation outdoors or in greenhouses, full spectrum oil for maximum entourage effect: choose high-quality hemp and buy from a vendor that is transparent about the origin and nature of their products. At The CBD Farm, you will find premium-quality legal cannabis in all forms: organically grown, our full spectrum oils allow our consumers to experience the full potential of the CBD available!