Does CBD oil work for anxiety? When I started using CBD, I had no idea the benefits CBD would have for my anxiety, as I was using it solely for my chronic pain. Once I discovered the right CBD products and found my ideal dosage, I began sleeping better and noticing a reduction in my pain levels.
I also started to see changes in my mood; I was no longer moody or having moments of depression. I began to feel like my old self - full of energy and happiness. This was when I began to use CBD not only for pain and sleep but also started using CBD oil is good for anxiety and depression.
I’m notorious for clenching my jaw and carrying tension in my neck and upper back. My anxiety and stress stem from my pain levels, lack of sleep, and my grueling day job in the hospitality industry.
My anxiety became terrible in 2019 when I got a new manager at work. I quickly began to implement more CBD for anxiety into my lifestyle. During the day, I needed CBD to help with panic attacks and my nerves. CBD became a godsend to help me manage my anxiety and stress levels.
However, not all CBD for anxiety is created equally, and it’s essential to find what works for you. Let me share with you what CBD is and how to find the right CBD oil for anxiety for you. Please note that these are my viewpoints, and CBD is not FDA-approved.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal part of life; everyone experiences it occasionally. However, some people may experience anxiety more often than others. They may have an excessive or persistent worry about everyday situations such as talking to people or stepping outside.
Anxiety and panic may interfere with daily activities, impact your mood, and cause difficulty sleeping. Other symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep issues
Photo by Tonik on Unsplash
CBD for Anxiety
While I have benefited from CBD, let’s look at the data on CBD oil and its connection to anxiety. Research shows that CBD can help decrease stress in some individuals.
GoodRx Health shared the following:
Due to CBD’s rising popularity, several studies have examined it as a treatment for anxiety.
- A 2011 study showed that CBD reduced anxiety and discomfort during public speaking in people with social anxiety disorder.
- Another 2011 study found that CBD reduced anxiety symptoms in people with social anxiety disorder.
- A 2015 review of 49 studies found evidence that CBD could help with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- A 2019 study found that out of 11 patients with PTSD, 91% experienced reduced symptoms after taking CBD.
- A study in 2019 used CBD to treat people struggling with anxiety and sleep. Almost 80% of people’s anxiety improved, and nearly 70% reported improved sleep in the first month, but the results for sleep varied over time.
How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety?
There are multiple different ways to benefit from CBD:
- CBD oil
- CBD capsules
- CBD gummies
- CBD vape or pre-rolls
The method you choose will determine how quickly you feel the effects of CBD. Orally administered CBD, such as gummies or capsules, begin working within 30 minutes to 2 hours and can help relieve anxiety throughout the day. While smoking or vaping CBD or even using CBD oil may result in more immediate effects and may be beneficial before a stressful event such as giving a speech or attending a party.
What is the Best CBD Oil for Anxiety?
CBD comes in multiple forms. Every morning, I take a CBD softgel designed to help address pain, inflammation, and anxiety throughout the day. These CBD soft gels help me stabilize my mood and bring me a sense of calm.
During the day, if I feel I need extra CBD before a big meeting or I feel a panic attack, I usually grab a CBD oil. However, CBD gummies are also an excellent choice for anxiety if you can wait twenty minutes to feel the effects. I keep a stash of CBD gummies in my desk drawer at work for those days I need sugar with added benefits!
And lastly, to end my night, I usually use CBD gummies or Delta-8 gummies (these have THC, so be careful if you feel it may trigger your anxiety or paranoia) for a good night’s rest.
How Long Does CBD Oil Take to Work for Anxiety?
With CBD, you should feel a sense of calm. Depending on how much CBD you take, you may feel incredibly relaxed and even tired. We always suggest starting with a low dose and slowly increasing your dosage as needed.
The effects of CBD can vary from a few minutes if you use a CBD oil or CBD vape to more than twenty minutes if you consume CBD gummies. Depending on your dosage, you should feel the effects of CBD for 4 to 6 hours. We always suggest you start small with your dosage and increase as needed to find your optimal dosage. Your dosage may also vary depending on the severity of your symptoms.
For instance, some days, I only need a 10mg gummy for a good night’s rest, but on other days before a big presentation or with a lot on my mind, I need closer to 25mg. Experiment with your dosage to find what works for you.
Takeaway Points
While there still needs to be more research done in this space, CBD has been a helpful tool for me to deal with anxiety. Talk to your doctor about CBD if you struggle with anxiety and are not getting relief from traditional methods or medication.
As I have highlighted, a few studies show the benefits of CBD for anxiety; however, there is a need for much more research. Before using CBD, please ensure you’re purchasing from a reliable company, such as My Pain Center, and also talk to your healthcare provider about potential interactions with medications and supplements.