Anxiety is your body’s immediate reaction to some kind of stress and danger. It is usually a feeling of fear to which your body has an automatic response when you feel threatened, under pressure or you are facing a challenging situation. Whether it is the first day at your new job, going on a date or giving a speech, anxiety may kick in and make you feel extreme discomfort.

According to statistics, about 31% of all adults experience anxiety at some point in their lives. Some of them turn to psychotherapy or counseling in combination with medications, while others seek other ways to help them relieve anxiety symptoms. One method which has become a very popular alternative to the traditional treatment methods is using CBD oil. Even though there is still ongoing research about its effects, there is some evidence that shows that consuming CBD oil for anxiety has several mental health benefits on the human body.  

In order to better understand this, we are going to elaborate on how CBD can help ease anxiety symptoms, the methods of using it, and the proper dosage.

Effects of CBD oil on mental health while experiencing anxiety

Enhanced functioning of the endocannabinoid system

When it is consumed, CBD is received in the body by the endocannabinoid receptors which make up the endocannabinoid system. They are located all throughout the body and central nervous system. They are very important because they help manage pain, emotions, movements, and immune system responses. When CBD enters the body, the activated cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, promote homeostasis at both the cellular and system levels and fulfill their main function of reducing stress, balancing immunity, and neuroprotection. Therefore, the endocannabinoid system basically serves as a bridge between your brain and your body which helps you in achieving relaxation and restoration of emotional equilibrium.

Reduces discomfort during public speaking

About 73% of the population has glossophobia, which is the fear of public speaking. Characterized by increased heart rate, sweaty palms and stuttering, public speaking anxiety can easily cause havoc with your mental and physical health. For that reason, many people turn to CBD to help them face this challenge with ease. Since CBD consists of cannabinoid substances, using it can help reduce the anxiety symptoms to a detectable level. When a person consumes CBD, the cannabinoid receptors are tied together and help control your body’s response to stress. According to a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry in 2019, the recommended optimal dose for reducing these symptoms is 300 milligrams.

Better focus and clear thoughts

Suffering from anxiety can have a negative impact on your decision-making skills, attention, and self-confidence. Fortunately, CBD has anti-anxiety properties that help suppress the amount of anxiety a person may feel and make them more productive. This works as a result of the increased flow of serotonin in the brain that mildly sedates the receptors associated with anxiety. In other words, using CBD can make you more alert and less distracted. Also, if you suffer from distractive motions, spasms, and tics like constant and unconscious shaking of your hands and legs, CBD can help keep your body still and your mind more focused without any distractions.  

Ways to consume CBD

CBD can be administered in several different methods including tinctures or oils, edibles, topicals and vaping. The most common method of consuming CBD is through tinctures or oils because they provide the quickest, easiest and most accurate effects.

There are a few ways of how you can take your tincture, but using the sublingual method is the best way to do so as it will provide an instant therapeutic effect. All you have to do is place a few drops under your tongue so your blood vessels can absorb the CBD bypassing the digestive system. It is recommended that you hold the tincture under the tongue for several seconds and then swallow it.

Another very popular method of taking CBD is with edibles, most specifically candies. The best thing about CBD edibles is that they come in many flavors. Also, they can be consumed discreetly, so if you are experiencing anxiety symptoms before addressing a larger crowd, you can unnoticeably take one CBD gummy without anyone asking you questions or adding additional pressure on you. 

Moreover, hemp flowers produce the plant’s seed but they also create CBD flower which is commonly smoked and vaped as well as used in homemade oils and edibles like brownies or cookies!; this means there’s no need for smokers or vapers who want low THC levels when smoking cannabis buds. Choosing to smoke hemp instead can give you the same euphoric feeling without getting too high.

What is the proper dosage?

As it was mentioned earlier, if you are suffering from anxiety before public speaking, the recommended dose to alleviate the symptoms is 300 milligrams. However, no matter what the situation is, it is strongly advised that you start with low doses and work your way up if necessary. You can maintain your baseline dosage for a couple of days while paying attention to how the CBD interacts with your body. If you notice that you aren’t getting the results and benefits you are looking for, you can increase the dosage and find the one that works best for you.

Once you have found your minimum effective dose, make sure you do thorough research to determine which type of CBD product and method meets your needs. Remember that each method provides different effects because the concentration of CBD varies in all products.

Possible side effects of using CBD

Generally, CBD is considered safe especially if its administration is being controlled, but some people may still experience some minor side effects. Some of these include diarrhea, fatigue, changes in appetite and weight. For example, if you take higher doses of CBD, it can lead to temporary lightheadedness and drowsiness. Other potential side effects may include increased heart rate and higher levels of liver enzymes which may cause liver damage. Therefore, it is crucial that you stick to the recommended dosages in order to avoid any side effects and achieve the desired results you are looking for.

Final thoughts

Suffering from anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. Luckily, there are many approaches to how you can alleviate your anxiety symptoms. Opting for a CBD treatment is one way to go about it, so make sure you do proper research in order to get acquainted with all methods, products and benefits consuming CBD offers. However, remember to consult a health professional beforehand to help you determine the best dosage and get the desired results in your fight against anxiety.