How should I take CBD for anxiety?

Living through a pandemic has made us all, understandably, a lot more anxious and increasingly people are finding relief in CBD.

Whether we’re worried about finances and or concerned for our health, what’s being termed Covid-anxiety has hit the population in a major way, with dedicated anxiety helplines even extending their hours of operation to accommodate demand.

Now, many people are turning to CBD to help them manage their anxiety – but is it effective? And, if so, how much should we be taking?

Is it effective?

It would appear so, yes. 

A recent two-year review of the research so far has shown that CBD can have a significant positive impact on anxiety and stress.

The report, which examined worldwide clinical papers from 2019 and 2020, was produced by Florida-based Nutrition Formulators and published in the peer-reviewed Innovare Journal of Medical Science. 

When focused specifically on anxiety, the studies showed that CBD reduced anticipator anxiety, such as speaking in public, by affecting the part of the brain that processes emotional information.

How does it work?

According to the authors of one 2015 review, CBD works by interacting with the cannabinoid type 1 receptor, the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, and other receptors in the brain that regulate fear and anxiety-induced behaviours.

In a more recent 2020 study, researchers evaluated CBD’s effects on 397 adults with a variety of ailments.

Those who received CBD treatment for anxiety or depression reportedly experienced improvements in their ability to perform daily functions and reduce pain and anxiety or depression symptoms.

How should I take it – and much should I take?

There are a variety of CBD products on the market, so which you choose will depend largely on when and why you’re feeling anxious.

Methods include the oral route, through tinctures, oils and gummies, or more topical remedies, such as balms and creams.

For anxiety, you will probably be more suited to an oral administration method, as this will enter the bloodstream, but here too there is a world of difference between products.

The effects of orally administered CBD, such as oils, edibles, or capsules, begin working within 30 minutes to 2 hours, as they have to work their way through the digestive system. 

Products such as gummies are pleasant-tasting and discreet, meaning you can use them to relieve anxiety throughout the day. Alternatively, you could take a drop of oil in the morning with some food.

Smoking or vaping CBD oil  on the other hand, results in more immediate effects, which may help people during especially stressful events, such as giving a speech.

In terms of dosage, as with using CBD for any issue or ailment, the key is to start low and go slow.

There is a misconception that you will only get the desired effect using a higher dose, but this is far from the truth; micro-dosing can be just as effective. 

Studies have shown that between 300mg and 600mg a day is affective for controlling the symptoms of anxiety, but this is dependent on a number of factors, such as the type of CBD used and the consumer’s own health, weight and metabolism.