Around a third of American adults now show clinical signs of anxiety, according to recent statistics. There are many more who experience anxiety, but may not be diagnosed. This number has been growing, and the last year has been incredibly stressful for many.
If you’re someone who experiences anxiety, you might be curious about using CBD isolate for anxiety. How does CBD affect anxiety? How can you use it help manage symptoms?
This guide takes a look at the science and how you can use CBD isolate successfully.
How Does CBD Affect Anxiety?
The first thing to do is to take a look at what current science says about CBD’s potential effects on anxiety.
Cannabidiol, like other cannabinoids, seems to have a wide range of effects. It acts on the endocannabinoid system in the body. In turn, the endocannabinoid system affects the nervous system, the digestive system, and so on.
To understand how CBD might help anxiety, it’s important to look at three aspects:
- CBD’s effects on serotonin
- Its effects on blood pressure
- The effects on cortisol and inflammation
CBD’s biggest claim to fame as an anti-anxiety agent has to do with its effects on serotonin. Serotonin is a “feel good” compound that affects mood. Higher levels of serotonin are associated with improved mood.
CBD connects directly with serotonin receptors in the brain. That prevents the brain from using serotonin, leading to higher concentrations of it in the body. In turn, CBD could affect mood in a positive way.
CBD is also known as a vasodilator, which means it relaxes veins. That, in turn, reduces blood pressure. This can lead to a sensation of relaxation and calm.
Finally, CBD, may also act on GABA. GABA, in turn, can inhibit the stress hormone cortisol.
Cortisol is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, as well as other feelings of stress. As a result, it may play a key role in anxiety. If CBD can lower cortisol responses, then it may be able to help manage anxiety symptoms.
How to Use CBD for Anxiety
As you can see, there are a few ways CBD might work in the body to reduce anxiety. Some studies suggest that people do find it helpful. More research will help show just how effective it is.
In the meantime, you can give CBD a try for yourself. The question is, how should you take CBD for anxiety?
There are a few different ways to use CBD. You may want to microdose with CBD oil on a daily basis to help keep feelings of anxiety in check. Alternately, you may want to try some CBD vape juice for more immediate relief when a panic attack hits.
Dosing is important. Everyone has a different “optimal” dose of CBD. One person may need to take a much larger dose to notice the same effects.
The type of product you’re using, such as vaping or an edible, also effects how quickly you’ll notice the effects.
The Spectrum of CBD
Suppose you decide you’re going to try a CBD oil for managing anxiety symptoms. Now you’ll be faced with trying to pick just one of the many different oils out there.
What’s more is that not every CBD oil falls in the same category. Generally speaking, you’ll find three different “types” of CBD:
- Full-spectrum
- Broad-spectrum
- Isolate
What’s the difference between full- and broad-spectrum and CBD isolate? It has to do with the purity of the CBD oil.
Full- and broad-spectrum products are less refined, so they contain other compounds present in the hemp plant. That can include terpenes and other cannabinoids.
CBD isolate, by contrast, is highly refined. It contains only CBD. All other compounds from the plant are removed, making this the purest type of CBD available.
There’s some disagreement about whether full-spectrum products are better, or if CBD isolate is actually best. Proponents of the entourage effect argue that full-spectrum products deliver the “full range” of benefits from the plant.
The entourage effect suggests that the compounds in the hemp plant work together to enhance benefits. CBD in particular is thought to work with terpenes and other cannabinoids to enhance their effects. In turn, each compound boosts CBD’s effects.
Why CBD Isolate for Anxiety Is Best
The entourage effect is still debated science. Some people believe it, while others say it doesn’t exist. Yet others say it does exist, but it may work in a different way than commonly thought.
There’s one major problem with taking full- or broad-spectrum products for anxiety, though. That’s the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
Unlike CBD, THC is intoxicating. It’s often associated with relaxation and sleepiness, but it’s also been known to cause paranoia and hallucinations. These effects seem dose-related, but sensitive individuals may find even a small dose of THC is “too much.”
If you’re trying to manage anxiety, the last thing you want to do is put a potentially anxiety-inducing substance in your body. Even if most hemp plants contain very little THC, it is still present in full-spectrum products.
Given that, CBD isolate is a much safer bet for people who want to manage anxiety. CBD is non-intoxicating and, unlike THC, it doesn’t come with a risk of paranoia or hallucinations.
Of course, it helps to make sure you’re getting high-quality CBD isolate. Some producers may cut their product with fillers or other unwanted compounds.
To ensure you’re getting the best, you can look at getting CBD isolate wholesale. This way, you know you’re getting the highest quality and purest CBD isolate.
Better Health Advice for a Better You
As you can see, CBD isolate for anxiety could help people like you manage symptoms more effectively. Looking for pure, high-quality CBD products is the key.
Do you have more questions about your health and your lifestyle? Check out more insightful articles in our archives! From reporting on the latest trends to digging deeper into the science, we have the answers you’re looking for.
