You've probably heard some buzz about CBD, right? It's this nifty little compound found in cannabis, known for its lauded potential to soothe anxiety. But what happens when the comforting relief fades away, and those all too familiar anxious feelings start creeping back in?
- Anxiety after you stop taking CBD is rare, and may be due to other factors. The reason for this is because most people who use CBD, take too little to make much of a difference.
- For those that are used to taking higher amounts of CBD oil for anxiety, usually over 100mg per day, you could experience some changes in your anxiety levels. However, this is not because of a physical dependency like opioids or other drugs, but due to the symptoms not being controlled anymore.
- If you are looking to stop taking CBD for anxiety, it may help to decrease your amount before going completely off.
Article Highlight
- Did you know CBD — our anxiety-busting champion — helps with anxiety through both the endocannabinoid system and serotonin receptors?
- Here's a heads-up, though: CBD is not a permanent anxiety-eraser. Once its effects lose their grip, anxiety might crawl back, especially under the shadows of chronic stress, sleepless nights, or health hiccups.
- Hungry for the winning combo to kick anxiety's butt? Mix it up! Pair CBD with trusty anti-anxiety sidekicks like mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, deep-breathing exercises, and your favorite sweat-dripping activities.
- If CBD is not working for you, you may have to upgrade to the newest anxiety-basher, CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid). Though it’s the raw, unprocessed version of CBD, CBDA has over 500% better absorption, and superior serotonin effects.
Understanding Anxiety: When Fear Holds the Reins
Have you ever felt like a cat on a hot tin roof? If you have, then you've gotten a taste of what anxiety feels like. But of course, anxiety isn't just about feeling a little like jittery jelly. It can be something far more unnerving and persistent, plaguing folks around us in varying degrees.From mild anxious thoughts that gnaw at you now and then, to life-altering anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias – the spectrum is vast and multifaceted.
Anxiety, according to the American Psychiatric Association, is one of the most common mental health conditions. It's that nagging sensation that everything isn't okay, even when there's no actual danger.
So what should you look for?
- Excessive worrying about events outside your control
- Thoughts keeping you up at night and not letting you sleep
- Daily fatigue
- Elevated heart rates when not exercising
- Too much sweating, even when inside
- Avoiding social activities because of fear
Entering the world of anti-anxiety medications and engaging a mental health professional can seem intimidating. And the journey isn't without its bumps. Some treatments can cause withdrawal symptoms and while therapeutic sessions can be enlightening, they may not always stave off the fear, stress, and symptoms of anxiety.
Enter CBD: Nature's Chill Pill
Now let's shift focus to natural hemp alternative that's been creating a buzz in the mental wellness domain: CBD. Known in scientific circles as Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from the cannabis plant, boasting a distinct chemical composition that interacts with your brain's endocannabinoid system.
No, it doesn't give you the fear-induced jitters or send your heart into overdrive (not psychoactive). Instead, it tries to hit the 'mute' button on these anxiety symptoms.
"But wait," you may wonder, "Cannabis, isn't that marijuana?" Well, yes and no.
Your average Joe often uses the terms interchangeably, but here's the deal: Cannabis is the plant family, and it has two main members - Hemp and Marijuana. CBD can be derived from both, but the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)—the compound giving the 'high'—levels are significantly lower in Hemp. Thus, legal CBD products, like CBD oil, CBDA oil, and Hemp oil, come from Hemp.
And no, using CBD does not mean you'll turn up high at your work or family reunion! It's non-intoxicating and has shown considerable promise in several types of clinical trials for alleviating anxious feelings. It's like a mug of warm milk for your frazzled nerves.
However, remember everyone's reaction to CBD is unique, just like how we all react differently to traumatic events or fear. There's still ongoing research to unlock its full potential, the efficacy of its treatments and, more importantly, to understand how the CBD puzzle pieces fit together for each individual.
How CBD Works in the Body
CBD, short for cannabidiol is a nifty compound that works like a maestro your body's been waiting for. Let's talk about one of the systems it conducts—the serotonin system. This guy, serotonin, is a real mood booster and stress & anxiety buster. The serotonin system has been widely used as a target for many depression related drugs called SSRIs.
However, CBD is not nearly as strong as these drugs, and does not have the withdrawal symptoms commonly associated with them.
The Ebbing Tide of CBD's Magic
Now, here's the plot twist—CBD's effects are, well, temporary. Bummer, right? But don't get disheartened. Just remember it's like eating a really good meal: the satisfaction lasts for a while, and then it's time for the next meal. Except in this case, the meal is your CBD dose.
The 'staying power' of each dose depends on all sorts of things, like how much you take, the ways you use it, and how often you use it.
It's a bit like eating your vegetables for better health. The end result depends on how often you eat a nutritious meal, one just isn't going to cut it.
CBD: Choose Your Own Adventure
And speaking of variety—how you choose to have your CBD is a journey in itself! CBD comes in all shapes and forms—maybe you fancy oils, capsules, tinctures, or even edibles like brownies (yum!). Each form gets absorbed differently in your body, which affects how you experience its effects.Lets break down some common products you may see, and what the potential benefits are:
- Full spectrum CBD oil: products with full spectrum contain all the cannabinoids from the purified hemp plant. These are important since in combination they have the "entourage effect", where the health benefits are greater than on their own.
- Broad spectrum CBD oil. This is similar to full spectrum CBD oil but lacks the THC. Our experience with broad spectrum has been poor since most of the products lack the other minor cannabinoids found in the hemp flower.
- CBD isolate: This type of product only contains CBD and no other cannabinoids. Often used because its cheaper and easier to use in manufacturing.
- CBD Tinctures: A drop of CBD oil under the tongue can give a quick, potent effect, and is referred to as sublingual. Besides vaping, this is the most rapid absorption method for CBD.
- CBD edibles: CBD brownies or CBD gummies takes a bit longer as it needs to go through your digestive system first.
- CBD vaping: The fastest method to get CBD into your system, but you risk possible side effects from inhaling hot smoke.
- Always check for a third party testing report called a CoA (certificate of analysis). This will tell you how much of the cannabinoids are in your product, and if there are any other contaminants that got in.
- Because everyone is different, there is no one correct answer.
- Many clinical trials show ranges between 100mg and 600mg per day may be beneficial.
- Always start out low, and work your way up to a dose that works for you.
- Speak with your physician before trying higher doses, since there may be some drug interactions with certain medicines.
Anxiety Resurfacing
Let's face it, anxiety can be like that annoying friend who can't take a hint—you're enjoying some peace and quiet (thanks to CBD), and there it is, knocking on your door again as soon as the calm starts to fade. Talk about a party crasher!
Same with anxiety, even when you're using CBD, it might make an unwelcome return. And you know what? That's totally okay! Like finishing a good binge-watching session, we know it's going to end, but we still dive in, right?
The Heavy Weights Bringing Back Anxiety
So, what draws anxiety back like a moth to a flame? Well, my friend, you can chalk that up to things like ongoing stress (anxiety's best friend), restless nights, and overall health, among other reasons. These culprits team up to pave the way for anxiety, making the time after CBD does its thing a bit of a tightrope walk.
Keeping it Real with CBD
CBD is a real game-changer when dealing with anxiety. But, let's remember—not to burst your bubble—it's not a magic potion that'll poof away all your worries forever. Think of CBD more as a helpful buddy in your 'keep it chill' toolbox. It's there to give you a leg up, but it works best when you pair it with other anxiety management strategies and self-care routines. So, keep the expectation realistic, and remember, every little step counts in keeping anxiety in check.
Coping Strategies for Anxiety After CBD Wears Off
So you've reached that point where the CBD has done its thing, and now it's time to face the music with a refreshed perspective. Let's now dive deeper into what comes next – coping strategies for anxiety when the CBD's magic starts to fade.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Let's start with techniques that tap into your inner peace. Progressive muscle relaxation works surprisingly well when you alternately tense and relax various muscle groups to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Or try visualization – imagine a soothing environment, like a serene beach or a peaceful mountain scene – and let your mind wander to that comforting space.
Remember, it's all about living in the present, letting go of those worries, and embracing the calm.
Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies
Cognitive restructuring is a game-changer. Instead of getting bogged down by stressors, you learn to respond to them more healthily. You'll be better equipped to manage anxiety by seeing challenges as opportunities.
It's like facing stage fright when you're about to give a speech. View it as an exciting moment rather than an overwhelming, anxiety-provoking event. Transform that fear into powerful, awe-inspiring energy!
Breathing Exercises and Meditation
When it comes to reducing anxiety levels, it's time to breathe in the goodness and release the stress. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing (breathing from your belly) and mindfulness meditation can greatly impact anxiety reduction.
Take slow, deep breaths; feel the air filling your body, and then imagine the stress leaving when you exhale. Sounds invigorating, right?
Physical Activities
Sometimes, the best way to tackle anxiety is to let your body take charge. Exercise, yoga, or any form of physical activity can reduce anxiety. Channel your energy into activities that boost your mood and serve as natural stress relievers.
Picture the adrenaline rush after a thrilling workout – the feeling we're after.
CBDA: Extending Anxiety Relief Beyond CBD
Ok, folks! We've been chit-chatting about our good friend CBD quite a bit, and it's been quite the rollercoaster, hasn’t it?
But, let's spice things up a bit and invite a fresh companion into our anxiety-busting bandwagon. Operation 'meet CBDA’ is now on!
Learning More About CBDA
Eager to know who CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is? Strap in, because we're about to break it down. Think of CBDA as the parent of CBD. In fact, the hemp flower does not make CBD, it makes CBDA which is often converted to CBD during conventional purification processes.
Just as CBD is non-intoxicating, CBDA is also not psychoactive, and will not get you high!
In the past, CBDA was kinda viewed as the awkward precursor of CBD, only considered because it could transform into CBD.
However, as purification technology advanced, we now know that CBDA overcomes a critical problem of CBD, its poor absorption.
CBDA is over 500% better absorbed than CBD!
Decoding CBDA and CBD Chemistry Hacks
Alright, all you budding chemists—or simply the inquisitive minds—gather 'round! Now, if you zoomed in on the chemical structures of CBDA and CBD, you'd find a fiery little 'carboxyl group' clutching onto CBDA-a feature missing in CBD.
This modest change in chemical structure makes all the difference!
CBDA As a Rising Star in Anxiety Management
Now, let's delve into the really juicy part. The science grapevine hints that CBDA might be hailed as the newer, shinier star in the anxiety management constellation. Guess what—CBDA isn’t just a shadow but possibly a stand-alone warrior in our fight against anxiety.
- CBDA enhanced absorption mean greater bioavailability and better benefits
- Anti anxiety properties due to its ECS and serotonin receptor interactions
- Improved anti inflammatory effects because CBDA can inhibit the COX2 enzyme
- Pain relieving properties from its inhibitory effects on the TRPV1 pain signaling channel.
We're still in the early innings, but the murmurings emanating from ongoing research suggest that CBDA could be the long-awaited reinforcement.
Conclusion
Imagine dealing with anxiety like going on a long, winding hike. You may want a companion on this journey that can help take the edge off without all the complications of side effects and couch lock. This is where CBDA and CBD can be a great boost to your mental health routine.
When it comes down to it, your best bet at conquering this rocky anxiety terrain is an all-star team—CBDA, CBD and traditional stress-busters working hand-in-hand. Mix and match, try and tweak, till you find the best dream team that works for your unique adventures in the world of anxiety. Remember, the hike is long, but you've got the best guides to help you through!