You know, in the past years in the wellness industry, we have noticed that cannabidiol (CBD) has really taken off as a natural alternative to combat many health issues. I bet you've already heard of it too since it's taken the world like a storm!
CBD is this compound that comes from the cannabis plant, and the most exciting part is, it doesn't get you high like THC in marijuana does!
But if your more adventurous there are a number of CBD gummies out there that do have some THC.
You can actually find it in so many forms, like oils, tinctures, and even topicals. But captures the eyes of many are these edible CBD gummies.
I've seen it first hand that more and more people are checking them out as a healthy way to deal with anxiety, and I just thought we could chat about it a bit. How about you join me as I deep dive into what these CBD gummies can do and see if they really help you manage anxiety symptoms?
Article Highlight
- CBD gummies are well known for offering discreteness, convenience, and tasty natural options to help manage anxiety symptoms as well as other mental health conditions.
- The benefits of CBD gummies will depend on the dose, the formulation, and the quality of the product, not all are made equal.
- But it's good to remember that clinical research is still ongoing on CBD and other cannabinoids, and with new more potent cannabinoids like CBDA, the hemp field is constantly being updated.
- It's always good to err with caution and check in with your healthcare provider and stay informed about new study findings related to CBD and anxiety relief.
Overview of Anxiety
So, let's talk about anxiety for a moment before we delve into CBD gummies. Well, you feel anxious from time to time, right? Occasional anxiety is something not to worry about as it's totally a natural reaction to stress, uncertainty, or when you feel threatened from perceived or actual danger. But, when anxiety gets out of hand and starts to take over your life, that's where all sorts of problems start.
Just so you know, there are many types of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association, these various types of anxiety disorders can cause numerous physical symptoms as well as emotional signs that can take a toll on your mental health.
And when that does happen, it can really mess with your day-to-day lives, relationships, work and just your overall wellness.
Anxiety disorders and hemp derived cbd products
Risk factors for anxiety disorders are important to consider when looking at hemp related products. Some new studies are now associating excessive THC consumption with psychosis in patients with preexisting susceptibility.
We should note that CBD is not THC, and does not correlate with psychosis or other general risk factors for developing unwanted mental health conditions. This is most likely because it does not have a psychoactive effect on people.
What are CBD Gummies?
CBD (cannabidiol) comes from CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) which is produced by the hemp flower. When CBDA is heated during conventional purification processes, it converts to CBD. So while the cannabis sativa plant (the species of hemp) makes CBDA, it does not directly make CBD.
CBD is now widely used for many things, including anxiety and stress, due to its synergy with the endocannabinoid system. This system that permeates our entire body helps regulate many things, including your mood.
Now, let's get back into talking about alternative medicine like hemp derived CBD products such as CBD gummies mentioned earlier. They're essentially just candies that are packed with CBD and all its benefits.
The very cool thing about these non prescription CBD products is that they come in all kinds of shapes, flavors, and colors, so you'll not only find them as a yummy natural way to help relieve anxiety disorders as well as other mental disorders but they are also super discreet.
You can find them made with different types of CBD extracts, like CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, or full-spectrum CBD, depending on what you're looking for.
Types of CBD oil in gummies
There are 3 basic types of CBD oil found in gummies, with some being more effective than others.
- Full spectrum CBD oil: these contain all the other minor cannabinoids, including THC, along with CBD
- Broad spectrum CBD oil: this has CBD, but no THC, and may also contain other minor cannabinoids. However, in our experience, there is usually very little other minor cannabinoids in the oil.
- CBD isolate: this is just pure CBD and no other cannabinoids.
Full spectrum is usually the best formulation, and offers the synergy between all the different cannabinoids in the hemp plant.
Are CBD Gummies good for anxiety?
So, why are CBD gummies such an ultimate hit in the wellness industry when it comes to dealing with anxiety disorders? Well, in fact, there are some pretty awesome health benefits that make them a super appealing choice for many people. Let me break it down for you.
CBD, Anxiety and the endocannabinoid system
Many aspects of our mood can be regulated by the endocannabinoid system. This system is found both in our brain, but also throughout many parts of our body, such as the immune system, and cardiovascular vessels.
A critical function of the endocannabinoid system is to signal between cells, and that is done through cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Many of the benefits of CBD are through directly interacting with the CB2 receptor and helping modulate anxiety, stress and panic attacks.
CBD Dosage for anxiety disorders
Like most compounds, finding the right dosage is half the battle. When it comes to CBD there are many studies out there looking at what the clinical measurements are for CBD dosage that works in anxiety disorders.
What most show is that CBD typically requires a higher dose than what most people think about. This dose is in the 100mg to 600mg range.
Unfortunately, you do not typically see CBD gummies in that dose range, so you may need to take multiple gummies to get a relevant and beneficial effect.
Convenience and Popularity
First, let's talk about how easy and convenient you can consume CBD gummies. I mean, who doesn't love a tasty, bite-sized sweet treat yet packed with awesome benefits? CBD gummies make it very simple to add a dose of CBD to your everyday life without all any fuss or hassle. Plus, they come in all sorts of flavors and strengths, so you can find just the right treat for your needs and preferences, whether you're new to the CBD game or a seasoned pro.
Discreetness
Now, if you're looking for something low-key and discreet, I've got to say, CBD gummies got your back. They look just like typical candies, which means you can enjoy all the benefits of CBD without worrying about anyone giving you the side-eye. This can be such a huge plus if you need to take CBD for your anxiety while you're in a social situation or even in workplace.
Precise Dosing
Another great thing about CBD gummies? You know exactly how much CBD you're getting with each one treat. Every gummy has a set amount of CBD, so it will be easy for you to keep track of how much you're taking and to adjust your dose depending on your needs. This can be super helpful if you're using CBD to help with anxiety since you can find the perfect amount that works for you.
Enjoyable Consumption Experience
Last but not least, don't forget about how fun and tasty CBD gummies are! You can enjoy them more than a tincture or capsule, with their soft, chewy texture and tons of yummy flavors to choose from. Plus, having a tasty treat can help make trying CBD for the first time a little less intimidating for those who might be feeling nervous about it.
Other Cannabinoids That Can Also Help Anxiety
But wait, there's something that will surprise you even more! CBD is just one compound that comes from a cannabis sativa plant.
Well, there's another one powerful cannabinoid called CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) that's also been getting significant attention for its potential health benefits and has many beneficial effects on anxiety and stress. CBDA is actually the precursor to CBD cannabinoid, and it's actually found raw in the cannabis plants before they're heated up or processed, which then turns into CBD.
CBDA has a slightly different chemical structure than CBD since it has this acidic carboxyl group in its end. This difference gives it over 500% better absorption than CBD!
Why has CBDA been getting so much coverage for stress and anxiety? It turns out that not only does it help boost the endocannabinoid system like CBD, but it also interacts with the serotonin system by activating some of its receptors.
Due to the enhanced absorption of CBDA, a 30mg dose in CBDA gummies would be equal to at least a 150mg dose of CBD.
Plus there's still a lot of research to be done, but hey, early findings in pre clinical trials suggest that it has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties too that's helpful in treating anxiety disorders and improving your mental health. So, as more studies come out, you might just learn even more about how it can help reduce anxiety.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, CBDA and CBD products like CBD gummies might be a very promising option if you are seeking a natural approach to dealing with intense anxiety. The dosage and formulation becomes important, as too little won't provide any benefits, and the right formulation brings in all the other minor cannabinoids to help out.
Just remember, it's very essential to consult with a mental health professional before trying CBD gummies, especially if you're new to them or currently taking medications for other physical health conditions.
FAQ - Are CBD gummies good for anxiety?
It depends on the CBD quality, formulation, dosage and person. A high quality full spectrum CBD gummy will provide great results, but you typically want to be in the higher dose range over 50mg. If you are just starting out, try a lower dose first and see what works for you.
While some people benefit from CBD, not everyone does. If you are concerned about potential side effects of prescription medications, CBD might be a great alternative to test out. Remember to try different doses if you do and start low and work your way up. Typically a 20mg dose is fine, and go from there.