One of hemps very intriguing benefits is treating anxiety naturally. Just like you, ive tried many different natural remedies to help manage my stress. If I dont get my mental well being right, I can tell it bleeds over into my physical health.
To start it all up, hemp boasts high CBD levels but low in THC content. Due to this fact, it has earned its positive reputation in naturopathic medicine. It is often looked at as a safe, non-habit forming, and non-intoxicating natural remedy for the symptoms of an anxiety disorder.However, as a scientist, I'm always very much eager to investigate more about the latest scientific evidence on the subject. After all, hemp and its compounds are an ever changing landscape.
So, in this blog, join me as I embark on a thrilling journey to scrutinize the science behind hemp and anxiety. Learn with me all about the mechanisms of action, some few studies, as well as the potential advantages and disadvantages of using hemp for anxiety.
Whether you are just dipping your toes in the world of hemp or a seasoned expert, I will share this: there's always more to discover about this remarkable therapeutic plant.
Article Highlights:
- Hemp has shown potential properties as a natural remedy for anxiety relief. There is several research and studies supporting its claim to effectiveness as an addition to the management plan of various anxiety disorders.
- The cannabinoids present in hemp interact with our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). This interaction helps regulate neurotransmitters that play a role in mood and anxiety regulation.
- But before trying out hemp products for improving your mental health, there are the things you need to consider first. Whether its the dose, what kind of hemp oil, whats the best product for anxiety relief, or prior medical conditions, you should do a bit of poking around to get the best results.
Understanding the Benefits of Hemp for Anxiety
In current times, you might have noticed that there's a great fascination revolving around hemp plants. As more and more people are looking at natural alternatives in boosting their overall health, interest in hemp continues to go uptrend.
Hemp is among the several varieties of the Cannabis Sativa plant. It has shown properties that are potentially beneficial in relieving many anxiety and stress disorders.
As we delve deeper in the topic, you'll find that hemp contains numerous cannabinoids. Among its contents are cannabidiol (CBD) as the most common and popular, and its precursor CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) which has been gaining popularity for its super absorption.
For starters, CBD and CBDA are chemical compounds found to reduce anxiety without the psychoactive effects associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Cannabinoids
So, what are cannabinoids? It's basically mentioned everywhere! Many health enthusiasts are raging on these cannabinoids! They offer numerous potential beneficial effects, one of which is anxiolytic effects.
Essentially, cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds present in the Cannabis Sativa plant, which includes both the hemp and marijuana plant variety.
THC and CBD are the two most well-known among over 100 different cannabinoids found in cannabis. But what is the significance of these major cannabinoids for anxiety?
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known for causing the intoxicating and psychoactive effects commonly associated with marijuana use.
- On the other hand, cannabidiol (CBD) presents in non-psychoactive cannabinoid form. In higher doses this has been shown to help improve symptoms of anxiety.
- The cannabis sativa plant does not actually produce CBD or THC, but instead makes their acidic precursors, such as CBDA or THCA. These are now found to have superior absorption, and may have improved benefits for anxiety relief.
Endocannabinoid System
Just so you know, the human body has this incredible system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It plays a crucial role in our bodies. The ECS regulates our response to different things stimuli which affect stress and anxiety. These include:- Mood
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep
- Immune function
- How we perceive pain.
Now, the ECS is quite complex but in a nutshell, it's made up of endocannabinoids that help keep everything in check. They work together with receptors in the ECS, called CB1 and CB2. Plus, the ECS also produces enzymes that help create and break down the endocannabinoids. All in all, these parts in our body’s ECS work hand in hand to make sure everything stays balanced in our body.
Interaction Between the ECS and the Cannabinoids
There’s now many systematic reviews and meta analysis that revealed that cannabinoids in hemp plants interact with our body’s ECS. While most people dont read the primary research, the cannabinoids works by binding and regulating the CB1 and/or CB2 receptors found all over our brain and immune system.
This remarkable interaction between ECs and the cannabinoids helps regulate the release of neurotransmitters, control inflammation, and may even help with blood pressure.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that our body naturally produces and play a significant role in many psychological processes related to stress and anxiety.
Can hemp make you calm?
How I look at it, theres a bunch of research and peer reviewed studies lately that suggests hemp-derived cannabinoids such as CBD and CBDA might help treat anxiety issues. It's pretty promising stuff!
Some folks with anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have seen improvements from using hemp products reaping the benefits of cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds present in hemp.
For instance, this 2011 study in Brazil found that people with generalized social anxiety disorder felt less anxious when they took hemp-derived CBD before facing a simulated public speaking test. However, these researchers found that the optimal dose of CBD was 600mg!
A recent 2021 investigation by Dr. Brent Forester found that high doses of CBD with a low dose THC could improve anxiety symptoms in patients with Alzheimers. While this clinical data is preliminary, it adds to the body of evidence that hemp oil can have great effects when used correctly.
Back in 2015, a review looked at all the research on CBD and anxiety, and it seemed like there was some potential there. It could help with treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other anxiety-related disorders. But the people who did the review were like, "Hold up, we need more research and clinical trials to really figure out the best dosages, long-term safety, and side effects."
So while all of this is pretty promising, we still need more research to fully understand how hemp and its compounds work their magic on anxiety and depression treatment. And as mentioned, it's extremely crucial to figure out the best dosages and treatment plans for everyone.
Is hemp better than CBD for anxiety
A common question I get asked, but lets clear up a few things about the confusion around hemp and CBD products:- A hemp oil product is typically an extract with all the cannabinoids and other compounds found in the hemp flower. Depending on the company, it may have been purified through distillation, or it may be a crude extract.
- A CBD oil product can be a number of different things. It could be a CBD isolate, which is just CBD, or it could be a mixture of CBD and other cannabinoids. These products are almost always purified after the hemp is first extracted with a solvent.
- Broadly, these two kinds of hemp products are very similar, and may only vary a bit in how they were produced.
With that out of the way, there is not much difference in therapeutic effects from hemp oil from flower compared to CBD oil.
Any differences between hemp and CBD oil will mostly be based on the amount of CBD and other cannabinoids in the oil/
Factors to Consider Before Using Hemp for Anxiety
So you're thinking about using hemp for treating anxiety, huh? Well, there are a few important things to consider before jumping right in. Let me break it down for you.
Legal Status of Hemp
First up, let's talk about the legal stuff. Hemp laws can vary depending on what area you live in. In the US, hemp with less than 0.3% THC is legal at least on a federal level. This is thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. Unfortunately, some states might have their own rules and regulations about using, selling, or having hemp products. So, it's essential to make sure to double-check what's allowed in your state before buying or using any hemp goodies.
Choosing the Right Hemp Product for Anxiety
Now, with so many hemp and CBD options out there, it can be a bit overwhelming. Keep these factors in mind when looking for the perfect anxiety-relief product:
Quality: Stick to reputable trustworthy brands that share third-party lab test results. This way, you'll know the product is legit and free from nasty stuff like pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.
Type of hemp products: There are three main types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Full-spectrum has everything from the hemp plant, including a tiny bit of THC. Meanwhile, broad-spectrum has all the good stuff minus the THC. Lastly, isolate is just pure CBD.
Some research says full-spectrum and broad-spectrum might work better due to the entourage effect. However, it really depends on your personal preferences and how sensitive you are to THC.
Emerging role of CBDA for anxiety: CBDA is now recognized as a more potent CBD form, with over 500% better absorption. While CBDA is the most abundant cannabinoid in the hemp flower, it also has effects in both the ECS and the serotonin system.
I use it to calm the mind at the end of the day, but many of our customers enjoy CBDA for anxiety relief anytime they start to stress.
Ready to take the next step? Try out our CBDA products for maximum relief, the CBD gummies are a customer favorite. They come with 30mg CBDA and all the other critical acidic cannabinoids found in the hemp flower.
Form: You've got so many options! Oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, topicals – you name it. Pick what works best for you. For example, tinctures and oils can be absorbed faster. On the other hand, capsules and edibles offer a more discreet and controlled way to dose.
Dosage: Start low and then go slow. Begin with a small dose of hemp oil (20-50mg) and gradually increase it until you find what works best to relieve anxiety. Don't be shy about chatting with a healthcare professional to help figure out the right starting dose for you. They will help you determine the correct dose based on your needs and weight.
Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be well on your way to finding the ideal hemp product to help manage your anxiety.
Possible Hemp Side Effects
Just a heads up: while hemp products are usually safe and well-tolerated, it might cause some side effects. This can be particularly true if you take high doses of hemp oil. Here are a few common ones:
Dry mouth: Cannabinoids might reduce saliva production, causing your mouth to feel dry.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: Some people might feel dizzy, lightheaded, or experience a drop in blood pressure when using hemp oil.
Diarrhea: Consuming high doses of hemp oil can lead to an upset stomach and may cause diarrhea in some cases.
Drowsiness or fatigue: Hemp has calming effects. It might make some users feel drowsy or tired, especially if they're taking it in high doses.
Drug interactions: Cannabinoids in hemp could interact with certain medications like blood thinners or antiepileptic drugs. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before using hemp products if you're on any prescription meds.
How to Incorporate Hemp into Your Anxiety Management Plan
Using hemp products can be a fantastic addition to your anxiety and depression management routine, especially when combined with other approaches. Let's break it down:
Psychotherapy: Give therapies like Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) a try. They'll help you understand and tackle the root causes of your anxiety while teaching you effective coping techniques.
Lifestyle changes: Don't forget the basics! Regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can really make a difference in your mental health and anxiety symptoms relief.
Stress management techniques: Practicing mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can be super helpful to treat anxiety and lower stress levels.
Medications: If you're already taking anxiety meds, make sure to check with your healthcare provider before using hemp products. As mentioned, cannabinoids might interact with other medications, so it's better to be safe than sorry!
Conclusion
So, to wrap things up, it looks like hemp-derived products have some real potential as a natural way to relieve anxiety. There's a bunch of research out there that points to their possible benefits.
Many people are already taking hemp oil for anxiety relief, ask a friend who uses it!
It's clear that hemp could be a pretty solid natural option as an alternative or even something that works alongside traditional treatments.
Remember that everyone's different and what works for one person might not be the best for another. By looking into hemp's potential as a natural remedy, we can keep learning about its benefits and make mental health support more well-rounded and inclusive.