Dangers of CBD Oil For Anxiety
If you’re suffering from anxiety and you are seeking a natural solution, you may be considering CBD oil. But are there any risks or dangers associated with taking CBD if you have anxiety?
“Danger” sounds pretty scary (the word alone might even make even make you anxious…). There are definitely some important things to keep in mind if you are taking CBD and you are suffering from anxiety, but luckily for you, there are little to no dangers. CBD oil is extremely safe and effective. However, as we said there are some important factors to keep in mind.
Will CBD Help Your Anxiety?
Before we go into the risks and dangers, let’s talk about the benefits. Now we aren’t doctors and we can’t make any medical claims. You need to do your own research and make your own informed decisions. That being said, many people suffering from anxiety experience relief or even complete remission of their anxiety from taking CBD.
How does this work you may ask?
Your body has something called an endocannabinoid system. This is literally a branch of your nervous system that was created by Mother Nature to receive and utilize the cannabinoids found in hemp, cannabis and to a lesser extent other plants. This system is a branch of your nervous system.
As you may or may not know, your nervous system is responsible for balance and harmony in the body. When your nervous system is out of whack and stressed, your body is going to feel the effects… Effects such as anxiety and panic attacks!
So, when people suffering from anxiety, depression and panic attacks consume CBD, they offer their nervous system a much needed break. The CBD enters their endocannbinoid and begins doing its work quickly and effectively. It reduces inflammation and can switch your nervous system from fight or flight (stress) to rest and relax (not stressed).
That being said, CBD is not a one size fits all approach. Many people who consume CBD for anxiety and depression are doing it in tandem with other physical, mental, emotional and spiritual therapies. Anxiety is a complex disorder and it is wise to come at it from all angles so your life can return to normal! CBD is a great part of any anxiety protocol.
What Are The Dangers of CBD for Anxiety?
As we stated above, the dangers are minimal. However there are some important factors to keep in mind. So let’s jump on in.
Dosage – CBD Could Make Your Anxiety Worse
Dosage is different for everyone. Depending on weight, tolerance, and metabolism, you may need more or less than someone else. Dosage is especially important with anxiety. Too little CBD, and it won’t make a difference… But TOO MUCH CBD, and it could make things worse!
That’s right, in some cases (not all), there is a “reverse” effect that occurs when they consume too much CBD. It actually increases their anxiety. So if you are taking CBD for anxiety, and you notice a spike in panic attacks or other anxiety symptoms, try cutting back the amount of CBD oil. Take a smaller dose. Or try taking smaller doses 2-4 times throughout the day.
Another “danger” of dosage is not taking enough. Sometimes the recommended dose on the bottle is not enough to make a difference, especially with severe anxiety. As we said, not everyone experiences anxiety from “too much” CBD – that is a small percentage of people. So if you started taking CBD and your anxiety has not improved, try doubling or even tripling your dose, before you throw the baby out with the bath water.
CBD “Withdrawals”
Another “danger” of CBD for anxiety is if you take CBD regularly and then you stop, your anxiety may spike. Perhaps your budget is tight, or you forget to buy another bottle in time. If you rely on CBD to control your anxiety symptoms, it can be like any other anxiety “medication”. Meaning some people experience “withdrawals”.
Of course, “withdrawals” is a little bit dramatic of a term to use. It’s not like people become addicted to CBD. It’s just that if your nervous system needs CBD to stay out of fight or flight mode, and you don’t have anything else to rely on, then you need to keep this mind.
Make sure you keep an extra bottle of CBD on hand for “emergencies”. Consider keeping this bottle in your car or your bag, so incase you forget your daily dosing bottle at home, or you run out before your next bottle arrives, you have a back-up on hand.
THC Is A Danger For Some Individuals
THC is the active compound in marijuana that gets people high. Most CBD oils have little to no THC (less than o.3%) so they will not get you high. However, it depends where you buy your oil from. For example, if you live in a medical or recreationally legal state, and you go to your local dispensary to buy CBD oil, you may accidentally pick up a bottle with a higher THC content.
This is because many dispensaries carry CBD flower, oils, vapes and other products with higher than usual THC content. Some are as high as a 1:1 ratio, others may have 1-10% THC.
Why is this a danger you may ask? For two reasons
- Some people are highly sensitive to THC (especially if you have anxiety). Due to its stimulating effect (the “high”) it can overload some people’s nervous systems and cause anxiety. That being said, some people sweat by THC and cannabis to regulate their symptoms. So once again, do your own research and find out what works best for you.
- Some people are regularly drug tested. If you are expecting a drug test, or you don’t want to worry in the unlikely case you get randomly tested, then avoid THC at all costs. It will cause a positive drug test. And that’s the last thing you want to worry about, especially if you are suffering from anxiety. If this is the case, make sure you find a THC free CBD oil.
Why Use CBD For Anxiety?
Now that we’ve talked about the dangers of CBD for anxiety, let’s talk a little bit more about why you may want to take CBD to control your anxiety.
CBD Is Natural and Safe
Beyond the minor “dangers” we talked about, CBD is highly safe and effective, even in prolonged daily use. This is great as many anxiety medications can be highly addictive and come with a nasty list of side effects.
It Works
Millions of Americans have turned to CBD for their anxiety… Because it works! CBD calms the nervous system, allowing your mind and body to relax. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose.
CBD Can Stop a Panic Attack In It’s Tracks
That’s right. Some people report that taking CBD effectively stops or greatly reduces an in the moment panic attack. In this case, people report the most effective form for panic attacks is a vape, because it is absorbed pretty much instantaneously.
How To Use CBD For Anxiety
So if you have assessed the risks of taking CBD for anxiety, and you still want to give it a go, what is the best way to take CBD?
Buy Quality
Well first and foremost, we recommend buying a high quality oil from a trusted source. This will ensure there is nothing nasty in the oil like heavy metals and chemicals, and it will also ensure that you get the most effective product. Cheap CBD just does not work as well.
Look For Broad or Full Spectrum
If you need to get a zero THC CBD product, look for broad spectrum. If you are ok with consuming small amounts of THC, look for a full spectrum oil.
We suggest broad or full spectrum because both of these types of oils contain all the other terpenes and cannabinoids found in hemp. These other plant compounds work synergistically with CBD for a more effective product. Many cheaper oils are only pure ÇBD, which means your missing out on all the other good stuff hemp has to offer!
Get A Variety of Products
We recommend people have several different products on hand. Usually for anxiety it is best to take an ingestible form of oil, like our guaranteed zero THC spray. Other people prefer gummies or other edibles. Regardless of your choice, it is good to take an oral form so it can be digested. This goes deeper into your system, lasts longer and works effectively on your digestive system (which is a source of anxiety).
Then we suggest you also grab some CBD vape. This is for those “emergency” moments. If you forget to take your regular dose, or you have an increase in anxiety, vape is a great instant solution. With one drag, you can feel your anxiety melt away. However, the effects tend to not last as long as the spray. So stock up on both!
Spread Out Your Doses
An effective strategy for anxiety, is to spread out your doses. We recommend taking your spray 2-3 times a day (or more). Once in the morning, again in the afternoon, and another in the evening. This ensures a steady drip of anxiety reducing oil being pumped into your system.
Have Patience
Not everyone experiences instant results. For some individuals with anxiety, it can take 2-4 weeks for the CBD to do its work before they notice results. If after a week you do not notice any improvements, try increasing your dose. It may take time. Have patience.
