Does CBD Help with Anxiety?

{Collaborative Content} One of the big claims about CBD - and one of the reasons many people buy products infused with the compound - is that it can calm anxiety in a way comparable to prescribed medication, and without many of the side-effects that make prescription drugs so difficult for many to take. 

It’s important to do your research before you make a decision that affects your health, mental or physical. Whether you prefer CBD edibles, oil, a vape or CBD tea, if you’re relying on them to help calm your anxiety you need to be confident that they will in fact help. When it comes to CBD products, it's also good to know things like how long does an edible high last so that you know exactly what to expect when you do consume them, and are able to work out how much you should eat in order to achieve the desired result.

What is CBD?

Before you start, you need to understand just what CBD is; you may think it is a new trend but really it is actually very beneficial - doing your research, of course, is the responsible thing to do when you’re taking a new medication or supplement!

CBD is a natural compound derived from the Cannabis plant. That might make you question why or even whether it’s legal - Cannabis is a controlled substance in many countries around the world with possession alone punishable with a prison sentence and fine. Fortunately, recently the World Health Organisation conducted a study into CBD and found that, in isolation, it’s not psychoactive, addictive or otherwise harmful. This means that CBD products are legal to be sold with negligible amounts of THC as long as they have no more than .2% traces of THC which is the compound in Cannabis that causes the distinct high that makes it so popular.

What Does CBD Do?

As a cannabinoid, CBD acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system - a series of receptors spread throughout the body that produce different effects when different compounds in this class bind to them. 

Those who believe in CBD’s positive mental health effects claim that the compound stimulates the endocannabinoid system in a similar way to the nervous system, which produces a similar effect to prescription antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. As it’s free of THC, you can enjoy the reduction in anxiety and depression without the attendant intoxication and undermined judgement that come with using Cannabis.

Does it Work?

These are bold claims, and it pays to keep a sceptical mindset. Fortunately, the research that scientists have been able to start is showing some early indications that CBD can indeed match the claims that are made about it. 

While research is in its early stages - it only really began after the WHO cleared CBD of the stigma associated with Cannabis - the early indications are that the compound does act on the brain in the way described and it could be a useful supplement to your mental health regime if not a replacement for clinical options.