What is CBD and How Does it Work for Anxiety?
CBD is short form cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. While there are over a hundred cannabinoids, the most well-known and researched are CBD & THC. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it doesn’t impair (or give you a high) like THC can. CBD comes in many different forms, including from the hemp plant, as an isolate, or in full-spectrum products (which are often touted as being the more effective as they contain other parts of the plant which work synergistically in your body). CBD has been found to be an effective treatment for many symptoms and conditions, including inflammation, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, cancer, epilepsy, IBS, and more.
CBD can assist with so many different conditions because it acts on our internal endocannabinoid system, a set of receptors throughout our body that help manage functions such as mood, hunger, pain response, and more. These CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in our central and peripheral nervous systems. It is thought CBD may also alter serotonin signals and other neurotransmitters such as GABA. Those who use CBD for anxiety say they feel relaxed and even have less intrusive thoughts.
Does CBD Work for Anxiety? The Latest Research
Over the last decade, research on medical cannabis and CBD has continued to grow exponentially. With anxiety disorders affecting (around) 10% of Canadians1 and one of the main uses of CBD being to treat anxiety, many published research studies have focused on the relationship between the two. A recent 2024 study looked at 300 people in a randomized trial and found that the short-term effects of CBD were very clear: “tension and anxiety relief with limited harm”2. “At the end of the study period, all four groups reported decreased anxiety. The cannabis groups saw greater reductions in perceived anxiety than the non-cannabis group, and those using CBD-dominant products showed the most improvement of all. Bidwell, co-director of CUChange, noted that CBD has greater anti-inflammatory properties than THC, so it’s possible that CBD-dominant products could reduce anxiety by quelling inflammation in the brain and nerves. However, she said that even a touch of THC—1%—can also have a swift impact on mood.”3
Anxiety can often be a co-existing symptom of other conditions such as PTSD, depression, and even IBS. A 2019 study found that out 11 patients with PTSD, 91% experienced reduced symptoms after taking CBD.4
While a bit older, a 2015 published study review looked at 49 studies and found that CBD could help with a wide range of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).5
Pros and Cons of Using CBD for Anxiety
Some Pros of CBD include:
- It’s a natural product (from a plant) and acts on your naturally occurring endocannabinoid system
- Does not cause impairment (or a high) like THC
- Has shown positive results in studies for anxiety with minimal and non-threatening side effects and drug interactions
- Is long-lasting when ingested, and can be effective quickly when vaporized
- Does not cause potential major side effects or bodily issues (ex. liver damage) like some pharmaceutical medications (Opioids, SSRIs, NSAIDS, etc.)
- Is easy to dose when taken in an oil, edible, or softgel format
Some Cons of CBD include:
- Not a one-size-fits-all medication and an effective dose is different for every person
- Still has some side effects which can include nausea, upset stomach, dizziness, dry mouth, and diarrhea
- Not included in all health insurance plans yet
CBD Oil vs. Gummies vs. Vaping: Which is Best for Anxiety?
CBD comes in a variety of formats, with seemingly more options coming out in the medical market every year. The most common among patients in Canada is ingested, whether it’s through CBD Oil, CBD Softgels (capsules), or CBD Gummies (Edibles). When ingesting CBD, it lasts longer than when inhaled, providing relief anywhere from 4-12 hours. Inhaling CBD is effective when someone needs immediate relief, such as when having a panic attack. Inhaling CBD lets it take effect within minutes but typically only lasts 1-4 hours.
CBD for Anxiety-Related Insomnia: A Natural Sleep Aid?
Those suffering from anxiety often also deal with poor sleep. This is because anxious thoughts can prevent our brain from relaxing and getting prepared to drift off to sleep. Many patients with anxiety state they have trouble initially falling asleep, but have noticed a huge difference since using medical cannabis. A study in 2019 used CBD to treat people who were struggling with anxiety and sleep. Almost 80% of people’s anxiety improved, and almost 70% reported improved sleep in the first month, but the results for sleep varied over time.6
If an individual using just CBD isn’t finding enough relief when it comes to insomnia, small amounts of THC may be introduced alongside the CBD before bed. THC has been found to be an effective and natural sleep aid. It can be introduced on it’s own (THC oil, capsules, or edibles) or mixed in with CBD in different ratios of THC:CBD. Many people will use only CBD during the day, but introduce some THC in the evening for sleep assistance. If you have any questions about dosing, book a free appointment with a medical cannabis specialist at Apollo Clinics!
CBD Dosage for Anxiety: Finding the Right Amount
Unlike normal medication where dosing is generally consistent for each person (Ie. Take one pill every 4-6 hours), medical cannabis is a personalized medication. This is why at Apollo, we provide our patients with a personalized dosing plan. We start low and go slow, until we find an effective dose for you where you start to find relief from your unwanted symptoms. As every product has different dosage, for example, mgs of CBD per ml in a CBD oil, our patient educators help to ensure you feel confident in dosing your medication.
CBD vs. Prescription Medications for Anxiety: What to Consider
While numerous prescription drugs are available for treating anxiety, many come with side effects and can lead to dependency. SSRIs are a common prescription that individuals are prescribed when diagnosed and struggling with anxiety. Long term, they can be effective but can lead to unwanted side-effects, especially if someone decides they want to stop using them. CBD can often be used alongside other anxiety medications (please check with a health practitioner first before introducing a new medication). CBD is often used either before trying pharmaceuticals (as a natural option first) or after using pharmaceuticals and not finding relief/having too many unwanted side effects. You must consider what is right for you, and it’s always recommended to consult a healthcare practitioner for guidance.
Is CBD Safe? Understanding the Risks and Side Effects
CBD is generally safe and typically only interacts with a small handful of pharmaceutical medications. Side effects of CBD are non-threatening and often are tied to the ingestion method you use (Ie. Oils, gummies, vaporization, etc.). Side effects from CBD oil are more often tied to the carrier oil that the CBD is suspended in, which can be oils including MCT oil, coconut oil, etc. These side effects can include things like an upset stomach or diarrhea. When inhaling CBD via vaporization, side effects can include light headedness, fatigue, or dizziness. It is recommended to use medical cannabis under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner to ensure you can minimize any unwanted side-effects or drug interactions. Clinics like Apollo offer ongoing support 7 days a week and can help you in terms of dosing, product selection, side effects, and more.
CBD vs. THC for Anxiety
Some studies have found that using high dose THC too frequently can actually worsen anxiety long-term. Some individuals find high dose THC even causes anxiety in the short term, sometimes leading to anxiety-like symptoms such as paranoia. Other studies have shown that adding CBD when using THC may counteract some of the potential negative effects of the THC on anxiety. This is why being guided by a team of specialists is so important, so that you find relief without making symptoms worse. As mentioned above, small amounts of THC alongside CBD can be useful for sleep assistance. THC has its uses in the medical world, but it’s important to ensure you are using it carefully like any other medication.
Our team of doctors, nurse practitioners, and education staff at Apollo work to help you find success. Book your free virtual appointment today!
- https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/diseases/mental-health-anxiety-disorders.html
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38252547/
- https://www.colorado.edu/today/2024/02/27/cbd-shown-ease-anxiety-without-risks-can-come-thc
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/acm.2018.0437
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
