How to Take CBD Oil for Anxiety: Dosage, Methods, & More

It's estimated that around 57 million Americans have some form of anxiety. From a racing pulse to difficulty concentrating, mental health disorders like anxiety can be challenging to deal with.

Finding a solution that works for your unique needs can help you find much-needed calm. For many, CBD offers an affordable and accessible solution.

Key takeaways

• Studies on cannabidiol (CBD) have shown its potential for treating anxiety and other health issues, such as pain and inflammation.
• The effects of CBD can depend on several factors, including the method of consumption, product strength, and individual variables like body mass index (BMI).
• CBD can be consumed through various methods, including smoking, using topicals, or consuming edibles.

See Related: Is CBD Good for Gut Health? Here's What the Science Says

Is CBD effective for anxiety?

The cannabis plant has been used for centuries in medicine, and its popularity continues to grow due to its wide variety of health benefits.

A natural alternative to prescription drugs, CBD is an active ingredient derived from cannabis. It presents a practical and easily accessible solution to many people who deal with anxiety symptoms, pain, and other health issues. 

So, is CBD effective for anxiety or stress? The answer is yes, it may be. Some studies, like this one published in Communications Medicine, show that CBD may indeed be an effective solution for anxiety.

CBD oil and other CBD products work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system — the part of the body that regulates stress, mood, and sleep. Early research has found that CBD may have an impact on serotonin levels in the brain, helping it play a role in anxiety and mood regulation. Many of today’s traditional anti-anxiety medications target this same system. 

How to use CBD oil for anxiety

If you are hoping to use CBD to improve your state of mind, there are several factors to consider. Some of these include:

CBD Dosage

First of all, you should always seek the advice of a doctor before you start to consume CBD products or any other medication for anxiety.

In general, it is always best to begin low and slow. This means starting with the lowest possible dose of CBD, then gradually increasing it over a period of several days. The goal is to find the minimum amount of CBD that will provide your desired results. 

Keep in mind that effective dosing can vary significantly between individuals. 

Method of consumption

It may come as no surprise that different methods of consumption can affect how CBD products are absorbed by the body. This means that how you choose to take CBD can impact your experience.

CBD products for anxiety

Here are the most common methods of consumption for CBD:

• Vaping 
• CBD oil (tinctures)
• Edibles (like CBD gummies)

Smoking/Vaping

Vaping CBD is a common method of consumption, and one that offers the fastest relief. 

Vaping CBD, unlike ingesting it, means it is delivered straight to the lungs and bloodstream. Because of this, users can feel the effects within just minutes. This makes vaping potentially useful when it comes to managing panic attacks or anxiety attacks that come on suddenly. 

CBD pills

CBD pills can also be helpful in treating symptoms associated with anxiety. Several small studies have demonstrated that CBD pills may effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). 

CBD oil

Oral CBD oil can also be highly effective in treating anxiety. When taking CBD oil sublingually, place the drops of CBD oil under your tongue. Hold them there for a period of about a minute before swallowing. This can help the CBD be absorbed more quickly. 

CBD gummies

From CBD baked goods to edible CBD gummies or even THC chocolates, many find edibles to be the most convenient form of CBD. Ingesting CBD gummies carries a longer onset than other forms of CBD. While vaping, for example, can deliver results within minutes, CBD gummies can sometimes take up to an hour to kick in.

It is helpful to keep this in mind when choosing CBD products. 

Bonus: CBD Doseage: How Much Is Too Much?

How much CBD do I need to take for anxiety?

There is no universal answer to the question of how much CBD should be taken for anxiety.

Some users may see benefits from very low doses of CBD, while others may require much larger doses to feel their desired effects.

One particular study found that an amount of 600 mg of CBD per day reduced levels of anxiety in people with GAD. 

So, when it comes to anxiety relief, the optimal dosage of CBD oil can vary from person to person. Most CBD studies have used doses of CBD ranging from 25 mg to 600 mg per day. 

Side effects of CBD

While CBD oil and other CBD products can be highly effective at helping individuals cope with symptoms of anxiety, understanding CBD's safety and side effects is important.

CBD typically carries fewer side effects than other medicines, but higher doses of CBD oil and other forms of CBD can, in rare cases, lead to unwanted side effects such as:

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Changes in bowel habits
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness

Paying close attention to dosage and taking products as directed can help you avoid unpleasant side effects.

Other health benefits of CBD

Research suggests that cannabis use and CBD can have positive benefits when it comes to treating other health conditions. From potentially improving heart health to relieving some forms of epilepsy, CBD interacts with different parts of the body to produce beneficial results.

Chronic pain relief

According to Harvard Medical School, there is increasing evidence to suggest that CBD oil helps control pain. 

Some human studies have shown CBD may reduce pain intensity and help improve sleep quality in patients experiencing pain due to conditions like fibromyalgia and cancer. 

Those suffering from pain may find CBD to be a suitable alternative to some prescription or over-the-counter drugs and other substances.  

Epilepsy

There is currently scientific evidence to suggest that CBD oil may be helpful in treating epilepsy. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a form of CBD to treat specific types of epilepsy due to its ability to reduce seizure frequency in patients with conditions such as:

• Dravet syndrome: This severe type of epilepsy begins in infancy. 
• Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC): This genetic disease causes benign tumors in the brain and other areas of the body. 
• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: This severe type of epilepsy begins during childhood. 

Anti-inflammatory

Chronic inflammation can increase the risk of many serious diseases. Some of these include

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Cancer
• Diabetes

According to some animal studies, CBD oil may be a potential treatment for lowering inflammation and pain due to arthritis when applied directly to the skin.

Other studies suggest CBD may help in inhibiting inflammatory pain, although more research is needed to determine effective dosing for these medicinal needs.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

According to some studies, CBD shows potential for managing several symptoms associated with MS. This is most often seen when combined with THC. 

In fact, one study exploring the efficacy of cannabis on MS-related symptoms shows that CBD reduced discomfort, inflammation, stiffness, exhaustion, and depression in MS patients, which resulted in increased mobility. 

Is taking CBD legal?

Taking CBD is legal in the US, although the laws pertaining to cannabis products are frequently changing.

As long as your CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, then they are considered federally legal. Just check your local laws and regulations if you have products with more THC.

Conclusion

If you are dealing with the effects of anxiety, prescription medication isn't the only answer.

To explore more natural solutions for anxiety relief, consider products like those found at Clean Remedies, which carries an extensive variety of products designed to promote calm and relaxation.

From mood regulation to improving sleep quality, millions of anxiety sufferers are turning to CBD for calm and relaxation.

Keep Reading: What Percentage of THC Is Considered High for Flower?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is 1 drop of CBD oil enough?

One drop of CBD may be enough to feel effects, depending on the dosage. Some individuals may require more than a few drops to feel the effects of CBD. It is helpful to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new CBD regimen.

How long will CBD oil take to kick in?

The amount of time CBD takes to kick in will depend on several factors, including dosage, delivery method, and even individual factors like body weight. Generally, results can occur within minutes to an hour.

How do I know if CBD oil is working?

Different signs may point to CBD's positive effects on the body. You may feel calmer, experience less pain than usual if you deal with chronic pain, or you may feel as though you are sleeping better. 

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