Anxiety is the most common mental disorder in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults and for many people with anxiety, their condition affects their ability to function in everyday life.
And 49% of CBD users say they take it for anxiety and stress. 63% say it is very effective for reducing stress or anxiety or helping you relax. 16% say that it is slightly or not at all effective.
For those living with anxiety, finding a safe method for managing symptoms is a critical concern, and that is why so many are turning to CBD.
CBD is a natural, plant-based product (found in hemp plants) that is effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality as indicated in several studies.
How To Use CBD For Anxiety To Get The Best Results
Because CBD can be represented in various methods, from edibles to vaping to oils. It's important to know how to use CBD for anxiety to get the best results.
There are some distinct forms that perform best in easing anxiety symptoms, as the speed of efficacy alters depending on the method used, the person, and the severity of the anxiety that is being treated.
Which Method Is Best For You
Of course, the first thing to consider on how to use CBD for anxiety is which method best fits your lifestyle.
Vaping
For the quickest relief of anxiety, inhaling CBD or vaping may be most effective, via either a vape pen (think e-cigarette) or cigarette-style.
This form immediately relaxes the mind and mood, usually preferred by those under tremendous pressure, or if you’re experiencing an acute anxiety situation.
The vaping concerns are the chemicals in the vaping liquid and the heating coils inside the vape pens.
Pros: Inhaled CBD tends to enter the bloodstream faster than other forms—in as quickly as 30 seconds or less. Which could be especially useful to ease immediate anxiety symptoms.
Cons: It's important to know that the long-term safety of smoking CBD in any form, including vaping, is unknown.
CBD Oil Or Tinctures
For effects within a few minutes, oil drops under the tongue may be useful.
CBD oils are most effective when taken orally, under the tongue. You can take the required dosage with a dropper and squeeze a few drops under your tongue for around thirty seconds before swallowing it.
Pros: Tinctures are the second-quickest method to absorb CBD, after smoking, typically taking about 15 to 30 minutes. The quick action could make it especially useful in treating anxiety.
Cons: It also could be challenging with tinctures to determine how much CBD you're getting from the bottle dropper especially if the bottle shows only total CBD content and doesn't list the per-dose amount.
Another downfall is a lot of people just don't like the taste of CBD oil.
Edibles or Beverages
On the other hand, CBD in edibles or beverages, or pills is likely to take longer—30 minutes or more—to be absorbed into your system.
Pros: The dosage is already predetermined, and they come in various flavors. They are also more discreet to consume in public as they appear like standard candy or beverages.
Edibles are convenient for taking around wherever you need them. But gummies are not quick-acting, so they may not be the perfect pick for acute situations like panic attacks or anxiety attacks.
Cons: Edibles might seem a fun way to take CBD, but it's a particularly inefficient method depending on your situation.
That's because eating or drinking your CBD means it will enter the bloodstream through the digestive system, so it will take a while—30 minutes or longer—before you feel it. If you need a quick anxiety relief, this might not be the best option.
However, taking one in the morning might help you feel relaxed throughout your day.
Some other commonly used methods for CBD administration are capsule form or cannabis flowers.
Having an understanding of how to use CBD different methods for anxiety also helps essentially to identify how quickly these cannabinoids start becoming effective and which one is best for your situation or lifestyle.
How To Choose The Best CBD Product For Anxiety?
Many CBD brands are available in the market for choosing a CBD product for anxiety. There are some factors that will make some CBD products better than others at reducing anxiety, if you select a quality product, you stand to gain the most benefit and safety.
Some important indicators – quality, safety, and transparency- help identify the best CBD products.
1. Type of extract
There are three different kinds of extracts available for making CBD products. CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, and broad-spectrum CBD.
Isolate is the purest form of CBD and is free of all other plant compounds, including THC.
Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the plant's natural compounds, including THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full spectrum, but all traces of THC have been removed.
2. Check The CBD And THC Amount
Look for products that show how much CBD (or cannabidiol, its full name) you get not just in the whole bottle but in each dose.
Dosages, which are expressed in milligrams, or mg, vary considerably depending on the form of the product, and experts often suggest starting with products that have relatively low doses to see how you respond to CBD.
If you purchase a product with full spectrum extract, watch closely for the THC content. Trace amounts will most likely not get you high, and it’s also unlikely that such quantities will make you fail a drug test, but possible.
However, the CBD product you should buy is the one that contains 0.3% THC or less. Otherwise, the product is illegal.
3. Additional Ingredients
Some CBD products for anxiety contain other ingredients to enhance the effects of CBD.
CBN: Is another cannabinoid that’s very relaxing and good for evening use and can be sedating for some.
Chamomile: A relaxing herb that is sometimes added to the evening and sleep CBD blends. It helps calm the mind but may be too potent for daytime use because Chamomile plant extract contains apigenin, a chemical compound that induces sleepiness.
L-theanine: Is known to promote relaxation by reducing stress and anxiety levels.
GABA: GABA is known for producing a calming effect. It's thought to play a major role in controlling anxiety, stress, and fear.
CBG: A beneficial cannabinoid that can keep you alert and energized during the day, while CBD calms anxiety and many believe that CBG's anti-anxiety benefits work best in combination with CBD for anxiety, stress, and depression.
4. Quality of the CBD Product
Take time to check the ingredients used in CBD products. The best CBD products mostly have 100% natural ingredients and no additives or artificial flavors.
Most especially, verify if the product has gone through third-party lab testing. Reputable CBD companies will ship out their products to accredited, third-party labs to be tested.
Then, they’ll make the testing results available to the public through certificates of analysis or COAs easily found on their website.
This is important because it lays out the different cannabinoids, terpenes, CBD amounts, THC levels, pesticides, and heavy metal content.
5. Watch Out for Vaping Products With Propylene Glycol
The concentrated oils used in vape pens of CBD might contain a solvent called propylene glycol.
When burned at high temperatures, propylene glycol can degrade into formaldehyde, a chemical that can irritate the nose and eyes and could increase the risk of asthma and cancer. To avoid this problem, consider CBD vape pens that advertise solvent-free oils.
Plus, reputable brands will not offer CBD vape products with harmful ingredients.
6. Read Customer Reviews
One way of finding out how reputable a company is, the quality of the product, and how well it works is to read customer reviews.
Start Low, Go Slow
CBD dosage is not one-size-fits-all. Everybody is different, and taking too much CBD can be just as ineffective as taking too little. Along with how fast the CBD works in easing the symptoms of anxiety will depend on the individual.
CBD has been shown to be safe even when taken in high doses of (300-600 mg), nonetheless, it’s advisable and more cost-effective to start with a low dose and increase it gradually, observing how you feel as you go. Maybe even writing down the dose and how you feel.
This method gets you to pay attention to subtle changes in your body as it responds to CBD. Everyone’s optimal dosage and tolerance are unique, and this process allows you to get acquainted with yours.
Some CBD Warnings To Be Aware Of
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.
- Not intended for use by anyone under 18 years of age.
- Consult your physician before use.
Most common Side Effects
CBD may also produce side effects, with dry mouth being the most common side effect reported by CBD user. Others include:
- Hunger 6%
- Euphoria (happiness) 6%
- Red eyes 3%
- Sleepy or groggy 2%
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to CBD for anxiety should be easy if you follow the tips outlined in this article.
With the positive effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on an individual’s anxiety issues, it’s not surprising that more and more people are turning to CBD.
Before purchasing CBD oil online or in local shops for anxiety symptoms, it is best to ensure it is from a reputable brand that’s open about its ingredients, lab testing, and manufacturing practices and has many positive reviews.
CBD dosage is not one-size-fits-all. Everybody is different, and taking too much CBD can be just as ineffective as taking too little, so it’s advisable and more cost-effective to start with a low dose and increase it gradually, observing how you feel as you go. Maybe even writing down the dose and how you feel.
CBD is perfect for people looking for a natural alternative to their anxiety medication that leaves them calm, worry-free, and finally in control, with little-to-no side effects.
Hello! We are writers here at Hemp Jubilation. We are a diverse small group of experienced CBD users. We strive to bring you the finest, up-to-date reviews and content on all things CBD.
We have been writing about CBD for more than 5 years and have tried and reviewed dozens of CBD products. We are knowledgeable about the popular CBD brands and products, the CBD industry as well as the science and research behind this popular natural remedy.