Cannabinidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound derived from the hemp plant that has gained popularity for its potential ability to help with a number of maladies and symptoms. Among the problems treated by CBD are anxiety and depression, and there are good studies to back up these findings. 

It has been shown through numerous studies that CBD oil tinctures, capsules and gummies, as well as other products, can help with anxious feelings, including the reduction of social anxiety, PTSD, OCD, restlessness, and insomnia. CBD can also help with depression in reducing depressive symptoms, both mental and physical, including dealing with chronic pain.

What is CBD?

CBD is one of more than a hundred compounds called cannabinoids. One of the most famous cannabinoids is THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana, but CBD oil comes not from marijuana but the hemp plant, a cousin on the cannabis family tree. CBD oil, by law, cannot have more than 0.03% THC in it, so CBD oil will not give you a psychoactive “high”. 

Can CBD Be Used For Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric conditions, though even if you’re not diagnosed with clinical anxiety, everyone suffers some amount of anxiety during their lives and everyone can benefit from the anti-anxiety benefits found in CBD oil. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that more than 19% of adults suffer from anxiety disorders, with the majority being women. 

Research says that CBD interacts with the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R), the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, and other receptors that regulate fear and anxiety. There is evidence that suggests CBD oil could potentially be used to effectively to help generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD).

What Studies Have Been Conducted Regarding CBD and Anxiety?

In a 2020 research study conducted in New Zealand with 400 participants, CBD was administered for a variety of complaints, including anxiety, but also cancer-related symptoms and neurological symptoms, and other mental health-related symptoms. After 3 weeks in the study, all groups reported an overall better quality of life. Those with anxiety and mental health conditions found that their ability to function day-to-day had improved and there was a reduction in their symptoms. 70% of participants rated the experience from good to excellent, and there was a small (9.9%) chance of adverse effects, mostly sedation and vivid dreams. Only 0.8% of the participants reported worsening symptoms. 

A further study in 2019 studied CBD oil’s effects on sleep and anxiety. Over the first two months of the study, 78-79% of participants reported improvements, while between 15-19% reported worsening symptoms.

Can CBD Be Used For Depression?

CBD’s improvement of symptoms of depression has also shown promise, particularly in the relief of anxiety, cognitive impairment, and problems with social engagement. CBD has also been shown to help with the physical manifestation of symptoms of depression, including chronic pain.

What Studies Have Been Done Linking CBD with the Decrease of Depression?

Low serotonin levels are connected to depression, and while CBD doesn’t necessarily boost serotonin levels, it can affect how your brain’s chemical receptors respond to the serotonin that already exists in the body. A 2014 study found that CBD’s effects on these receptors produced anti-depressant and anti-anxiety qualities. 

A follow up 2018 study found that CBD is found to reduce stress levels, which may reduce depression related to stress. 

An unrelated study from 2018 indicated that CBD could potentially be used as a fast-acting antidepressant.

What is the best CBD Oil For Anxiety and Depression?

Hara’s Healixer 1000 mg and 500 mg Broad Spectrum Tinctures were created to help those dealing with anxiety and depression symptoms. Flavored with 100% pure peppermint oil, and 100% THC-free, this CBD oil tincture is our best product for taking anxiety down a notch, and giving you a full night’s sleep. It may also help with the physical symptoms of anxiety and depression, including chronic pain and restlessness. 

Hara also offers CBD Nootropic Capsules, if that’s more to your taste, as well as CBD gummies (all of which are vegan).  All of these products contain cannabinoids that may positively affect your anxiety and depression symptoms and can help bring about a better quality of life. 

Have you tried CBD oil for your depression and anxiety?

Contact us today!