5 Women Tell Us Exactly How They Use CBD For Anxiety
by Steffi Victorioso
Between taking care of our finances, staying healthy, and never setting foot outside again, we are more anxious than ever. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40 million adults in America suffer from anxiety, not counting people who haven’t reported their anxiety (or don’t know they have it). So it comes as no surprise that the number of natural anxiety remedies has exploded in the past few years. Everybody is looking for ways to curb their stress and anxiety without resorting to pharmaceuticals (not that there’s anything wrong with prescribed anxiety meds). And as we’re all trying to remain calm amidst the sea of our currently terrifying news cycles, remedies that work to curb unnecessary panic and spiraling are top of mind.
Is CBD An Effective Anxiety Treatment?
Clinical trials on CBD for anxiety are ongoing. However, there have been studies that support anecdotal evidence of CBD’s therapeutic effects on anxiety. A study done in 2010 found that CBD reduces social anxiety, while in 2011, a study done on patients with social anxiety disorder found that “CBD significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort” brought on by public speaking. A 2015 analysis found that CBD reduces anxiety behavior in disorders including generalized anxiety, panic disorders, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, and social anxiety. And in 2019, a study on anxiety and sleep concluded that “CBD displays promise as a tool for reducing anxiety.” Though these studies do show promise, they all suggest that more clinical trials should be performed to confirm CBD’s efficacy.
So I Think I Want To Try It. What Now?
If you do decide to try CBD for your anxiety, first, we recommend speaking with your doctor about any possible drug interactions. Though CBD has an excellent safety profile, is generally tolerated better than other psychiatric meds, and has no evidence of public health related problems, some side effects have been reported.
Second, it’s important to be diligent and do research into what you’re buying and where you’re buying it from. Because the FDA doesn’t regulate non-prescription CBD products, it can be difficult to determine the quality and amount of CBD or other ingredients are in that product. (Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved CBD product.) Check that it comes from a reputable brand and has been tested by an independent third-party lab. Every CBD brand’s test results should be accessible through their website.
If you’re wondering where to buy CBD, you’re in luck. Hemp-derived CBD is now federally legal in all 50 states, and it’s becoming a lot more accessible. But because state laws on cannabis may vary, you may not be able to find CBD at a store or dispensary near you. If that’s the case, go online. Most CBD brands and several online retailers will ship to all 50 states.
For your first time, start with a low dose - possibly around 10mg of CBD or less - and see how well it works for you, then adjust accordingly. If you decide to take it daily, you might experience an increase in CBD tolerance. The time it takes to feel the effects of CBD varies depending on the method of delivery. Oils and tinctures taken sublingually will start to take effect anywhere from 15-30 minutes. With edibles (food or capsules), it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or longer to feel the full effects. If you’re using a topical for pain or skin conditions, the time required to take effect will vary depending on the concentration and other active ingredients.
In case you’re wondering what to expect, we spoke with five women about their experiences taking CBD for their anxiety.