Anxiety is a common problem in these modern times with statistics putting it at approximately 1 out of 5 adults suffering from anxiety translating to about 18.1% of the population this is about 40 million people. Anxiety may occur in one or a combination of the following forms; generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder or social anxiety disorder

Anxiety has been known to co-exist with depression with 50% of diagnosed cases of depression testing positive to anxiety. A person suffering from anxiety may suffer from one or more of the following symptoms; insomnia, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, GI problems, a sense of impending danger, and increased heart rate.

There are various treatment options for anxiety but many cases go untreated, however, studies have shown positive results for hemp as a solution to anxiety. Hemp alleviates the symptoms of anxiety and anxiety as a whole.

But just what is hemp?

Hemp is a member of the cannabis family which also includes marijuana, while hemp might be similar to marijuana, their chemical composition is contrasting. The CBD concentration in hemp is very concentrated, this its primary element and is the focus of this article.

The major distinction between hemp and marijuana is that marijuana's primary element is THC with low amounts of CBD compared to hemp. Actually, marijuana increases anxiety and paranoia due to THC, the chemical responsible for the "high" from ingesting or smoking marijuana.

As opposed to marijuana, hemp contains only traces of THC, therefore consuming hemp products, for example, CBD oil and hemp gummies will not get you high if used as directed.

What is hemp oil?

The term CBD oil and hemp oil can substitute each other. There are different types of CBD and hemp oils. You can extract hemp oil using either ethanol or CO2.

How Hemp Derived CBD Treats anxiety

While research is inconclusive, the small scale research done suggests that anxiety can be treated by CBD oil. the majority of the studies performed have been done on animals only, therefore, the evidence is still scanty

A study conducted in 2011 showed had positive results to the same. The study involves 24 people and was given 600mg of CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before performing a test that simulated public speaking. 12 more test subjects were given the same test but without CBD. From the results, individuals who took CBD prior to the public speaking test were significantly less cognitively impaired, less anxious and more comfortable.

CBD Dosage for Anxiety

A study published in the Frontiers in Pharmacology claims that CBD follows a bell-curve. The current recommended dosage for CBD is 300mg as 100 and 900mg dosages did not have a substantial effect, however, research is still ongoing.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that CBD has shown positive results in animal models of stress and anxiety, reducing behavioral and physiological measures of anxiety such as heart measures.

CBD administered at some doses have to lead depression as a side effect. But is you should be careful and follow your dosage as recommended as 50% of people diagnosed with anxiety also have depression. It is prudent to always seek professional advice before using CBD oil or any dietary supplement.

Some dosages of CBD causes depression, you should, however, be careful as 50% of diagnoses individuals with anxiety also have depression. You should always consult a health professional before using any dietary supplements or CBD oil.

Hemp-derived CBD oil has a wide range of use besides treatment of anxiety. Research in the field show hemp-derived CBD oil as beneficial on the following:

  • Depression
  • Inflammation
  • Glaucoma
  • Epilepsy
  • Insomnia
  • Chronic pain
  • Parkinsons disease
  • Nausea
  • Acne

Further studies have found the potential for CBD oil to kill certain types of cancer cells and also it's potential to reduce the size of some tumors.

Is CBD Legal?

Marijuan-derived CBD oil is legal in only 8 states for both recreational and medicinal use while hemp derived CBD oil is legal in 50 states. The key factor to the legalization of these products is the THC content, THC causes impairment and its abundance in marijuana has made it difficult to be legalized in more states.

Verdict

CBD effects on anxiety are positive as research has shown, this could, therefore, be the answer to the over 40 million in the US alone suffering from anxiety, CBD could help them live a healthier and happier life free of the struggles from anxiety.

Disclaimer

The article's statement has not been assessed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not meant to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any disease.