Introduction
Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health concerns in the U.S., affecting millions of people daily. While pharmaceutical medications are commonly used for treatment, they typically have harsh, unwanted side effects. Those looking for a more natural solution often end up exploring CBD for anxiety relief. But can CBD really help reduce anxiety? This article covers the most frequently asked questions about CBD for anxiety, as well as what to look for when choosing a CBD product and how to properly use CBD.
If you’re new to CBD, you may want to check out our CBD For Beginners blog for more information.
Disclaimer: CBD is not a miracle drug, and research on its effects is still ongoing. Always consult a doctor prior to beginning a new wellness regimen. While CBD may help, the rule of thumb is to start low and go slow until you know how it affects your body and your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions Abut CBD & Anxiety
1. What is CBD for anxiety and how does it help?
CBD is one of over 100 compounds found naturally in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive – meaning it does not produce a “high”. Instead, it interacts with the body’s ECS (endocannabinoid system), which is a complex cell-signaling system that regulates major functions like sleep, mood and stress. Research has found that CBD may help with anxiety by influencing serotonin (the body’s “feel-good” chemical) receptors, cortisol (stress hormone) levels and GABA (neurotransmitter) activity to promote a sense of calmness, wellbeing and relaxation. View sources here and here.
2. How long will CBD take to work for anxiety?
The time it takes for CBD to work for anxiety varies depending on a number of factors, including method of consumption, dosage and your individual body composition.
The typical onset times for different methods of consumption are:
CBD oil/tinctures: these are taken sublingually (under the tongue). Expect to feel effects within 15-45 minutes.
CBD gummies/edibles: these products are consumed orally and the CBD needs to pass through the digestive system, so effects can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how quickly your body processes it.
CBD vapes: inhaled directly into the lungs, so the CBD enters your bloodstream quickly. Almost immediate effects, usually within 2-10 minutes.
Other factors that affect CBD’s onset time include:
- Metabolism – if you are fortunate to have a fast metabolism, you will feel CBD’s effects more quickly
- Dosage – higher dosages of CBD may lead to faster effects
- Presence of food – taking CBD on an empty stomach may lead to faster effects
3. What CBD is best for anxiety?
Full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD products are generally the best choice for anxiety, due to their potential to produce the ‘entourage effect’ – a phenomenon where all the parts of the plant work together to amplify each other’s effects. Both full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD products retain most of the components of the hemp plant – including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which may make them more effective. Full-spectrum CBD, like Cibadol 1800mg CBD oil, contains a tiny amount of THC (up to 0.3% – not enough to produce a high), whereas broad-spectrum CBD products, like Wyld CBD gummies, have had the THC removed but retain all the other components of the plant. CBD isolate (products where everything except CBD has been removed), like Valley Medicinals 3000mg CBD oil, is another option for those who cannot have any trace of THC in their system – though it may require a higher dose for optimal effectiveness.
4. How much CBD should I take for anxiety, and how often?
There is no standardized dosing for using CBD therapeutically for anxiety, and doses will vary depending on the person and their needs. The best advice is always to start low and go slow until you find your CBD “sweet spot” and feel your best. CBD can be taken multiple times per day, based on your needs – many people take CBD in the morning for stress management and again at night for sleep support.
5. Can I take CBD with my prescription anxiety medication?
Always consult your doctor before combining CBD with prescription medications, as they can help you determine if CBD is a good option for you. Some studies show that CBD may affect how certain medications are metabolized in the body, which may alter the effectiveness of anti-anxiety medications.
6. Where can I buy CBD for anxiety?
If you’ve ever wondered “where can I find a dispensary near me?” you’ve come to the right place. The Farmacy Botanical Shoppe is a CBD and THC dispensary in San Antonio that has become a trusted source for high quality hemp products and education. Our curated collection of safe, legal, lab tested CBD and THC products are carefully chosen to support your wellness journey, with many of our products made right here in Texas. Customers use our CBD oils and gummies for a variety of wellness needs, including stress and anxiety, relaxation and sleep support. You can shop our products available for in-store purchase or same-day local CBD delivery in San Antonio.
How To Use CBD For Anxiety
If you’re considering CBD for anxiety relief, here are some tips for safe and effective use:
- Choose the right CBD product for your needs:
- CBD Oils/Tinctures: Taken under the tongue for fast absorption & quick relief
- CBD Gummies or Capsules: A tasty, convenient option but takes longer for effects (within 30-90 minutes)
- CBD Vape Products: Fastest-acting – inhaled directly into the lungs
- CBD Topicals: Not recommended for anxiety, as they don’t enter the bloodstream
- Find the right dosage
Since CBD affects everyone differently, there is no “one-size-fits-all” dosage for CBD. Research suggests starting with 10-20 milligrams per day and increasing or adjusting as necessary until you reach your “sweet spot” of feeling your best.
- Consider your timing
CBD is most effective when taken on a consistent basis. For general anxiety try taking CBD once or twice per day and adjust your timing and frequency as needed until desired results are achieved. For situational anxiety or one-off events (like public speaking or flying), take CBD 30-60 minutes ahead of the event to allow time for onset.
- Purchase from a reputable retailer
Not all CBD products are created equal so it’s important to purchase from a reputable retailer. When visiting a CBD shop in San Antonio or anywhere else, be sure they have third-party lab reports available to confirm the purity, potency and absence of contaminants in their CBD products. At The Farmacy Botanical Shoppe, all products are tested for quality and safety, with each product’s lab report (COA) clearly posted online.
What To Look For When Choosing A CBD Product
When buying CBD for anxiety, it doesn’t have to be a stressful or overwhelming experience – just keep the following tips in mind when you shop:
- Look for products with clear labeling with no medical claims
The label should clearly state the CBD content per serving or the total amount of CBD in the package (brands may do this either or both ways). The label should also list all ingredients in the product and include a QR code that can be scanned to access the product’s COA (certificate of analysis or lab report, showing the cannabinoid breakdown in the product). Because CBD is not yet FDA-approved for medical treatment, companies are not allowed to make medical claims about CBD products – so beware of any CBD product with unverified medical claims on the label.
- Make sure the product is third-party lab tested
As mentioned above, when you buy CBD online or in a retail store it’s important to make sure the product you’re purchasing has been tested for potency and purity in an independent, third-party lab. This ensures the product contains the advertised amount of CBD and is free from harmful contaminants. The Farmacy Botanical Shoppe has lab reports (COAs) for all our products clearly posted on our website.
- Check the CBD concentration (or strength)
The amount of CBD included in the product (i.e. the concentration or strength) should be clearly listed on the label. CBD products typically contain anywhere from 100 milligrams of CBD up to 3,000+ milligrams. It’s important to make sure the product you select has the proper CBD concentration for your intended use or desired effects.
- Select the right type of product
CBD products come in a variety of forms like oils, gummies, topicals and vapes. As discussed above, each form has its own benefits so it’s important to choose the type of product that works best for your needs and lifestyle. When using CBD for anxiety, oils, gummies or vapes will be most effective and a topical product would not be recommended, as CBD topicals do not enter the bloodstream. For those who are not subject to drug testing, a full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD product is recommended.
Conclusion
As hemp research continues, we are learning more about how CBD for anxiety and how it may be used effectively. Results will vary from person to person depending on dosage, product type and quality, and consistency of use. If you’re interested in using CBD for anxiety, look for a high quality product from a reputable retailer, start with a low dose and increase gradually, and always consult with your doctor prior to beginning a new wellness regimen.
If you’re ready to get started with premium quality, lab tested CBD to help you live your best life, naturally – explore The Farmacy Botanial Shoppe’s CBD products online or visit us in-store today.