The Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Anxiety

Anxiety is quite prevalent in the UK and a report released in 2022 by the Mental Health Organisation revealed that the high cost of living is partly to blame. Consequently, anxious and stressed employees miss work, which affects the labour market. 

While research is still ongoing, CBD oil for anxiety is becoming quite popular, and user feedback has shown great results. In fact, people who travel a lot use CBD oil for flight anxiety. 

CBD oil comes from hemp plants and is THC-free. THC is a main component in cannabis plants and it usually has an intoxicating effect on users. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can actually cause anxiety. 

However, due to the lack of THC, CBD products in the UK typically improve feelings of anxiety and depression rather than cause them. 

But how does CBD oil work? What are the pros and cons of CBD oil for anxiety? 

Let’s find out!

How Does CBD Oil Work?

CBD works by interacting with receptors in your nervous system. Simply put, receptors are protein-based chemical structures usually attached to body cells. These receptors are responsible for your mood and feelings. 

It is thought that CBD reacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body, affecting serotonin levels. Now, serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for your mental health. 

What Does CBD Oil Do For Anxiety?

Low serotonin levels are the main cause of depression and anxiety. Medically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to treat anxiety. 

While SSRIs are great treatments, they may have side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhoea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and agitation in the long run. 

People have reported great results with CBD oil for anxiety. Studies have shown that CBD reduces general anxiety, social anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. 

Is CBD effective for treating anxiety?

A recent study revealed that CBD effectively treats anxiety at doses ranging between 300 to 600 mg.

Another 2019 research by a research institute in Japan indicates that cannabidiol can reverse symptoms of anxiety. Specifically, the test was done on teenagers with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Teenagers who underwent CBD treatment for anxiety showed a lot of improvement within 4 weeks. 

Are There Downsides to CBD Oil?

While more research regarding the long-term effects of CBD is still ongoing, CBD is considered safe. According to a World Health Organization report, CBD is generally well tolerated among patients. 

Some of the reported side effects occur due to drug-to-drug interactions if a patient takes other prescription medications alongside CBD.

CBD has been known to interact with drugs that treat blood clots, antihistamines, antidepressants, opioids, and antipsychotics. If you are on any of these medications, it’s crucial to consult your GP before taking CBD oil for anxiety.

Intake of CBD in very high dosages is also linked to liver damage. This is especially dangerous if you’re on other medications because when the liver gets damaged, it affects how it metabolises other drugs. 

Another common problem occurs if patients buy CBD that is adulterated. A recent study on 84 samples of CBD products sold online revealed that most sellers don’t sell quality products. Out of the samples, 70% had wrong labels, 40% had more CBD than indicated, 26% had less CBD content than labelled, and 20% of the samples had high THC content than advertised. 

Low-quality CBD oil can cause downsides such as loss of appetite, drowsiness, dry mouth, diarrhoea, vomiting, headaches, hallucinations, seizures, confusion, and agitation. 

At Prym Health, your health and safety are our top priorities. Our commitment is to maintain the same quality products that are non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and THC-free. All our products are lab-tested, and what we advertise is what you get. 

How To Use CBD Oil For Anxiety

Studies have shown that the best dosage of CBD oil for anxiety is between 40 milligrams to 300 milligrams a day. This huge difference in dosage requirements implies that different dosages work for different patients depending on their particular needs. 

As a general rule of thumb, always start small and increase your dosage until you find what works best for you. If you are not sure about the correct dosage for your anxiety, consult a pharmacist or GP for guidance. A medical professional will also advise if you have other medications that could potentially interact with CBD. 

It is also important to note that you shouldn’t ditch your prescribed medicines for CBD oil, and CBD shouldn’t be used as a treatment for a long-term anxiety condition. 

How To Choose The Best CBD Oil for Anxiety

Are you going through a situation that is giving you anxiety and panic attacks? CBD oil can help alleviate these feelings. But then, with so many CBD oils being sold online, choosing the best products can be daunting. 

At Prym Health, we like to think of ourselves as your go-to for all CBD health supplements. We have two CBD oils that differ in strength, depending on what you need.

Our 1200mg CBD oil drops are the stronger dose, while our 600mg CBD oil drops have a lower strength. Both products are made using CBD distillate, coconut MCT oil, and mint flavouring. They are also THC-free, vegan-friendly, and made using naturally obtained raw materials. 

We recommend taking CBD oil twice daily, in the morning and in the evening. Usually, 2-4 drops of the oil are sufficient. However, if you want to take CBD oil for anxiety and find this occurs mostly during the day, you can take it only in the morning before you go about your daily activities. 

If you’re a beginner, we recommend that you start with the lower dosage of 600mg and increase your strength with time. If you have any doubts regarding the strengths, don’t hesitate to consult your GP or pharmacist. 

Round-Up: The Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Anxiety

Most people deal with anxiety at different levels. CBD can help you deal with anxiety if you take it in the right dosages. CBD for anxiety works by interacting with brain receptors that, in turn, increase serotonin levels in your body. Balanced serotonin levels improve your mood and feelings in general. 

In summary, here are the pros and cons of CBD oil for anxiety. 

Pros of taking CBD Oil for Anxiety

• Better sleep quality
• Improved mood
• Enhances relaxation
• Treats pain 
• Alleviates feelings of anxiety and depression

Cons of taking CBD Oil for Anxiety

• Low-quality CBD oil can cause unpleasant side effects
• May interact with prescribed medications