• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Marked by chronic, excessive worry about everyday events. Individuals with GAD often anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about health, finances, family, or work.
• Panic Disorder: Characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear that peak within minutes and include symptoms like rapid heartbeat, trembling, shortness of breath, or a fear of going crazy.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: A fear of social situations, causing significant distress and impaired ability to function in at least some daily activities.
• Phobias: Intense fears about specific objects or situations, such as heights, spiders, or flying.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurring irrational thoughts leading to specific, repeated behaviors.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety following traumatic events like warfare, physical assault, or natural disasters.

Symptoms and Effects

Anxiety affects both the mind and body, and symptoms can vary. Common signs include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing, or hyperventilation
• Increased or heavy sweating
• Trembling or muscle twitching
• Feeling weak or tired
• Difficulty focusing
• Sleep disturbances
• Avoidance behavior

For many, these symptoms can become debilitating, making it challenging to lead a normal life. It's also worth noting that long-term chronic anxiety can have health implications, such as heart issues, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory conditions.

Causes and Triggers

The exact cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood, but they're likely a combination of several factors:

• Genetics: Anxiety disorders can run in families.
• Brain Chemistry: Neurotransmitters play a pivotal role. When out of balance, mood and anxiety levels can be affected.
• Personality: Those with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders.
• Life Events: Traumatic events can trigger anxiety disorders.
• Other Mental Health Disorders: Depression often coexists with an anxiety disorder.

CBD: A Detailed Overview

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, stands out as one of over 100 naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant. While cannabis might be most famed for its psychoactive effects mainly due to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD carves a different path, setting itself apart in significant ways.

Origins and Extraction

CBD is primarily extracted from two sources:

• Industrial Hemp: This variant of the cannabis plant contains higher levels of CBD and minimal THC. Most CBD products available in the market come from industrial hemp because of its low THC content, typically less than 0.3%, ensuring no intoxication.
• Cannabis or Marijuana: Although CBD can also be derived from marijuana, products from this source might contain higher THC levels, making them illegal in some jurisdictions and potentially psychoactive.

How CBD Works in the Body

CBD primarily interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the body, influencing functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, immune response, and pain. CBD doesn't bind directly to the main receptors in the ECS (CB1 and CB2) but rather modulates their activity. This modulation can result in various potential therapeutic outcomes.

Forms and Administration

CBD's versatility is reflected in its myriad of applications:

• Oils and Tinctures: These are taken sublingually, where the compound is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
• Edibles: CBD-infused food products, such as gummies or chocolates.
• Topicals: Creams or balms for direct skin application, often used for localized pain relief.
• Vape Concentrates: Inhaled CBD, which provides a more immediate but potentially short-lived effect.
• Capsules and Pills: Often used for systematic treatment of conditions like seizures or digestive issues.

Potential Therapeutic Uses

Beyond its potential for alleviating anxiety, CBD has been researched for various therapeutic applications, including:

• Pain relief
• Reduction of seizures in epilepsy
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Sleep aid
• Reduction of psychotic symptoms

CBD Dosages for Anxiety: Finding the Right Amount

When exploring the question, “Does CBD help with anxiety?”, dosage becomes a crucial factor. Finding the correct dose can make all the difference in its efficacy and safety.

Starting Low and Going Slow

A common mantra among health professionals and CBD enthusiasts is to “start low and go slow.” Given the varied reactions individuals can have to CBD, it's advisable to begin with a lower dose and gradually increase until desired effects are achieved.

Factors Influencing Dosage

Several factors can impact how much CBD one should take for anxiety:

1. Body weight: Typically, heavier individuals may require a higher dose than lighter ones.
2. Body chemistry: Individual metabolic rates and endocannabinoid system functioning can influence CBD's effects.
3. Severity of anxiety: Those with more severe anxiety symptoms may require a higher dosage, but it's always essential to consult a physician.
4. Form of CBD: Different CBD products, such as oils, edibles, or vapes, may have varying dosages and absorption rates.

General Guidelines

While there's no one-size-fits-all dosage, some general recommendations exist:

• Mild anxiety: 10-20mg per day.
• Moderate anxiety: 20-40mg per day.
• Severe anxiety: 40-60mg per day, with some cases requiring up to 100mg.

However, it's essential to remember these are merely guidelines. Always consult with a healthcare professional, particularly when using CBD in conjunction with other medications.

Monitoring and Adjusting

After starting a CBD regimen for anxiety, individuals should monitor their feelings and symptoms. If after several days or weeks, there's no noticeable improvement, or if side effects occur, it might be time to adjust the dosage or reconsider the use of CBD.

CBD and Anxiety: What Does the Science Say?

Preliminary research suggests that CBD might be beneficial for anxiety:

• Serotonin Pathways: CBD is believed to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, a neurotransmitter crucial for mood and anxiety.
• Brain Scans: Studies have shown changes in blood flow to regions of the brain associated with anxiety after CBD intake.

Hippocampal Neurogenesis: The hippocampus is a critical brain region for cognition and mood. Some evidence indicates that CBD might promote the birth of new neurons in the hippocampus, a process potentially beneficial for anxiety disorders.

• Animal Studies: While animal models can't fully replicate human emotions, studies on rodents have consistently shown that CBD can reduce anxiety-like behaviors.

Personal Testimonies and Experiences

Beyond clinical studies, many individuals have turned to CBD as a natural remedy for anxiety, with varied results:

• Positive Reports: Numerous users have credited CBD with reduced panic attacks, a calmer demeanor, and better sleep.
• Neutral or Negative Experiences: On the other hand, some users report little to no effect, and a few have even experienced heightened anxiety. This variance underscores the importance of individualized responses and the need for more comprehensive research.

Expert Opinions and Recommendations

Medical professionals and researchers express cautious optimism:

• Dosage Matters: It's believed that CBD's effects on anxiety might be dose-dependent, with different quantities offering varied results.
• Potential Interactions: Like any therapeutic, CBD might interact with other medications, particularly those for anxiety. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial.
• Research is Ongoing: While early results are promising, the consensus is clear—more robust, long-term studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Potential Side Effects

CBD is generally well-tolerated, but it's not without potential side effects:

• Physical Reactions: Dizziness, changes in appetite, and dry mouth have been reported.
• Mental Effects: Some users have reported mood swings or increased anxiety, although these reactions are less common.
• Drug Interactions: Those on medication for anxiety, in particular, should be wary of potential interactions and consult with a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

“Does CBD help with anxiety?” is a question with no definitive answer—yet. Early research, coupled with individual testimonials, paints a hopeful picture, but the journey to understanding CBD's full potential against anxiety is still unfolding. As always, consult with a medical professional before making any changes to your health regimen.

Where to Buy CBD Online

Pure Spectrum CBD

Established in 2015, Pure Spectrum CBD is an online CBD store that serves customers throughout America and offers free shipping for orders over $100.

Their product range comes in four categories: pure CBD and CBDA isolates, tinctures, hemp seed oil, and CBD for pets. All their CBD products are hemp based and contain less than 0.3% THC, which means that they are not intoxicating. The company is committed to organic cultivation practices and high processing standards including third-party testing.

Kanibi

Established in 2019, Kanibi is an online CBD store that's committed to “raising the bar” on CBD standards. Their product range is diverse, even including CBD chewing gum and sports creams. They also offer high potency CBD up to 1,500 mgs. All their CBD products are made from hemp that is grown in the US using organic practices.

They believe that CBD manufacturing process should be transparent, meaning they double-test every single one of their products never contain artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners,  or dyes. To top things off they offer free shipping on domestic orders exceeding $100.

Zatural

Established in 2018, Zatural was started by a naturopathic doctor and offers CBD products in three categories: recovery & relief, mood support, and sleep. They go the extra mile to offer free shipping on domestic orders over $5. This company has been featured on several reputable media outlets including WebMD, Men’s Journal, US Weekly, and Ministry of Hemp. What we love most about this company is the extensive and creative product range.

Zatural's extensive list of products is sourced from trusted sources here in the U.S. and worldwide. Each product is organically grown and is free from harmful chemicals and additives. Zatural products are third-party tested to ensure each product is safe.