Cannabidiol (CBD) is the primary non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis plant, capable of exerting beneficial effect in a wide range of disorders including anxiety. Recent in vivo studies demonstrate the activation and modulation of the serotonin receptor (5-HT)1A through CBD treatment, confirming the therapeutic potential of this phytocannabinoid in mood regulation. [1] A plethora of CBD products targeted to reduce anxiety can be found on the market, going from full spectrum oils to pure CBD isolate. A full spectrum CBD oil contains multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other cannabis constituents, which synergistically can increase CBD health benefits. In the form of isolate, CBD exerts its therapeutic potential without the interference of other cannabis compounds, but can be more difficult to find the right effective dosage. However CBD isolate is suitable for people who prefer a product without tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), even if it is present at low percentages. THC has been associated with anxiogenic response at high doses, but for those who are sensitive to this psychoactive molecule, uptaking even only traces could be counterproductive for anxiety treatment. [2] It is recommended to choose a pure CBD oil instead of a full spectrum one if we are intended to relief anxiety feelings and we are in doubt with our sensitivity to THC. A broad-spectrum CBD oil contains all cannabis constituents except THC, but it should be noticed that some THC-free labels could still contains residues of this molecule. When choosing a CBD product for anxiety treatment it is important to consider the composition and the percentage of CBD in order to evaluate the effectiveness: it is better to start from a less concentrated extract and increase the dosage once we understand how our body reacts. If CBD inflorescences are vaped or smoked, the beneficial effect will be perceived faster than if we ingest CBD oil. Nevertheless, dosing CBD extracts it’s easier and leads to progressive effects which can last longer.
CBD is a natural, non-addictive and effective molecule to manage anxiety and doesn’t induce negative effects. So the only way of choosing the right product is to consider the composition, the reliability of the producing and analysing companies, the personal sensitivity to the active constituents and the preferred administration way.
References:
[1] De Gregorio D. et al. Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and prevents allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain. PAIN, (2018); doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001386 [Journal Impact Factor = 6.961] [Times cited = 121][2] Sharpe L. et al. Cannabis, a cause for anxiety? A critical appraisal of the anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties. Journal of Translational Medicine, (2020); 18(1), 374–. doi:10.1186/s12967-020-02518-2 [Journal Impact Factor =4.197] [Times cited = 5]
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