Does CBD help with stress?

The modern lifestyle causes states of anxiety and stress that can compromise psycho-physical well-being; therefore, finding a remedy that is both effective and natural is extremely important.

Cannabidiol , more commonly known as CBD, is a natural substance that is extracted from cannabis sativa and which, according to some studies, can be of great help in fighting not only stress, but also depression.

The fact that it is extracted, like THC , from hemp, could raise concerns that it is a psychotropic substance and that its consumption is prohibited by law. In reality this is not the case.

In this article we will try to understand what CBD is and how it can help fight stress.

What is cannabidiol

Let’s face it right away: CBD, although extracted from cannabis sativa, is not a psychotropic or hallucinogenic substance and its use is not prohibited. On the contrary, in 2019 the WHO, underlining the beneficial effects of cannabidiol for the body, asked for its deletion from the list in which harmful and non-therapeutic drugs are reported.

But what exactly is it?

CBD is a natural molecule that, when taken , enters directly into communication with some receptors present in the endocannabinoid system of our body, in particular with the Cb1 and Cb2 receptors. The interaction favors the regularization of the endocannabinoid system, improving the functioning of the organism from various points of view.

Among the numerous recognized positive effects we find the mitigation of anxiety and stress states, thanks to its anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. CBD is also an excellent remedy for insomnia, as it manages to make the alternation between sleep and wakefulness more regular.

Taking CBD does not cause hallucinations and is legal

As we have already said, CBD can be taken without particular problems , as it does not cause mental alteration or hallucinogenic states. It is not in fact a psychotropic substance. For this reason, its consumption is legal throughout the European Union.

To be legal, however, CBD must be extracted from cannabis sativa that contains a very low percentage of THC, another substance present in the plant, but, yes, this one has hallucinogenic properties. Specifically, the maximum THC percentage cannot exceed 0.2%.

What is THC

We mentioned THC, which is why we believe it is right to say a few words on this molecule as well, so as to dispel any doubts about it.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabidiol , known as THC, is in effect a psychotropic and hallucinogenic substance . Its intake causes altered states of mind and, for this reason, its consumption is prohibited. Nonetheless, THC has also been recognized as having important therapeutic properties worthy of note, such as neuroprotective, analgesic and anti-hematic properties.

THC, unlike CBD, can be addictive.

CBD for stress relief

Now that we know what CBD is and why it can be taken without problems, let’s try to better understand how it works on our body to reduce stress and anxiety.

There are numerous studies that have made it possible to discover the numerous beneficial properties of cannabidiol and, among these, there are also some that have evaluated its effectiveness in the treatment of stress and even depression. There are not many studies in this regard, but they can help us understand if and how CBD can help us.

The journal Neuroterapeuthics published in 2015 a review of 49 studies edited by some researchers of the New York School Medicine, entitled “ Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders ”. The results that emerged showed that cannabidiol is really able to reduce anxiety even when these derive from post-traumatic stress or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Among the research examined we find, for example, one from 2011 which analyzed the properties of CBD to reduce social anxiety and, specifically, the one you feel when you have to speak in front of the public. The study involved 24 people: half were given CBD, while the other half took a placebo.

The exam assessed, among other things, the participants’ blood pressure and heart rate, comparing it to that of 12 other people who did not suffer from social phobia. The results were encouraging, as people who had taken CBD experienced a greater reduction in anxiety and stress than those who took the placebo, coming significantly closer to those who did not suffer from this phobia.

CBD against stress: how to take it

CBD can therefore be a valuable aid for those suffering from stress and anxiety. Natural and free of serious contraindications, it can be taken without any danger to health.

But what is the best way to take this substance?

Those who take CBD to reduce anxiety prefer CBD oil , which is easy to use and full of benefits. CBD oil is extracted from light hemp using carbon dioxide or using other techniques capable of preserving all the active ingredients of this precious molecule.

The intake of CBD oil takes place by placing a few drops of the product under the tongue, an area rich in blood vessels, able to immediately absorb the preparation and immediately put it into circulation.

The product can be taken at any time of the day, but it is important to avoid abusing it. Like any other product, CBD, when taken in excessive doses, can cause problems. In particular, excessive intake can cause nausea, dry mouth, headache and sleepiness. Only in rare cases can it cause allergies.

In addition to the form of oil, CBD can be taken in tablets, capsules or as a liquid for electronic cigarettes .

Where to buy CBD

Cannabidiol can be purchased both online and from specialized retailers . Before purchasing the product, it is important to make sure of the seriousness of the seller and the quality of the products on sale, so as not to run into problems of various kinds, from the non-purity of the product to

too high amounts of THC, which would make the products not only illegal, but also potentially harmful, as they could cause altered states of consciousness and addiction.

We advise you to deepen your knowledge of CBD on this excellent online encyclopedia where you can find a lot of information on cannabidiol .