THC Free CBD oil for Anxiety — Does it Work?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a chemical that naturally occurs in cannabis plants like marijuana or hemp. Tons of research is being conducted to understand the purpose and usefulness of CBD in alleviating anxiety and its effects. But before we get to the research findings, it’s important to understand the fundamental difference between CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another type of cannabinoid. TCH is the compound in marijuana that produces the feelings of intoxication or “highness” that many people associate with the cannabis plants. In sharp contrast, CBD doesn’t produce the same psychoactive effects. 

How CBD Works 

Your body has a network of receptors (protein-based structures) that interact with various stimuli. CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the nervous system. Although the way they interact with the receptors in the brain is still unknown, it’s possible that they may alter serotonin signals. 

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in mental health. Since low serotonin levels are often associated with people suffering from depression, it becomes easy to see how THC free CBD oil may be useful for the treatment of anxiety. 

The traditional treatment for low serotonin levels, and by extension depression, is using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac. But there are some people who have managed to get their anxiety under control using THC free CBD oil for anxiety instead of a drug like Prozac or other serotonin inhibitors. 

The Research and Evidence 

The National institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that CBD can reduce stress in rats and other animals, making it potentially beneficial to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Subjects in the study were observed to have lower behavioral signs of anxiety, including an elevated heart rate. 

People with other forms of anxiety like social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also benefit greatly from CBD. It’s proving to be particularly useful for alleviating PTSD symptoms, including nightmares and the replaying of memories associated with the traumatic event. 

CBD for the Treatment of other Neurological Disorders 

There have also been extensive studies in relation to CBD and the treatment of other neurological disorders. Although one of these studies concluded that there’s not enough evidence that CBD can be effective against depression, there is plenty of evidence that it may be effective against other neurological disorders. 

For example, a 2016 study found that CBD can have antipsychotic effects on people suffering from schizophrenia. In addition to the benefits, CBD is less likely to have some of the side effects associated with traditional antipsychotic drugs. 

It is, however, important to note that CBD can interact with some other medications and dietary supplements to produce less than desirable effects. Before taking CDB or substituting any form of treatment with CBD, always speak to your doctor. You should especially avoid using CBD if you’re on blood thinners or any other medication that comes with a grapefruit warning.