CBD for Anxiety

CBD for Anxiety
We all experience some degree of anxiety in our daily lives but for some people anxiety is debilitating. Researchers are studying whether CBD (cannabidiol) is useful to treat anxiety and there are some very promising results. Here’s some info on using CBD to self-treat anxiety. We always welcome your questions at Wellness Medical Supplies & Mobility Equipment, in Anaheim, California.

What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting about 18% of the adult population in the U.S. The World Health Organization states that anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in global terms.
Anxiety can include generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
These complaints are highly treatable, but only about 37% of people suffering anxiety seek treatment, which is usually in the form of psychotherapy, medication, or a combination. Increasingly, people are pursuing the option of self-treatment with products like CBD.
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Can CBD Mitigate Anxiety?
A 2018 survey indicated that nearly 62% of CBD users are self-treating a medical condition, with pain, anxiety, and depression being the top three complaints they are addressing.
Evidence suggests CBD is generally a safe, well-tolerated treatment. However, it’s important to note that studies are in the very early stages and the field is constantly evolving. Studies can vary widely in terms of population size and dosage.

Evaluating Dosage
CBD is considered a bidirectional medicine, meaning it can cause opposing responses at different doses. For example, a small dose may help with sleep while a large dose is stimulating, or vice versa. The FDA is still evaluating CBD and its cumulative effects on the body as it prepares to develop guidelines. There have been no large-scale clinical trials to inform dosage guidelines yet.

Go Low and Slow
The best strategy for self-medicating is starting low and going slow. Consider it an opportunity to tune in to your body and its subtle changes. Optimal dose and individual tolerance can vary widely, so accept that this is a process, not a one-and-done experience. You should also consider your body weight, your metabolism, the severity of your anxiety, and any past experience with CBD as you pursue your ideal dosage. Start with a low dose and increase it incrementally, paying close attention to your reaction.

Potential Interactions
There is some evidence that CBD may interact with several medications, so people taking prescription drugs should consult their physician before beginning a self-medication program.

CBD Research Continues
This is an exciting time in the evolution of CBD as medicine. Experts recognize the need for large-scale, high-quality clinical trials to establish standard dosing and clinical usage guidelines for CBD. Here at Wellness Medical Supplies & Mobility Equipment, we urge consumers to take a curious and active role in their use of CBD by reading the latest research and continuously evaluating their own responses. If you’ve got any questions, please contact our team at our two locations in Anaheim and La Palma, California.