Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health challenge facing Canadians today, with over 6 million people struggling with excessive worry, panic attacks, insomnia, and other debilitating symptoms. The good news is that a natural remedy – CBD oil – shows great promise in reducing anxiety.
Understanding CBD Oil and How It Works
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 100 active compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, the most famous cannabinoid known for causing a marijuana “high”, CBD is completely non-intoxicating and non-addictive.
When ingested, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that help regulate vital functions like mood, pain perception, inflammation, sleep, and more. Research indicates that CBD can reduce anxiety by altering serotonin receptors, lowering stress by reducing heart rate and blood pressure, relaxing the body through the parasympathetic nervous system, and regulating healthy sleep cycles.
CBD oil contains a CBD extract suspended in a carrier oil, usually hemp seed or coconut oil. It comes in a range of concentrations, from low doses of 5mg per dose to high potencies over 100mg per dose. People take CBD oil under the tongue, incorporate it into food, vaporize it, use it topically, and more.
Why Choose CBD Oil for Treating Anxiety?
Anxiety comes in many forms, from generalized anxiety disorder to panic disorder, phobias, PTSD and OCD. No matter the type, research shows CBD holds promise for alleviating anxiety symptoms by:
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Easing stress quickly by lowering blood pressure and cortisol levels
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Lifting mood through interactions with serotonin receptors
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Promoting relaxation and calm through the parasympathetic nervous system
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Lessening anxiety triggers by reducing inflammation in the brain
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Regulating fight-or-flight response by altering amygdala reactivity
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Improving sleep quality and duration, critical factors in limiting anxiety
CBD also helps mitigate anxiety brought on by public speaking, first dates, work presentations, travel, and other situations. Studies found 600mg doses of CBD reduced social anxiety symptoms significantly compared to placebo.
Compared to anxiety medications like benzodiazepines, CBD offers several advantages:
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A wider therapeutic window between effective and excessive doses
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Lower risk of addiction, dependency, or abuse
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Minimal side effects and low toxicity
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Synergy with other anxiety treatments and therapies
For those seeking natural plant medicines, CBD oil provides an alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals.
Legal Access to CBD Oil in Canada
In October 2018, Canada passed Bill C-45, legalizing cannabis for recreational use nationwide. This law allows CBD to be sold legally, as long as products contain less than 0.3% THC. CBD oil, capsules, vapes, edibles, and other products are now available to consumers over 18.
Each province regulates retail sales differently. Adults can often find CBD at licensed cannabis dispensaries, vape shops, pharmacies, and health food stores. Reputable Canadian CBD brands also sell online and ship to all provinces. Despite federal legalization, buyers should research local laws, as rules continue to evolve.
With so many CBD oil products entering the Canadian market, quality varies greatly. Seek out brands that provide third-party lab test results to ensure purity, safety, and CBD levels. Only purchase Health Canada approved products from licensed producers.
Finding Your Optimal CBD Oil Dosage
Since CBD affects each person differently, there is no universal dosage. While studies use doses between 20-1500mg per day, it’s best to start low and increase slowly. Begin with the lowest dose on the product, usually 25-40mg. Stick with this for 1-2 weeks, while monitoring symptoms. Increase by increments of 5-10mg until you find the right amount.
Factors influencing ideal dosage include:
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Body weight – take more if you are larger
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Severity of anxiety symptoms – moderate anxiety may need less
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Individual body chemistry and prior CBD exposure
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Concentration of the CBD product
Work closely with a doctor or cannabis specialist to find the dosage that provides maximum relief with minimal side effects. Track anxiety symptoms and dose timing to optimize results. Expect to do some trial and error. You may need to adjust dosage over time too.
CBD Oil for Anxiety: The Bottom Line
Research continues to show CBD’s potential as a natural alternative to ease anxiety, improve mood, enhance sleep, and reduce panic. By interacting with brain receptors and tweaking neurotransmitters, CBD can restore calm and equilibrium.
