According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety affects more than 40 million adults in the United States alone. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that anxiety is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. Anxiety includes mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, among other anxiety issues.

While there are treatments available for anxiety disorders, only about 36% of those affected in the United States are currently receiving active treatment. Many people struggle with feelings of shame, fear of being judged, a lack of knowledge of treatments available, and the cost of treatment. Other people fear the risk of dependency or addiction to medications used to treat anxiety.

In 2018, the United States government legalized the use of CBD. CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains little or no THC, the ingredient in marijuana that produces the feeling of being high. CDB contains less than 0.3% THC, which is under the legal limit.

People who suffer from a wide variety of conditions use CBD to lessen and control their symptoms. One area of promising study is how CBD can help with anxiety.

Animal Studies

Over 30 animal studies have been worldwide to help scientists understand how and why CBD affects the brain and may help anxiety. Animal model studies allow scientists to look at the parts of the brain and body affected by CBD and how this correlates to decreasing anxiety.

CBD has been shown to affect serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical neuroreceptor that helps control mood, anxiety, and depression. In humans, the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) helps regulate the chemical balance of basic processes like sleep, mood, appetite, immune function, and metabolism. CBD affects receptors within the ECS that signal the nervous system to maintain these processes at balanced levels.

Human Studies

The positive results of animal model studies have prompted scientists to begin testing the effects of CBD in humans. Recent studies have found that CBD shows a wide range of effects such as decreasing fear, reducing panic, reducing compulsive behaviour, and helping to extinguish persistent fear memories. While some may argue that more studies are needed, the current results are extremely promising.

In one study in Brazil, CBD or a placebo was given to participants about to perform public speaking, an activity that often causes anxiety in people. The participants who were given CBD had a significant decrease in anxiety, discomfort while giving their speech, and cognitive impairment than participants who were given the placebo.

A recent case study looked at the effect of CBD on anxiety and sleep. Nearly 80% of participants reported a decrease in their anxiety after both one and two months of treatment. Another study of CBD for people with PTSD showed participants have reduced insomnia and improved fear modulation. This study concluded that CBD served as an effective antidepression and anti-anxiety treatment.

Along with scientific studies, there are multiple reports of people benefitting from CBD use for anxiety. Since becoming legal (in most countries), CBD is widely available worldwide. According to the New York Times, 60% of people surveyed use CBD to help with their anxiety.

Side Effects

One of the benefits of CBD is the limited side effects noted when compared to other medical drug treatments. The most common pharmaceutical drug side effects reported are:

• Diarrhoea
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Agitation
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Disorientation
• Psychosis
• Seizures

With such potentially bad effects, it may be a better option to choose CBD over pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medication. 

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