CBD enhances gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity to help regulate the stress response and offer relaxation. It is also a partial 5-HT1a receptor agonist, supporting anxiolytic effects.

Participants rated the effectiveness of two THC-free CBD products, an isolate and broad spectrum tincture, for reducing self-perceived anxiety. These ratings matched those from previous studies using similar methodologies.

Cannabidiol

CBD is an active compound in the cannabis sativa plant that has been found to have many health benefits. It can alleviate pain and relieve anxiety, among other things. It doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that gives marijuana users a high, so it can be used without worry by people who are concerned about getting high or are taking medication for other conditions.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to influence receptors involved in stress response, thus decreasing your body’s sensitivity to stressful situations. It may also improve your sleep patterns. Poor sleep can increase your levels of cortisol, a hormone that increases stress and tension. CBD helps reduce the effects of these symptoms by influencing gamma-aminobutryric acid (GABA) activity in your brain, which acts as a brake to the excitatory pathways that induce stress responses.

In studies evaluating symptom reduction, CBD improved self-perceived emotional and wellbeing symptoms in oncology patients on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale-revised version (ESAS-r) compared to placebo treatment. It has also been shown to significantly reduce the occurrence of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients.

Gummies

Gummies are a sweeter, more portable way to take CBD than oil or capsules. They’re also easier to consume in public than vapes, which might make you look like you’re smoking a joint.

Choose a gummy that’s made with organic ingredients to minimize your exposure to pesticide residues and other harsh chemicals. These chemicals aren’t just harmful for you, they’re damaging to the planet too.

When shopping for CBD gummies, choose those that are third-party lab-tested to ensure the products contain high-quality, safe hemp extract and are free of contaminants such as heavy metals and residual solvents. You should also choose a gummy that includes a certificate of analysis and provides a list of all ingredients. Look for gummies with natural flavors and sweeteners, as these will be lower in sugar than those with artificial flavorings. You may also want to consider a gummy that’s made using only vegan, plant-based ingredients. Those are easier to digest and will help you avoid animal-derived ingredients.

Oils

CBD has been shown to improve digestive health, which is linked to anxiety and stress levels. Its interaction with the ECS may also help to lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of calmness. This can lead to improved sleep and a healthier diet.

CBD can also reduce inflammation, which is one of the root causes of many illnesses and diseases. This can be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic pain. In addition, CBD can help to alleviate symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

A 2019 retrospective study found that CBD is effective at treating anxiety and sleep disorders in psychiatric patients. The researchers administered CBD in low doses of 25 milligrams per day and found that it significantly reduced anxiety symptoms. In addition, the participants’ sleep quality also improved. This was despite the fact that they continued to take their regular psychiatric medications. Moreover, the use of CBD was well tolerated.

Tinctures

A tincture is an alcohol-based extract that uses high proof alcohol to steep the cannabis or hemp plant material, then is strained and bottled. Tinctures are typically taken sublingually (under the tongue) and may contain other ingredients like sweeteners, flavoring, vegetable glycerin, or supplements like melatonin.

CBD has been found to reduce anxiety in humans, especially those with social anxiety disorder. In a small trial of people with SAD taking a simulated public speaking test, those who took a CBD tincture reported significantly lower levels of anxiety and discomfort than those who took a placebo.

CBD has also been shown to decrease stress by modulating the serotoninergic 5-HT1A receptor and activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, reducing neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity that can lead to anxiety and depression. It’s possible that CBD can also reduce stress by inhibiting the activity of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which is known to cause an increase in cortisol levels during and after stress.