Stress. Fear. Nervousness. Anxiety takes a heavy toll on the health of our body and mind, and millions of people experience the symptoms of this condition every day. However, people are turning to cannabis - particularly CBD - to try to control these unpleasant feelings caused by anxiety. But does CBD oil really work for anxiety? Let's take a look at what the science and our customers say.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety, which causes discomfort, confusion and fear, can have varying effects on quality of life. While some people experience only occasional bouts of anxiety, others are overwhelmed on a near-constant basis, making the quality of their lives very difficult. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (the most common form of anxiety) affects around 6.7% of the population in Spain alone. Unfortunately, cases of anxiety continue to increase worldwide (partly driven by the recent pandemic), despite the multitude of treatment options available. A number of factors are responsible for this increase, such as stress and trauma during childhood, poor dietary habits, and the lack of a healthy lifestyle. dreamThe overexposure to the social media and even the diet.
Types of Anxiety.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Generalised Anxiety Disorder, GAD, is an anxiety disorder characterised by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterised by recurrent and unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviours. Repetitive behaviours, such as hand washing, counting, checking or cleaning, are often performed in the hope of preventing the obsessive thoughts or making them go away. However, performing these so-called "rituals" provides only temporary relief, and not performing them significantly increases anxiety.
Panic disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterised by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness or abdominal discomfort.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which serious physical harm has occurred or been threatened. Traumatic events that can trigger PTSD include violent personal attacks, natural or man-made disasters, accidents or military combat.
Social phobia (or social anxiety disorder)
Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterised by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to a single type of situation - such as fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or of eating or drinking in front of others - or, in its most severe form, it can be so widespread that a person experiences symptoms almost every time they are around other people.
CBD as a treatment for anxiety.
Cannabidiol (CBD) and several studies show that this phytocannabinoid has properties that can be helpful in combating anxietyas well as having a potential for combating stress, the insomnia and chronic pain.
However, more scientific studies are still needed, there is a large body of scientific literature and preclinical evidence that CBD can be a great ally in helping to combat various types of anxiety, such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder and phobias (such as social anxiety).
Products such as cbd oil or the CBD products for topical use may also be beneficial in helping to reduce other disorders that are not directly categorised as anxiety disorders, but in which increased anxiety plays a key role, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and also post-traumatic stress disorder.
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However, among health professionals, the idea is widespread that there is still a long way to go before all these conclusions can be affirmed absolutely, although many recognise the potential of CBD to treat anxiety.
The benefits of CBD:
It is not a product with a magical effect, but rather has scientific backing for certain indications, and there is even an approved drug called Epidiolex. Its benefits, taking into account its different formats, include the following properties:
- It has anti-inflammatory effects. According to some studiesCBD has been attributed with anti-inflammatory properties. These studies say that the CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system modulating pain thresholds preventing the delivery of inflammatory molecules to the affected parts, thereby reducing inflammation. We can find cbd creams that could help relieve inflammation, or other types of food products, such as cbd cosmeticsThe use of these products on the skin surface of the affected area may help to soothe pain, reduce acne and even help to treat psoriasis.
- Analgesic. It relieves us from the sensation of pain, whether from joints, back, knees or even migraines.
- Antiepileptic. In fact, the Spanish Ministry of Health has approved Epidyolex, the first CBD-based medicine for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome (DS).
- Neuroprotectants. Several studies have shown that CBD may work to strengthen the brain and protect it from constant "erosion" as people age.
- Anxiolytic. Thanks to its anxiolytic properties, it is found among the ingredients of products designed to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of anxiety and often in products to facilitate sleep.
In conclusion:
Is its use permitted in Spain?
Yes, but it depends on what it is used for. In Spain, the use of CBD and the production of CBD-rich products is legal as long as the product in question is intended for external use, e.g. for skin care or for the treatment of different types of skin conditions, among other uses.
However, it has not yet received certification to be registered as a food product. Therefore, in Spain it is only allowed to be used in external areas to treat skin conditions, or to be used as a means of skin care.
In other countries, such as the United States and Canada, it is most commonly used sublingually. This consists of placing a few drops of CBD under the tongue, retaining them in the mouth until they are absorbed into the oral mucosa. But, for the moment, it is not approved in Spain.
Fortunately, CBD is increasingly being studied and the results are very positive. Even the WHO has published a report declaring it a safe and non-addictive substance.
