With 8.2 million Britons experiencing anxiety, from stress, insomnia, and paranoia, the side effects can leave us with debilitating issues. Although CBT therapy or medication may help you, a lot of us are now looking for a more natural solution that people across the pond have been using for the last decade.
In 2017, a survey found that 41% of anxiety sufferers in the US swapped their anti-anxiety medication for cannabis; with 40% stating that CBD was more helpful in easing their anxiety. Although the drug is illegal in the UK, one element is — CBD.
Starting as a fringe product, between 4 and 6 million britons have already tried CBD products, and many have continued to use them due to the health benefits they provide. A study into CBD found that 40% of people felt CBD was more beneficial in easing their anxiety than traditional medication or clinical methods.
But with little known about the substance in the general population, it sparks many questions. What are they, how do they work, are they addictive, what forms do they come in and how can you use them?
What is CBD and how does it work?
Cannabidoloil, more commonly known as CBD, is a natural substance derived from cannabis. Although it’s taken from marjuana it is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning it has none of the intoxicating properties of the plant and calms the mind without making you ‘high’.
As you ingest CBD, it targets the Endocannabinoid System (or ECS). This system regulates bodily functions such as sleep, appetite, mood, memory, and reproduction & fertility.
Although experts aren’t completely sure how CBD reacts with your ECS, it can help to ease anxiety, making you less stressed and help you to relax without any of the negative side effects of marujana.
Is it addictive?
Unlike weed or THC, CBD is not an addictive substance. With studies concluding that the product is safer than other marjuana derived products, CBD is natural and and legal.
Although CBD is not addictive, if you are currently using cannabis recreationally to help your anxiety, or have tried to quit but have experienced some withdrawal symptoms, a study from 2013 found that swapping weed for CBD oil helped with easing withdrawal symptoms.
How do you use them?
The most common form of CBD is in an oil, such as Full Spectrum CBD Oil. Sold with a standard pipette dropper, simply fill it and apply the desired number of drops under the tongue. Wait for it to ingest into your system by waiting 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing.
CBD is also available on the CBD Shopy website in different forms. If you’re looking for a simple fix while you’re out and about, try some gummies. If you experience joint pain, use CBD infused cream, which can offer localised pain relief. Although you can add CBD oil into drinks, as the oil does not dissolve in water, try their CBD infused tea bags, which offer a relaxing start to your day or addition into your wind-down routine.
Although you may feel extremely anxious and may want to see results immediately, it is important to always begin with the lowest dosage, and slowly build up until you find an amount that works for you.
While CBD products are becoming widely available both in stores and online, they are not typically tested before consumption by British manufacturers. Therefore, we would recommend purchasing from CBD Shopy, the UK’s #1 trusted CBD shop. Stocking a range of trusted brands such as CBD MD, Jersey Hemp, and Grass & Co., they only sell lab tested products, making sure that you, the consumer, will be safe.
Written by Alison Irlam
Alison is a writer with a keen interest in mental health and wellbeing. Since finishing a postgraduate degree in Creative Writing and having her own experiences with mental health, she has dedicated her time to helping and empowering others to make positive changes in their own lives.
