Real Stories from Reddit Users on CBD for Anxiety
Story 1
Reddit u/Deadhead65_74
CBD has been a lifesaver for me. I have really bad anxiety, I wake up panicking at times and have anxiety attacks that last for days. About 7 months ago, I went off my antidepressants because I didn't like how they made me feel. A month later, I tried CBD (full spectrum tincture). With a full MG dose, my anxiety calmed significantly. It was still there but very light, and I could easily detach from it. I switched to CBD capsules a couple of months later since they last longer. I must say it has been a game-changer. I still have anxiety, but it's not unbearable like it used to be. I can now sense when it's coming, detach and observe it instead of it consuming me. I also meditate daily, and that paired with CBD has helped me tremendously.
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Story 2
Reddit u/Left_Citron4336
I suggest trying out CBD if you're dealing with anxiety. Lots of people, including me, use it and it helps. The key is to figure out what works for you in terms of the type of CBD and how much to take. If you don't get that part right, you might not see the benefits you're hoping for. CBD helps with things like mood, pain, eating, and sleeping because it works with the body's system that controls all that. I personally use no more than 75mg of full spectrum CBD oil a day to help with my anxiety and depression.
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Story 3
Reddit u/LeviOOHHsa
CBD is now taking its full effect for my general anxiety, and I literally feel so warm, chill, and actually want to enjoy a full day. It’s really something else. FYI I use [brand redacted] 2500 and it’s 50mg/ml. My anxiety can get really bad, so I use 2-3 drops for my first dose each morning and it just does what it’s supposed to do. I don’t want to go on more medications than I’m already on; if this helps in the long run, then Mother Earth is truly giving.
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Story 4
Reddit u/LadyMarzanna
The best was a CBD vape that had some CBG and CBN in there; it quelled a panic attack very quickly. Edibles take too long to hit, and topicals are for targeted pain relief, thus I found both to be useless for anxiety. I also find CBD supplements definitely lower daily instances of anxiety, but do not help during a panic attack or when immediate relief is needed. They're best used as a preventative measure, paired with something else for emergencies/panic attacks in my opinion.
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Story 5
Reddit u/sarahsmith100
I’m currently suffering from many anxiety attacks a day and I’m depressed, though not suicidal. I’ve been vaping a CBD full spectrum, and it relieves my panic attacks and my feelings of emptiness and self-hatred, but it only lasts for about an hour. I know it’s not a placebo. I’ve tried plenty of stuff that didn’t work like vitamin B, L-threonine, etc. I just took a 100mg full spectrum capsule today to make sure I had no negative effects. I’ll try two capsules tomorrow. I’m not sure whether the capsules will work yet.
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How CBD Might Help with Anxiety
CBD Shown to Ease Anxiety Without the Risks that Can Come with THC
A recent study published by CU Boulder has revealed promising findings for individuals seeking anxiety relief through CBD. The study, led by Associate Professor Cinnamon Bidwell and published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, involved 300 participants and demonstrated that CBD-dominant cannabis products can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms without the potential side effects associated with THC-dominant products.
The Study and Its Findings
In this groundbreaking research, participants were divided into groups and assigned to use either a THC-dominant product (24% THC and 1% CBD), a CBD-dominant product (1% THC and 24% CBD), or a balanced product with equal parts CBD and THC (12% each). Over four weeks, participants used their assigned products as frequently as they desired, typically averaging three times per week.
The study utilized a mobile laboratory to measure anxiety levels before and after cannabis use in the participants' homes. The results were significant: while all groups reported reduced anxiety, those using the CBD-dominant products experienced the most notable improvements. Not only did they feel less anxious, but they also avoided the paranoia that can sometimes accompany THC use.
Why CBD Works for Anxiety
CBD is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis. Unlike THC, which can cause a "high" and sometimes increase anxiety, CBD has been shown to have calming effects. The study suggests that CBD's anti-inflammatory properties might contribute to its ability to reduce anxiety by soothing inflammation in the brain and nervous system.
Additionally, even a small amount of THC (1%) in CBD-dominant products was found to enhance mood without causing the negative side effects commonly associated with higher THC levels. This balance allows users to experience the immediate benefits of tension reduction and potentially longer-term anxiety relief.
Implications for Anxiety Treatment
As one in five U.S. adults suffers from an anxiety disorder, finding effective and safe treatments is crucial. Traditional anti-anxiety medications often come with side effects and the risk of dependency. In contrast, CBD products may offer a more natural and lower-risk alternative.
While more research is needed to make definitive recommendations, the study's findings are encouraging. CBD-dominant cannabis products could provide meaningful relief for anxiety sufferers, offering a promising option for those looking to manage their symptoms without the risks associated with THC or prescription drugs.
