USDA
CERTIFIED
CERTIFIED
Currently, over 110 million people suffer from anxiety in the US with an annual cost of their healthcare of $57 billion.
Before the world was turned on its heels, a 2013 study showed 1 in 6 Americans used psychiatric drugs to quell their anxiety and depression. In 2020, along with the Coronavirus pandemic and global lockdown, these numbers have only exacerbated. While many people use prescription medication for their anxiety, studies show CBD oil can also decrease your level of stress and help you feel calm.
Cannabidiol decreases our ‘flight-or-fight’ hormone, cortisol.
In the course of just one month, anti-anxiety drug use spiked a shocking 34%. A third of which were new prescriptions. Doctors note, when people sense they have lost control and their future is unpredictable, their anxiety disorders can increase.
Treatment for anxiety is different for everyone. Some simply need to increase their level of self-care. This could mean avoiding alcohol, decreasing caffeine intake, exercising regularly and overall taking better care of the body. Others may need therapy and/or prescription medication.
Anti-anxiety medicines, such as Valium and Xanax can bring quick and temporary relief, but can easily become addictive. Long term prescription medication, such as Prozac, can also have adverse side effects.
Some may not want to take prescription medication. Others may not want to experience the harsh side effects that come with it.
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that can be a great natural alternative. According to a report from the World Health Organization, CBD “exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential,” and has not shown “evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
Consider a pure CBD product as a gentler and more natural alternative to prescription medications.
According to a survey published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research in 2018, almost 62% of cannabidiol users reported using CBD to treat a medical condition, with the top three conditions being anxiety, pain, and depression.
We have talked in other blog posts about the interaction of terpenes, or aromatic oils, within hemp that can affect our body’s and mind’s receptors. But, as the schematic below, common fruits and plants have essential oils that may create beneficial health affects.
We have also in previous blog posts, identified terpenes that interact directly with central and peripheral nervous system’s receptors, such as GABA and serotonin (5-HT). By stimulating GABA and serotonin activity, common terpenes can have profound effects on mood, stress and sleep.
Some research suggests that in addition to impacting the endocannabinoid system, cannabidiol may influence receptors involved in the modulation of serotonin, which is a chemical messenger thought to play a role in anxiety regulation.
In 2019, Permanente Journal conducted a monthly study with 103 adults to determine if CBD would help improve anxiety and sleep.
Adults suffering from anxiety received their dose in the morning after breakfast. The majority received 25mg of CBD daily, while a few received 50mg or 75mg daily. Only one person eventually received up to 175mg daily, due to trauma history and schizoaffective disorder.
The statistics show that anxiety scores decreased within the first month and remained decreased during the study duration.
It is refreshing to see such comprehensive studies, as research in CBD’s effectiveness has been sorely lagging.
It is important to note, if you are using prescription medications such as benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants and some types of anti-epileptic drugs, there could be possible conflicting interactions. Always consult with your physician before using CBD products.
The world of CBD is still unregulated, so it is wise to do your research on any product you are intending to use.
The world of CBD is still unregulated, so it is wise to do your research on any product you are intending to use. Look for USDA Organic Certified and manufactured in a GMP facility. The products need to be lab tested to ensure quality and to certify there is no THC present in the product.
CBD tinctures are a great way to consume CBD. They are taken with a dropper, which helps you easily measure each dose. You can also mix your tincture in juice or coffee!
When taken sublingually, the cannabinoid quickly enters the bloodstream and its calming effects can last up to four hours.
One can also go the edible route with CBD gummies. They can be fun and delicious but might take a little longer to absorb into the bloodstream, as it has to pass through your gastrointestinal tract before it is metabolized by the liver.
People will obviously have their individual preferences on the best way to use CBD in relieving their anxiety.
Dr. Ann Rosen Spector, a psychologist based in Philadelphia, PA, recommends trying meditation and deep breathing, taking a break from the news throughout the day and seeing friends over video chat. Also, exercising for 20 minutes a day may help people relax.
During these unusual times, adding a variety of stress reducing techniques to your CBD regimen, will help boost your mood.
Right now, so many of us are experiencing anxiety, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems and more. If the symptoms persist, it is always wise to speak with a healthcare professional about getting help.
In the meantime, try to find something to distract from your anxiety. Get into nature and sunshine as much as you can, read books, watch shows and movies that make you laugh and be kind to yourself and each other.
Try to dance like nobody is watching! Kind of like this…except with some social distancing
Cali-Born Dreams: Providing an Alternative Solution for a Healthier Lifestyle
A restful night of sleep is important for everyone.
If you’re one of the 25% of Americans suffering from insomnia, then you may not be getting those full hours of rest. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in the hemp and cannabis plant. Although it is relatively new on the block, many people use CBD oil as part of their daily routine. Some common uses for CBD are pain management, stress and sleep.
Melatonin comes in natural and synthetic form. Originally derived from the pineal glands in animals, melatonin supplements are now mostly man-made. Regardless, melatonin has long been used to aid sleep.
Melatonin comes in natural and synthetic form to help us sleep. It is naturally made and secreted from the pineal glands in humans and animals. Melatonin is secreted in a diurnal manner. During the day, it is inhibited by light hitting our eyes to keep us awake. While dusk and nighttime with its lack of sunlight increases secretion of melatonin.
The pineal glands take information from its environment through the sleep-wake cycle. Being a “hormone of darkness“, melatonin communicates by sending dark signals and nighttime information to the brain. It sends signals to influence the promotion of sleep, but not necessarily cause sleep.
Approximately two hours prior to a person’s bedtime, melatonin secretion starts to increase. As the sleep gates to dreamland open, and the drowsiness begins to creep in, so will your ability to fall asleep.
In a case of insomnia or jet lag, CBD and melatonin supplements can help raise melatonin levels by signaling the receptors in the body. Helping those having a tough time falling asleep, to take back control of their bedtime and enjoy a restful night of sleep.
The body’s biological system, known as the endocannabinoid system, involves a wide variety of processes. These include pain, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, metabolism, immune function, and reproductive function. This system of endogenous (“endo” meaning originating inside the body) neurotransmitters bind to cannabinoid receptors. When CBD enters the body, it reacts by stimulating these receptors.
The lipid built cannabinoid receptors are what allow CBD products to be fat-soluble. This is why you’ll find CBD infused with MCT oil (extracted from coconuts) or some other type of oil or fat base. The most common oil based products you may find at your local shop or online are CBD oil and CBD tincture.
Those suffering from insomnia, sometimes find relief when using CBD oil. Studies show CBD can help you fall and stay asleep, so you can use it daily before bed. Cannabidiol and our endogenous form, 2-AG, increase binding to GABA receptors in our brains. This increased binding to GABA receptors will trigger stress relief and sleep. Thereby, acting very similar to other sedative and hypnotics like benzodiazepines. Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization, “CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential”.
Terpenes may enhance the affects of CBD and melatonin by interacting with GABA and other receptors in the brain. For an in-depth review of terpenes, please look at our blog post regarding terpenes.
Yes, you may use CBD oil and melatonin together. Combining these two supplements, which are already effective on their own, and you’ve almost guaranteed yourself a foolproof method of combating insomnia. All without the nasty addictiveness and side effects of traditional medication! Thereby, both are safe and natural alternatives.
Did you know there’s a tastier way to fall asleep? If you didn’t, then try our colorful melatonin CBD gummy bears, lightly coated in sugar and infused with melatonin. PRO TIP: Try biting half or even a quarter of the gummy bear. Not only will that you save money, but it can last you 2x to 4x longer!
Cali-Born Dreams: Providing An Alternative Solution For A Healthier Lifestyle
A Word From Cali-Born Dreams:
The content in this article is not medical advice and you should always consult with your physician about any medical or mental health problems you may be experiencing.