CBD Oil for Anxiety & Depression: Pros & Cons

Editors Note: This story was republished from the Green Market Report.

There’s always something to worry about, like bills, food, and your health. Whatever the case, anxiety is common, and so is depression. Fortunately, there are a lot of solutions for both. 

Some people rely on medications and therapy to overcome anxiety and depression. Others turn to coping mechanisms like yoga and meditation. 

Lately, the search for anxiety and depression treatment has been shifting towards more natural medications. In particular, CBD oil.

CBD, or cannabidiol in full, is one type of cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. The oil is a result of the extraction of CBD from the plant, followed by refinement processes. You can get the oil in liquid form, or buy gummies with CBD discounted at the Relaxation Company and make your journey to wellness fun and flavor-filled. 

The exact science behind the treatment of anxiety and depression with CBD oil isn’t known yet. Some researchers do believe it works with a receptor in the brain, altering serotonin signals. The serotonin levels are responsible for your mood and well being, and CBD oil blocks the brain from absorbing it, so you get more of it, which improves your mood.

Like any other treatment, the oil has its benefits and disadvantages. Make sure to read more on to find out more pros and cons of CBD oil for anxiety and depression, especially if you are planning on using CBD while traveling!

Pros

Easy to Use

The methods of administration of CBD oil are simple. You can take it by putting a few drops under your tongue using a dropper, or mixing it in your food. Some companies also supply CBD gummies in a variety of milligram strengths and flavors.

Non-psychoactive

Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another type of cannabinoid, CBD oil is non-psychoactive, so you don’t get high from taking it. 

It’s Healthy

Cannabidiol occurs naturally in plants from where it’s extracted and made into an oil. Since it’s a natural treatment, it’s much healthier than traditional medication and better for your body. 

Fewer Side Effects

In addition to being healthier than traditional medicine, CBD also has fewer side effects. As long as the effects experienced are mild, it’s a good option for anyone who can’t tolerate the stronger side effects caused by other anxiety medications. It’s also not addictive, which is a common occurrence with traditional alternatives. 

Relieves Pain

Cluster headaches and migraines are common in people suffering from depression and anxiety. CBD oil reduces such pains while also treating the underlying causes, so it cures both symptoms and the disease. The oil achieves all this without inducing a psychoactive response, tolerance, or addiction.

Cons

Limited Availability

Since the use of CBD Oil for anxiety, depression, and other medical conditions is still relatively new, the oil isn’t widely available. Federal and state laws in some areas restrict the use of CBD, so you can only buy it in places where medical marijuana is legal. 

Unfortunately, that’s not a lot of places. Some suppliers take advantage of this limited supply and put a hefty price tag on the oil, making it even more inaccessible.

Not FDA-Approved 

CBD oil is not FDA-Approved for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Since it’s unregulated, that means there’s no set standard of quality that the oil must adhere to, to qualify as a treatment. 

As a result, you might come across products with lower or higher quantities of CBD than necessary. Some mislabeled products even have significant amounts of THC, which can aggravate anxiety instead, defeating the purpose of the treatment. 

Doesn’t Have Fixed Results

CBD oil is still in the early stages of discovery, so there’s a lot that remains unknown about it. It doesn’t produce the same results in everyone, hence the difficulty in regulating its use or setting a fixed dosage. 

Side Effects

Some research into the use of CBD oil indicates that users may experience a few side effects. In some cases, those side effects include anxiety, which makes the oil questionable as a treatment for the mental condition. Other side effects associated with the oil include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, loss of appetite, mood swings, and low blood pressure.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of CBD oil as a remedy for anxiety and depression remains, unfortunately, overshadowed by the stigma against cannabis. Still, as research continues on the benefits of the oil, more people are starting to realize there’s more good than bad in it.