Harnessing the organic and therapeutic effects of cannabis isn’t something new. But over the past few years, the use of cannabidiol (CBD) compound, an extract from the cannabis hemp plant, has grown significantly. It was shown that CBD has great therapeutic efficacy in managing mood disorders such as anxiety. It has anxiolytic properties that can positively regulate psychological, physiological, and behavioral responses to stress and anxiety. Besides that, CBD is a versatile compound that exists in many forms. Apart from reputable CBD brands with the best CBD oil for anxiety, you can also go for topical CBD products. But which is the best treatment option between the two?
What is CBD Oil?
It is a cannabidiol (CBD) plant extract that’s mixed with a carrier oil such as MCT coconut oil or hemp seed oil for increased bioavailability. CBD oil products are normally used sublingually in the form of tinctures or with other edibles for oral ingestion. Generally, CBD oil products tend to produce quick effects throughout the whole system.
What are CBD Topicals?
They are products for external application on the skin, to a specific body part. CBD topicals include products such as creams, lotions, balms, etc. The effects of CBD topicals are usually localized.
CBD Oil vs. CBD Topicals for Anxiety
Both CBD oil and topicals for anxiety contain cannabidiol compounds but in different administration forms. So, how do they work?
How Does CBD Oil Work for Anxiety?
While in the circulatory system, CDB oil will interact with the endocannabinoid system, a complex network that regulates many functions. Particularly important is CBD’s interaction with the serotonin subtype receptor i.e., the feel-good hormone. By doing so, the cannabidiol compound activates the CB1 receptors found in the brain’s amygdala, reducing anxiety symptoms’ severity. It should be noted that when the CB1 receptors are blocked, anxiety symptoms tend to increase.
How Do CBD Topicals Work for Anxiety?
External application of CBD topicals such as creams can help to easily relieve your anxiety symptoms by offering psychoactive effects. These effects usually imitate the endocannabinoid stimulators found in your brain and can help keep your skin moisturized. CBD topical activates the brain’s endocannabinoid system by reenacting the body’s chemicals, such as serotonin, helping to elevate mood and promote a sense of calmness.
Side Effects of CBD Topicals and CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol is a natural compound from cannabis hemp with a good safety profile. So, for people who use such products in recommended dosages and alone, there is a very low risk of possible side effects. However, drug interactions and different metabolic responses can still lead to mild side effects such as:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Change in weight
- Change in sleep patterns
Things to Consider Before Buying CBD Oil and CBD Topicals for Anxiety?
Do you know what it takes to find CBD for anxiety that’s safe, effective, and offers value for money? with the wide range of products in the market, you can still consider certain critical factors to make your purchases. If you are considering buying CBD topicals or CBD oil for anxiety, here is what you should consider:
How was the CBD Extracted: The best CBD oil for anxiety or CBD topicals should have been extracted using a premium method with minimal risk of contamination. Currently, CO2 extraction is considered the industry standard since it guarantees purity, cleanliness, and effectiveness.
Third-Party Tests: This is a quality control check that helps to confirm whether the CBD products contain the ingredients the manufacturer claims and are in their right quantities.
Types: there are three types of CBD extracts, isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. CBD isolate is the purest form containing only CBD; full-spectrum CBD consists of all the plant compounds, including THC, while broad-spectrum Cannabidiol is similar to the full spectrum except that it doesn’t contain THC.
Potency: is usually displayed in milligrams (mg) and normally determines cannabidiol dosage. It is best to start with lower doses and then slowly increase them to find what works for you.
Brand reputation: the most reputable brands have built their credibility; hence you are most likely to get products that offer value for money. This is because they tend to produce potent, high-quality products and normally give clear instructions for use.
How to Use CBD Oil and CBD Cream for Anxiety?
To use cannabidiol oil, place a few oil drops under the tongue using a dropper. Swirl the drops in your mouth for a few seconds before finally swallowing it. This will allow the cannabidiol to find its way into the bloodstream quickly. Besides that, oral ingestion by swallowing tends to provide lasting effects.
FAQs
Factors such as the severity of anxiety, age, weight, and metabolism significantly influence Cannabidiol dosage for anxiety. A beginner-friendly low-strength dosage would be 1 mg for every 4.5 kg of your body weight. However, there may be slight variations to this depending on whether you use a high or medium-strength product.
The best CBD topicals in the market are made with premium cannabis extracts. As a result, they contain potent analgesics, anti-itching, and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes them ideal for treating conditions such as acne, arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis, among others.
Final Thoughts
Using CBD topicals can help to easily relieve your anxiety by easing pain and providing a restful, calming aroma. Whereas, CBD oil products’ effects are usually considered circulatory since the cannabidiol compound usually reaches the bloodstream. Sublingual intake of CBD oil also provides almost instant effects, unlike Cannabidiol topicals, whose effects are localized. However, the intake mode usually depends on the individual’s preferences. When buying CBD topical or oil for anxiety, consider factors such as the potency, types, brand reputation, and independent 3rd-party lab tests.
