CBD For Anxiety? Q&A Session
Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve heard about CBD, a compound found in cannabis sativa that is legal across the United States. CBD stands for cannabidiol, a phytocannabinoid found in cannabis that was discovered in 1940. It is one of 113 cannabinoids currently identified in cannabis and along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) accounts for around 40% of the plant’s extracts.
Does CBD really help with anxiety?
Studies involving CBD have shown promising results for anxiety. A 2015 study noted:
We found that existing preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder when administered acutely; however, few studies have investigated chronic CBD dosing. Likewise, evidence from human studies supports an anxiolytic role of CBD…
There have been numerous similar studies done; however, the FDA has not ruled on the efficacy of CBD and therefore does not allow companies to market their CBD products with claims regarding treatment or prevention of any diseases or ailments. Because of the FDA’s stance, medical providers also cannot recommend CBD as a treatment for anxiety.
Will CBD make me high?
CBD is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis and will not get you high. While you might experience some anti-anxiolytic effects while using CBD, it will not produce the “high” that users experience with THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Will CBD show up on a drug test?
CBD isolate in its isolated form will not show up on a drug test as it contains 0% THC. Most companies offer a full-spectrum form of CBD which may include up to 0.3% THC which hypothetically may trigger a positive drug test. There is also broad spectrum CBD which may contain trace amounts of other cannabis components but contains 0% THC.
Here’s an easy breakdown to know which one is right for you:
- CBD isolate: contains only isolated CBD and 0% THC
- CBD broad spectrum: contains CBD as well as other cannabis compounds except THC – resulting in a 0% THC product
- CBD full spectrum: contains CBD as well as other cannabis compounds including THC; however the amount of THC must be less than 0.3%
Which form of CBD is right for me?
This depends on how comfortable you are with 0.3% THC being in the product. While it is completely legal, it may be problematic for those in an industry that requires drug screening. Although the amount is extremely minute and is unlikely to trigger a positive result, some people like to err on the side of caution regarding these products.
If THC content is a concern, then CBD isolate or a broad spectrum CBD is the right choice. We generally recommend broad spectrum to our clients because you are getting more of the whole plant, which creates an entourage effect. This entourage effect means that all of the chemical components of the plant are able to work synergistically, resulting in the body receiving the full spectrum of any possible medicinal benefits that cannabis may offer.
If THC content is not a concern, the CBD full spectrum may be the right choice. Although the amount of THC is very small, it still can help create the most full and valuable experience for the consumer via the entourage effect.
