CBD, short for “cannabidiol,” is the second most popular cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. You’ve probably seen it in its most common presentations, like CBD balm, CBD oil, and even CBD infused drinks. Unlike THC, CBD it is not a psycho-active so it doesn’t cause a “high” effect. However, a growing number of clinical studies among physicians and scientists show that CBD is the most therapeutic active component of the plant. It is a safe, natural and effective to treat symptoms related to anxiety, including:
- Anxiety Attack
- Social phobia
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Why is CBD better than Big Pharma drugs to treat anxiety?
Serotonin is one of the body’s chemicals that plays a vital role in a person’s mental health. Not having enough serotonin can cause anxiety and also depression in some people. For these patients, doctors commonly prescribe Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) — such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft — in order to help brain cells transmit more serotonin signals, thereby reducing anxiety. The problem with SSRIs, however, is that they can cause a long list of negative symptoms and side effects, including drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, insomnia, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, and even reduced sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.
Many doctors choose to prescribe a different class of drugs to treat anxiety. Called benzodiazepines, these drugs, which act like tranquilizers, include Valium and Xanax. However, they are also known to cause similar side effects to SSRIs. Plus, they are considered addictive and can be very difficult to stop using. It’s always recommended to do so only under a physician’s supervision. It can take several weeks to months to wean oneself off of SSRIs or benzodiazepines — and the withdrawal symptoms can be very intense for many patients.
The CBD Difference
On the other hand, CBD is known to boost signaling through serotonin receptors — in some cases even faster than the SSRIs – without harmful side effects in most cases. CBD is also non-addictive. When you stop taking it, there are no “cold turkey” withdrawal symptoms as with SSRIs or benzodiazepines. In short, CBD offers the same benefits as the Big Pharma drugs for anxiety, but without the negative symptoms and side effects. It’s a safe, natural and effective way to treat anxiety (in addition to many other conditions) – and that’s why CBD is booming worldwide in its popularity and use.
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[…] states that while alcohol exacerbates underlying mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, cannabis is proven to reduce anxiety and help patients in their fight against […]