CBD is an ingredient in almost everything these days. Supplements, skincare, edibles, and even energy drinks contain CBD.
It is marketed as having remarkably positive effects and improving the efficacy of the product in some way. However, the varying reports from people about the effects of CBD can be confusing.
For example, some say it reduces anxiety, while others say it causes anxiety attacks.
So, can CBD cause anxiety attacks?
This article will explain why people react differently to CBD and provide information to help you decide whether to try it.
- CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from cannabis plants. This means that it can come from marijuana or hemp plants. Most manufacturers use hemp-derived CBD.
- You can purchase CBD as broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and pure CBD extract. Depending on the presence of other cannabinoids, you will experience different effects from one type to another.
- CBD alone will not cause an anxiety attack. There are only trace amounts of THC in full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD, which can cause anxiety in some people.
- Thus, pure CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD are your best options if you are sensitive to THC.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of many active compounds found in cannabis plants. It can be extracted from marijuana plants, but it is usually hemp-derived because hemp plants contain a higher concentration of CBD.
Synthetic CBD is also available but has a lesser effect than plant-derived CBD.
CBD is available as broad spectrum, full spectrum, or pure CBD. Pure CBD isolate contains no other cannabinoids from the hemp plant. Broad-spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids but excludes THC.
A full-spectrum CBD product contains all of the cannabinoids present in cannabis plants, including THC.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD interacts with receptors throughout the body as part of the endocannabinoid system. CBD stimulates these receptors and allows them to produce different reactions in different body parts.
Because of this, CBD is effective at producing multiple positive effects. These include a reduction in pain, inflammation, and anxiety. CBD also benefits people who suffer from insomnia and migraines.
The effects of CBD primarily depend on the type of CBD you consume, how you consume it, and how much you consume.
There are several different CBD products on the market. Some are edible, like gummies and tonics, and others are topical, like oils and creams. There are even inhalants, like vapes and cigarettes.
You can choose one based on your personal preference, lifestyle, and what you use CBD for. For example, people who have arthritis prefer to use topical applications of CBD, as it provides immediate relief.
There are numerous ways to use CBD, but the effects are due to dosage and timing differences. Taking CBD orally usually means it will only enter the bloodstream as it moves through the digestive system.
Everyone has different metabolic rates; this could be anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours.
In contrast, inhaling CBD via a vape produces an effect in just 10 minutes, but it only lasts for about an hour.
Does CBD Cause Anxiety Attacks?
Pure CBD isolate will not cause anxiety attacks, and CBD may even help provide relief from anxiety. This has been scientifically proven.
But full-spectrum CBD has only tiny amounts of THC, the compound in cannabis that makes you feel high. It is what is responsible for the ‘high’ feeling people report after trying marijuana.
THC can cause anxiety attacks in people, and the trace amounts in full-spectrum CBD are enough to trigger anxiety in those sensitive to THC.
This is what causes the varying reports of the effects of CBD on anxiety. People are unaware of the differences between pure CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, and full-spectrum CBD.
Therefore, they may have a bad experience with full-spectrum CBD because of the THC and write off all CBD products.
On the flip side, those with a positive experience may have had pure CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD without THC.
How to Check Your CBD Products
If you want to try CBD but do not want to experience an increase in anxiety, there are a few things you need to consider.
Type of CBD
First, check the type of CBD present in the product you wish to purchase. You should avoid full-spectrum CBD as it has trace elements of THC that can cause a psychoactive effect.
This will include an increase in anxiety.
Secondly, always ensure that you purchase products from a reputable seller. You should be able to determine what cannabinoids are contained in a product by looking at a certificate of analysis.
Dosage
Dosage is important. Always begin with the lowest recommended dose when using CBD. This will help you understand its efficacy and the duration of its effects.
It varies from person to person depending on their weight, metabolic rate, and health.
Sensitivity to CBD
It is very rare, but some people may be sensitive to CBD. Always try the lowest recommended dosage to determine if you have any adverse side effects.
Although rare, some people experience nausea and drowsiness.
Final Thoughts
CBD can help reduce anxiety in people. On the other hand, those sensitive to THC may experience increased anxiety. Thus, the only CBD products that can cause anxiety attacks are those that contain THC.
You should look for products with pure CBD isolate if you want to get the soothing effects of CBD without having anxiety attacks. These do not contain THC and will not have any psychoactive effects.
Before buying CBD, always check the certificate of analysis to ensure it doesn’t contain THC.
