Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Occasional feelings of anxiety and panic are nothing to be alarmed about. Nearly everyone will experience these unwanted feelings at some time or another. However, when the frequency and intensity of your anxiety begin to interrupt your day-to-day life, it may be time to get help. While avoiding certain places and situations may be helpful, sometimes it is impossible. That’s when having something to help calm your fears and worries can be beneficial.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid from the Cannabis sativa plant. It, along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been researched extensively and has been shown to bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. CBD, unlike THC, does not produce a “high” and offers a variety of health benefits. Among those benefits is the treatment of anxiety.
Benefits of CBD
CBD acts on opioid and glycine receptors in the body. These receptors are mostly found in the central and peripheral nervous systems. They regulate pain in the body. It also acts on the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps us feel good in general. Low serotonin levels are closely associated with depression and may also cause anxiety.
Research has shown that some of the benefits of CBD can include:
. Reducing seizures
. Reducing inflammation
. Reducing pain
. Regulating the immune system
. Reducing anxiety
Conventional medicines generally used to treat low serotonin are called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Their common trade names are Zoloft and Prozac. These are only available by prescription. However, some studies have shown that instead of using SSRIs to treat anxiety, some patients may be able to manage their condition with CBD instead. (Always speak to your doctor before making any changes to prescribed medications.)
How to use CBD for anxiety
Since CBD has not yet been given clear FDA guidance, the best way to use CBD for anxiety varies from person to person. Someone may find that a certain type and certain dosage works, while the same type and dosage has little effect on someone else. A bit of trial and error may be necessary in order to reach optimal effectiveness. (This is also true with conventional medicines too, so no need to be alarmed.)
The following are some of the forms in which CBD is available:
. Vapes heat CBD oil giving off an inhalable vapor.
. Flowers (dried hemp plants) can be smoked.
. Gummies are chewable and sweet like the popular candies.
. Oils and tinctures are consumed orally usually from droppers.
. Sprays can be sprayed into the mouth, usually under the tongue.
. Capsules or tablets are taken orally.
. Creams and gels are absorbed through the skin.
Again, trying different types and doses may be necessary. For example, you may find that vaping is more effective than gummies while another may find smoking to be most effective. Trying the different types will help you find what is right for you.
Usually the effects of oral CBDs, such as gummies or capsules, are felt within 30 minutes or a little more. Smoking or vaping usually has a more immediate effect.
The various forms can be used throughout the day to relieve anxiety. Some find it helpful to take them in the morning with breakfast.
About Green Doc
We believe in improving the wellbeing of others through the proven and natural benefits of cannabis, and with GreenDoc the medical card process couldn’t be easier.
We started GreenDoc for two reasons.
To share the healing qualities of marijuana with our community, and in doing so, begin to remove the stigma that has long been accompanied with the medicine.
Our family has a long history of military service, and it was painful to watch many of the veterans in our family and community suffer from chronic pain while being treated with an endless supply of opioid prescriptions pushed by greedy pharmaceutical companies.
We began looking into the research of marijuana and its medicinal qualities and knew this could be a solution for our family and friends. We wanted to make sure that anyone who qualified for, and could use medical marijuana, would be able to find a qualified doctor. Exploring the benefits of cannabis also led us to the new and exciting world of alternative cannabinoids – the other, often psychoactive, compounds in the cannabis plant.
While we are passionate about what medical marijuana and alternative cannabinoids can do for individuals, we understand the negative stigma they still carry. We are also aware that many are afraid to seek the relief that these products can provide because of the stigma. That is why support marijuana education and advocacy in the communities in which we operate.
We’re both a medical marijuana facility as well as a no-card-required dispensary, and we seek to provide relief as nature intended.
Green Doc
4678 Tamiami Trl., Unit 104
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
(941) 257-3010
greendocfl.com
