There seems to be quite a lot of hype about the use of CBD oil for various health issues, particularly for anxiety, so I thought I would look into this to see if it would help with my anxiety and agoraphobia. I must admit, at first, I was really nervous as I didn’t want to get ‘high’ but I soon discovered that many of the products removed the THC (which causes the high) so that made me feel better about trying it.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD Oil or Cannabidiol is extricated from cannabis plants and is rich in chemicals called cannabinoids that bind to particular receptors in the brain. The best-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes the high” people feel after using marijuana. CBD oil comes in different concentrations and quality so it is beneficial to do a little research before selecting the right oil for you.
How does CBD Oil work?
All cannabinoids, including CBD, attach themselves to certain receptors in the body to feel their effects. The human body delivers certain cannabinoids on its own. It has two receptors for cannabinoids, called CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 is linked to THC (the element that makes you feel ‘high’). It is recommended that anyone experiencing anxiety and/or depression avoid taking a product that includes THC as it can make your anxiety worse and impact your psychological state.
CB1 receptors are discovered all around the body, but huge numbers of them are in the brain.
The CB1 receptors in the brain manage coordination and development, pain, emotions and state of mind, thinking, hunger, and recollections, among others. THC attaches to these receptors.
CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system. They influence inflammation and pain.
It used to be suspected that CBD acts on these CB2 receptors, but it shows up now that CBD does not act on either receptor directly. Instead, it appears to influence the body to use more of its own amount cannabinoids.
Some exploration recommends that since THC and CBD influence certain receptors in the amygdala, a piece of the brain that engages our battle or-flight response, taking CBD can make that region of your brain less excitable. This implies that the CBD oil can dampen your response to pressure and anxiety.
Which is the best one to use?
Well, I’m a bit of a research ‘freak’ so I started reading many, MANY articles and reviews and recommendations to help me decide which CBD products were the best and most effective. Here is what I discovered:
Green Roads World
Green Roads World is on every Top 10 list for CBD due to their top-notch items so this is definitely one to try. It isn’t your standard cut-and dry CBD reseller. They really custom the oil to help treat your medical condition. Green Roads World represents a group of doctors, chemists and other health mind professionals to give reasonable and dependable medications that are dosed to perfection for every patient. They have genuinely perfected the process of removing lipids and fats to create a 99% pure CBD crystal. Unfortunately, they only post this to clients within the US.
Vape Bright (Best Vape Product for anxiety)
The company assurances to give you 100% pure hemp oil, extracted using CO2 technique for best effectiveness and pureness. There are no traces of destructive ingredients like propylene glycol, nicotine, or added chemicals. A best product made in the USA that works on dismissing anxiety. This oil Extracted only using CO2 method to reserve the hemp’s finer qualities, to get 1 mg of CBD in each breath, easy to recharge battery that charges up in 30 minutes. Vape Bright is a whole kit that contains CBD vape cartridge, portable battery charger, and a carrying case.
The CBDistillery (Best Isolate, CBD oils)
The CBDistillery is a brand that really cares about their customers and their worry shows in the CBD products they create. The product is made using industrial hemp oil that’s Non-GMO and pesticide free. The hemp oil is derived only from the mature stems and stalks of the plant. The end product has maximum of 0.03% THC. This can show up on a drug test (Choose isolates instead).
Elixinol
These guys have been around for a while. Since 1991, Elixinol have been delivering excellent CBD and hemp oil to an assortment of dispensaries around the world. They are large to the point that they’ve also got an online shop that is stuffed with treats and powerful Hemp CBD Oil Tinctures.
CBD Essence
CBD Essence has been around for many years and they definitely know a thing or two about hemp oil. The proprietor Don has real been around the pharmaceutical industry for many years and therefore they know how to convey a quality and effective product. All their oils are created using CO2 extraction techniques. They avoid CBD isolates and they always disclose lab test results to guarantee there is no substantial metals or contaminants in the oil.
CBD Pure
CBD Pure is an online store that sells a variety of CBD oils and showers. The team over at herbal renewals are cannabidiol experts and separated from providing an outstanding customer benefit they really appear to care. They specialize in CBD oils only and know their stuff inside and out. Their main benefits are: They use certified organic hemp developed in Denmark, they use an ideal CO2 extraction process, and everything is quality examined by third party labs.
Nuleaf Naturals (Strongest CBD oil)
While Nuleaf Naturals might not be a company to “reinvent the wheel,” they have perhaps done a good job in refining on what’s already obtainable. The company only uses organic hemp oil extracted from whole plants. They take great pride in growing the hemp plants inside of licensed Colorado farms. They employ CO2 extraction method to ensure the CBD retains the maximum power. Contains no trace of THC or other preservatives and chemicals.
How to take CBD Oil
Most like to either vape CBD or use a tincture for anxiety. These are the two fastest techniques for ingestion.
For vaping, people usually figure out the best dosage for themselves through experimentation. You can simply complete one inhalation at once and you will find what works best for you.
For tinctures, we generally suggest you begin with a low dose and work your way up gradually. “Begin low and go slow”. You can begin with as little as 5 mg of CBD and work your way up from there. A few people find that 20 – 25 mg of CBD is a good daily dose for their anxiety symptoms.
Benefits for numerous anxiety disorders
- Research has shown that taking CBD Oil changes the blood flow to the regions of the brain linked to feelings of anxiety, which means a reduction in anxious feelings.
- It also has been shown to reduce social anxiety, which also include public speaking.
- Another study conducted in 2015 concluded that CBD oil is a promising treatment for numerous forms of anxiety, including panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- CBD reduces overall stress levels which results in more restful sleep.
My Experience
As I wanted to use a tincture, I decided to use Green Roads World. Although I was nervous, I decided to start off slow (5mg a day) and I didn’t really feel anything at first – I think the dosage was too low. But as I increased it by 5mg per day (reaching 30mg), I started to feel the effects. My body felt much calmer and relaxed and the ‘triggers’ to my PTSD and agoraphobia were significantly reduced. I was able to drive in my car to various places, which I hadn’t been able to previously, and this helped me with my ‘exposure therapy’ which is needed when dealing with agoraphobia. I have much more energy and I can focus again (something I have struggled with). My mood is much lighter and I’m feeling much happier. I would highly recommend using CBD oil to anyone struggling with anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia. It has really helped me and gave me the fast relief I have been looking for. It is definitely worth trying.
Thank you for sharing this information. I have been Agoraphobic for 35 years, so my whole adult life has been in this state. My worse fear is to feel high taking these kinds of products . Its inspiring that you have tried it and understand anxiety and OCD and Agoraphobia. Thank you for writing this piece ! I”ve been wanting to try Hemp oil called Game Changer which is sold close to me and have been researching a lot.about it. Its nice to know you got some help from it. im still leary so if i do buy it i will only take tiny amounts first to see if there is any reaction lol thats just me. Thank you again. Anna
Anna
Hi Anna, I was exactly like you (too scared to try different things due to being very sensitive to things) but please do not be afraid. I agree, start very slowly and build yourself up to a larger dose. I know you can take control of your agoraphobia. It is not a life sentence (even though at times it feels like it is). Small steps each day. I wish you all the best 🙂
THANK YOU so much for posting this!! I have suffered from social phobia my whole life and recently it has elevated to Agoraphobia and it is a terrible thing to have to deal with.
I hope this is the answer to my challenges as well! 🙂
Hi Stacey, it is difficult to understand Agoraphobia unless you have experienced it. All of our bodies are different, and we each respond to things differently, but please give this a try as it really could make a HUGE difference. I know you will find the answer to your Anxiety!! All the best 🙂