CBD(cannabidiol) is a chemical compound that belongs to other cannabinoids found in cannabis plants such as hemp and marijuana. CBD can either be synthetic, i.e., be prepared artificially in a laboratory or naturally obtained from plants. CBD with THC accounts for almost 40% of extracts from hemp and marijuana. CBD is classified as a hydrocarbon compound with a melting point of about 66oC and is insoluble in water. CBD is preferred to THC as it contains psychoactive compounds responsible for the ‘high’ feeling caused by THC.
Stress
Stress is a state that causes our bodies to change resulting in physical, emotional, or psychological anxiety. It is also a natural reaction to anything that necessitates attention or action. Stress, to a lesser extent, can be beneficial since it forces one to focus on problems that are important to them. Too much stress, on the other hand, might lead to a breakdown. Physical stress, which is stress on physical body parts induced by trauma, physical tiredness, environmental pollution, sickness, and a variety of other factors, can be divided into four categories. The mind and brain are both affected by psychological stress. Cognitive stress, perceptual stress, and emotional stress are all possible causes. Psychosocial stress is caused by social actors such as relationship and marriage issues, lack of social support, loss of employment, and several other factors.
Can CBD be used to relax and offset some of the effects of stress? A Clinical study was carried out by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). It was to determine whether CBD helps with anxiety, a major cause of psychological stress, and it found out that it may benefit anxiety-related disorders.
Research on Relaxation Effects of CBD Oil
CBD has shown preliminary efficacy for various physical and mental health issues. According to a PubMed search conducted in December 2017, there were only 9 published studies on the use of cannabinoids for medicinal pain treatment before 2012. Since then, thirty articles have been published on this topic. The most notable study was conducted at the University of California, San Diego’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, which found out that CBD cigarettes and vapes reduced pain by 34-40% compared to placebo, which decreases pain by 17-20%. Aside from endorphin release, the runner’s “high” sensation after exercise is induced in part by anandamide acting on CB1 receptors, eliciting anxiolytic effects on the body.
CBD’s activity at 5-HT1A receptors may be responsible for its neuroprotective, antidepressive, and anxiolytic benefits, though the mechanisms by which CBD reduces anxiety still remain unknown. CBD has been shown in single-dose studies to help reduce anxiety during simulated public speaking tests done at doses ranging from 300-600mg. Other research suggests that lower doses of 10mg/kg have a greater anxiolytic effect in rats than higher doses of 100mg/kg. A crossover study compared to nitrazepam discovered that high-dose CBD at 160mg increased sleep duration.
Self-perceived anxiety(42.6%), sleep problems (42.5%), stress (37%), and general wellbeing (37%) were the top four reasons for using CBD, according to a scientific study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research (37%). 54% said they took less than 50 mg of CBD per day. 72% of people utilized CBD sublingually. Another crossover study discovered that when patients were given oral CBD in doses ranging from 300-600 mg, their plasma cortisol levels dropped drastically but they experienced a sedative effect. Higher CBD doses can help with anxiety and sleeplessness, but they can also cause mental drowsiness.
How to Use CBD Oil for Relaxation
Researchers and healthcare providers are yet to develop standardized dosing guidelines for CBD therapy due to limited research on the issue. Research has shown that 300-600mg of CBD significantly reduced anxiety symptoms. The dosage a person takes to relieve anxiety is determined by the CBD product and its method of administration. CBD oils and tinctures, sublingual sprays, capsules, sweets, and vaporized oil or cannabis flowers are all options for CBD administration. The time taken for CBD to react in the body varies depending on how it is administered. After 30 minutes-2 hours of intake, oral delivery modalities such as oils, edibles, and capsules begin to have an effect. Because there is no risk of overdosing with these oral medications, they can be taken all day. It’s also best to take them first thing in the morning, after a meal. The effects of smoking and vaping CBD oils and buds are instantaneous. These products can help in relaxing right away and are especially effective for nervous situations like public speaking.
CBD Products for Relaxation
There is an increase in public attention towards CBD products, leading to an increase in the number of fake products. First-time users need to be careful when choosing these products. To ensure one secures a good product, one can check for the following:
- The product is made with hemp grown in the United States.
- The product contains no more than 0.3 percent of THC.
- It has passed pesticides tests, heavy metals, and molds as per COA.
- It was tested in a third-party lab tested by an ISO 17025- compliant lab.
The following CBD products are highly recommended for relaxation;
- Charlotte’s Web CBD oil.
- Seabedee Full-spectrum CBD oil.
- Papa & Barkley Relief Body Oil.
- Spruce Lab Grade CBD oil.
- Wonderful Daytime CBD extra strength.
- Joy Organics Tranquil Mint Organic Broad-spectrum CBD tincture.
Conclusion
CBD products have demonstrated in preliminary research to have the potential to lessen the effects of stress and soothe the mind. More research is needed, however, to assess the long-term benefits of CBD products. When buying CBD products for relaxation, be cautious because many bogus goods can have negative side effects. It is critical to verify the product quality by looking for quality assurance on the items and company profiles.
