What Does CBD Do for Anxiety and OCD?
Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety can be difficult, even with the right therapeutic support and medication. This is why many people seek alternative treatments to relieve the symptoms.
One of the more promising alternative treatments for anxiety and OCD is CBD. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the cannabis sativa plant. Unlike its counterpart THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce the 'high' associated with cannabis use.
But what exactly does CBD do for anxiety and OCD? Can it relieve the symptoms of these debilitating mental health conditions? And how do you take CBD for anxiety and OCD?
That’s what we’ll be exploring today. Read on to learn all about CBD for OCD and anxiety, and which CBD products may be best for you and your symptoms.
Understanding OCD and Anxiety
Before we dive into the potential benefits of CBD for anxiety and OCD, let’s explore what these two conditions are.
Anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and generalised anxiety disorder, are characterised by excessive anxiety, fear, and repetitive behaviours.
On the other hand, OCD is a specific type of anxiety disorder that involves intrusive thoughts. These thoughts often lead to repetitive behaviours or compulsions that you feel compelled to perform to ease your anxiety.
For example, you may obsessively worry about germs and feel the need to wash your hands repeatedly. OCD can significantly disrupt daily life, making it difficult to focus on tasks or enjoy activities.
Both anxiety and OCD can have a huge impact on your quality of life, making it difficult to carry out daily tasks and maintain relationships.
Traditional treatments such as therapy and medication are effective for many, but others find alternative approaches helpful such as CBD.
Can CBD Relieve Anxiety and OCT Symptoms?
CBD works by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system. This is a complex network of receptors that play a part in regulating certain physiological functions, such as mood, sleep, and stress responses.
Research suggests that CBD could be used as a treatment for various disorders including generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
CBD affects the underlying brain mechanisms and can help to reduce anxiety by affecting the paralimbic and limbic areas of the brain.
A study looked at the use of cannabis and CBD for OCD - and found that higher doses of CBD lead to a larger reduction in compulsions. This suggests that CBD could be beneficial in reducing OCD symptoms, and could be a promising treatment for OCD.
CBD is thought to have anxiolytic properties, meaning it could help reduce anxiety symptoms. CBD may alter brain activity in regions associated with anxiety, leading to a calming effect. CBD could also influence serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter known to play a role in mood regulation.
It’s important to note that although the results of studies appear promising, more research is needed on CBD for OCD symptoms is needed for definitive results.
How to Use CBD for OCD and Anxiety
First of all, if you’re considering using CBD oil to relieve mental health symptoms, we recommend opting for a reputable brand. At Orange County CBD, our products go through rigorous testing. We have won multiple awards for our CBD, so rest assured you’re in safe hands.
Then, it’s time to choose the right method of consumption for you. CBD products can come in a range of forms, including:
- Oils
- Capsules
- Gummies
- Topical balms
- Vapes (disposable and refillable)
The best method of consumption depends on your preferences and the severity of your symptoms.
If you’re looking for fast-acting relief, we recommend sublingual administration (placing drops under the tongue). This method allows the CBD to bypass the digestive system and enter your bloodstream quickly.
However, if you’re looking for a regular hit of CBD throughout the day, you may prefer CBD vapes. CBD vapes can be refillable or disposable and can come in a range of different strengths and flavours. Ultimately, CBD vapes can be a great way to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly and on the go.
What Dosage Should I Take?
Determining the right dosage of CBD can be difficult. The optimal dose of CBD can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as:
- Body weight
- Metabolism
- Severity of symptoms
- History of using CBD
If you’re a beginner to CBD, we recommend that you start with a low dose and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effects.
When taking CBD gummies, we recommend trying our 200mg options, which are ideal for beginners. There is roughly 15 mg per gummy sweet in our 200mg grab bags.
When taking CBD oil, opt for our 500mg CBD oil to begin with. Simply place oil drops under your tongue. This oil contains just 50mg of CBD per drop.
At Orange County CBD, our products come with clear dosage instructions to help you find the right amount for your needs. It can be helpful to keep a journal to track your CBD usage and its effects, allowing you to adjust your dosage as necessary.
Are There Any Side Effects of CBD?
Most people who take CBD don’t have any side effects. However, it’s important to note that there is a risk of potential side effects such as:
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhoea
These side effects are typically mild and temporary, but if you experience any adverse reactions, we recommend either discontinuing use or lowering your dose.
Additionally, CBD may interact with certain medications. If you are currently taking medication for OCD or anxiety, be sure to discuss your CBD use with your doctor.
CBD Products at Orange County CBD
If you’re looking for high-quality CBD products, look no further than Orange County CBD. We have won a variety of CBD-related awards - and through our high-quality CBD products, we have become one of the world’s leading CBD brands.
Whether you're looking for broad-spectrum CBD oil, full-spectrum CBD oil, CBD capsules, or delicious CBD gummy sweets, we have a diverse range of products to choose from.
Our broad-spectrum CBD products contain a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant.
Rest assured that our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure purity and potency, giving you peace of mind knowing that you're getting the best possible quality.
CBD shows promise as a potential treatment for anxiety and OCD symptoms - so if you’re looking to ease your symptoms, CBD could be the answer. We're here to support you on your wellness journey with our premium CBD products.