CBD is a hot topic. The compound legalized in 2018 is now a popular supplement for reducing anxiousness, occasional sleeplessness, and muscle recovery. Now, many consumers are asking, “Does CBD oil calm you down?” The short answer is yes. CBD oil can calm you down, but understanding how it works is a little more complex.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of over 525 compounds produced by hemp. The naturally occurring plant chemical has several wellness advantages, including working with the chemicals in the brain to stop the body’s flight or fight response. CBD is federally legal and available over-the-counter in all U.S. states.
How Does CBD Oil Calm You Down?
CBD is a unique compound that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a complex multi-cell signaling system found in all mammals, including endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes. Cannabinoid receptors run throughout the brain and body, including the organs, glands, and immune cells.
Also known as the ECS, it regulates everything from appetite, memory, and mood to joint and muscle soreness. When anxiety strikes, the endocannabinoid system responds to signals from the brain by releasing neurotransmitters that may cause stress or tension.
The calming effects of CBD oil also come from the brain. The oil interacts with specific receptors in the brain and central nervous system, called serotonin 5-HT receptors. Two different serotonin receptors, serotonin 1A, and serotonin 2A are primarily responsible for CBD’s calming effects. Here’s how it works:
Serotonin 1A
These receptors encourage calmness by signaling the brain that it doesn’t need to get ready for action. This benefit can make you less likely to become anxious, afraid, or aggressive when you’re experiencing tense situations.
Serotonin 2A
The receptors work by helping to stop the release of chemicals that contribute to nerve cell damage. Since these receptors send and receive messages about the release of stress hormones, they can play an essential role in reducing anxiety.
What else happens when you take CBD oil?
Besides interacting with serotonin 5-HT receptors, CBD also activates other receptors that affect the central nervous system. The oil interacts with the GPR3, GPR6, GPR12, and GPR18 receptors. These receptor sites allow the CBD to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety.
The botanical supplement also works with the TRPV1 receptor, which regulates body temperature, pain perception, and inflammation. The way CBD interacts with the receptors may also prove helpful in lessening symptoms for some people with specific disorders involving the brain and central nervous system.
The Benefits of CBD Oil’s Calming Effects
CBD oil has many benefits that you may not have realized. One of the first advantages is that it may help you relax in small doses while feeling no drowsiness. The oil has also helped many people with occasional sleeplessness fall asleep faster, improve their sleep quality, or even manage other health conditions that cause them to stay awake.
People have trouble sleeping because their mind is still going, leaving them wide awake when they should be asleep. A nightly dose of CBD before bed may ease this problem. Although anxiety isn’t a sleep disorder, it keeps people up when they should be sleeping.
According to the Sleep Foundation, a few research papers involve the compound, anxiousness, and falling asleep.
“One study showed that nearly 80% of participants who used CBD to treat their anxiety reported lower anxiety levels within a month. Sleep initially improved in more than 65% percent of participants, followed by fluctuating results.”
So, to answer the question again, “Does CBD oil calm you down?” The research overwhelmingly supports the compound as a safe and effective way to reduce anxiousness, lower stress levels, and stay calm.
How To Take CBD Oil for Anxious Thoughts
CBD oil is taken as a dietary supplement. It can come in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, edibles, and topical applications. You can also smoke or vape hemp to get the full effects of CBD and the other 524 known wellness compounds.
CBD capsules and edibles are often made using vegan ingredients and contain no dairy. This helps people who may be lactose intolerant or leading a plant-based diet get the full benefits of the popular compound.
You can also combine the different methods to find the best solution. For example, CBD edibles are an excellent option, but they can take an hour to 90 minutes to work. Even a tincture requires waiting about 20 minutes.
The fastest way to get relief when you need to calm down is by smoking or vaping CBD oil or flower because the results are nearly immediate. However, this method doesn’t last nearly as long as capsules, oils, and edibles. The effects wear off in less than an hour. You’ll have to take a few more puffs to get back to the low levels of anxiety you desire.
For the best results, consider taking a CBD capsule, tincture, or edible before anxiousness starts and use a vape pen or hemp flower for fast relief. By the time it stops working, the longer-lasting products start to work, providing support for up to six hours.
Does CBD Oil Calm You Down?
The bottom line—Yes. CBD oil is not only relaxing, but it can help you be more receptive to calming thoughts. The compound interacts with serotonin receptor sites and other receptors in the brain to ease anxiety, stress, and other mental disorders.
The exact dosage doesn’t have the same effect on every one since everyone’s endocannabinoid system responds differently. It’s best to start with a small dose and work your way until you find the highest amount with no adverse side effects.
The oil works best for calming thoughts when taken regularly, ideally in the evening before bedtime. You can also use it to help manage anxious thoughts throughout the day in low doses.
Try it out if you are interested in trying CBD oil for anxiety, sleep issues, or any other condition that leads to restlessness. For more information, check out our extensive selection of hemp products.
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