CBD oil has been used to safely treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of anxiety disorder (1). Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand, and those with one are more likely to have the other. Studies suggest that CBD oil and other CBD products may be beneficial for symptoms of depression. A comprehensive review found that while there have been a number of studies suggesting that CBD could have mental health benefits, more research is needed to confirm these alleged benefits. The popularity of cannabis products and CBD has skyrocketed in recent years, leading to the legalization of marijuana and the availability of CBD without strict regulations or controls for the general public.
Naturalist studies of CBD report improved cognitive performance, including memory, increased gray matter in the hippocampus, and fewer psychotic symptoms in patients receiving higher doses of CBD (Solowij et al.). Even though the exact way CBD works to treat anxiety is not fully understood, it has not stopped millions of people from using it to find relief from their symptoms. A large-scale study on the use of CBD in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy found that CBD reduced the frequency of seizures by more than 50% in 43% of patients with Dravet syndrome. CBD patches can be difficult to find, but they are an easy way to take CBD and can help ease aches and pains. Most researchers conducting studies of CBD in animals require more direct research in humans, but their initial results are an essential step in understanding how CBD works in the body.
Nabiximols has been found to be useful in disorders related to cannabis and Tourette syndrome, due to the synergistic benefits of CBD and THC. It is important to note that CBD and other products derived from CBD or cannabis should not be considered dietary supplements, as they contain pharmacologically active ingredients. For many Americans struggling with social anxiety and anxiety disorders, CBD provides a way to use a holistic approach to managing anxiety by utilizing its natural interaction with the body. Research suggests that CBD may have a number of benefits for neurological disorders, including decreasing the frequency and severity of seizures. The only FDA-approved drug containing CBD for childhood seizures is Epidiolex, which is a synthetic substance with a purity of 98% CBD and less than 0.15% THC.
These trials tested different doses of nabiximoles ranging from 21.6 mg of THC and 20 mg of CBD (twice daily) to 113.4 mg of THC or 105 mg of CBD per day. As researchers continue to better understand CBD and its potential benefits or concerns, information on how to use it most effectively will continue to evolve.
