As a researcher and director of the Institute on Addiction at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, I have spent years studying the effects of CBD on anxiety and other mental health conditions. And as the popularity of CBD continues to rise, so do the claims about its effectiveness in treating anxiety. But what does the research really say? Is CBD truly a miracle cure for anxiety, or is it just another overhyped supplement?First, let's clarify what CBD is. Unlike its psychoactive cousin THC, CBD is not psychoactive and has a different pharmacological profile.
Both marijuana and hemp belong to the same family, but marijuana contains much more THC than CBD, while hemp contains higher levels of CBD. This means that CBD does not produce a "high" like marijuana does. So, what does the research say about CBD and anxiety? While there is still a need for more high-quality studies in humans, the existing research suggests that CBD may be a useful and relatively non-toxic option for managing anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. In fact, a study conducted with healthy volunteers found that a single dose of CBD had no effect, while another study with people suffering from insomnia found that they slept better after taking a dose. But it's important to note that not all CBD products are created equal. Some manufacturers have come under government scrutiny for making wild and indefensible claims about their products, such as that CBD can cure cancer or COVID-19. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence and should be taken with a grain of salt. Furthermore, since CBD is currently available as an unregulated supplement, it's hard to know exactly what you're consuming.
This is why it's important to do your research and only purchase CBD from reputable sources. In fact, a Forbes Health survey found that nearly half of adults who tried CBD did so at the suggestion of a doctor. So, where can you find high-quality CBD? One option is to buy it at a cannabis dispensary, as the products sold there must meet state regulatory standards. Another option is to obtain CBD online, but be sure to do your research and only purchase from reputable sources. It's also worth noting that CBD is approved by the FDA as a drug (Epidiolex) for the treatment of certain conditions, such as epilepsy. This means that it cannot legally be added to food or sold as a dietary supplement unless the FDA specifically determines that it is safe to do so.
However, this measure has not yet been taken. So, is CBD legal? The answer is yes and no. CBD derived from hemp is legal in most states, while CBD derived from marijuana is not. This is because hemp contains higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC, making it less likely to produce a "high." However, this also means that the government cannot guarantee the safety or accuracy of CBD products derived from hemp. In conclusion, while there is still a need for more research on CBD and its effects on anxiety, the existing evidence suggests that it may be a useful and relatively safe option for managing anxiety and other mental health conditions. However, it's important to do your research and only purchase CBD from reputable sources.
And as always, consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement or treatment plan.