How Does CBD Oil Work For Anxiety?! A Mini Guide

By Joseph Martin

Posted 4 years agoGROWTH

Almost everyone goes through anxiety at least once their lifetime. It is not something that you can avoid, and can happen to anyone. It can happen to a student, stressed about his or her grades. It can happen to an adult who is worried about career and work.
How Does CBD Oil Work For Anxiety

Almost everyone goes through anxiety at least once their lifetime. It is not something that you can avoid, and can happen to anyone. It can happen to a student, stressed about his or her grades. It can happen to an adult who is worried about career and work.

Teenagers can feel anxious about the prospect of their future and what field they will choose in college. What is worse is that there does not have to be a reason for you to feel anxious. You can get anxiety in the middle of the night without any apparent reason, and you should never ignore it. Anxiety is something that brushed under the rug in many households, and that is not something that should be encouraged. If you are experiencing any signs of anxiety, always remember that you are not alone and you can always talk to someone about it.

Dealing with anxiety, and finding a way to cure it is important. As much as medicines help us in controlling some of it, we cannot always rely on them because it is no good to be dependent on pharmaceutical medicines. Not only can we become dependent on the medication but there are also certain side effects of these medicines that can occur if we begin to take them for a long time period.

We do what we can in our power to feel better, such as meditation or some natural remedies that do not have many side effects. CBD is another such substance that is being studied for the cure of anxiety, and it has been deemed useful in the matter. We will explore what CBD is, what anxiety is, and how CBD oil can work for anxiety.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol is among the many active compounds that are found naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is another compound which is known for psychoactive properties. CBD is nonpsychoactive but has almost the same medical benefits as THC. This allows us to take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of CBD in a safe space without having to experience the feeling of being ‘high’ that accompanies THC.

What does CBD help with?

The researches that have been done on CBD so far has been quite promising. Studies have found out that CBD can provide relief from multiple mental health conditions such as addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and anxiety disorders.

There are physical conditions as well that can be helped by CBD. Because CBD has certain anti-inflammatory properties, a massage with CBD oil can prove to be a source of pain relief. It is studied that CBD oil may treat pain that is associated with arthritis, while some studies found that CBD cream can act as an effective anti-inflammatory. CBD has also been linked in the treatment of epilepsy and seizure disorders.

There is some evidence that says that CBD also has anti-cancer properties and can manage the side effects of cancer treatment. Accordingly, each product provides different bioavailability, and some can act faster than others. To make sure you choose the best CBD capsuleswith the highest quality components, select the ones free of impurities and contaminants. It’s wise that when buying the best CBD product, you review lab reports and third-party lab reports. This helps you double-check if the concentrations the brand advertises are what their products contain.

However, there is much study to be done in that field. If you want anxiety relief, you can consider vaping. If you are having any digestive problems, you can take it in oral form like capsules. For people having arthritis, headaches, and back pains, a CBD topical cream can prove to be great for the acute pain. For chronic pain, go for sublingual oils instead. However, if you are taking any sort of medication, always consult your doctor before any kind of self-medication because safety comes first!

How Does CBD Work With Anxiety?

Studies have concluded that CBD can induce a sense of calm for some people and can reduce the symptoms of anxiety. The mechanisms of how and why CBD is effective in the treatment of anxiety are not yet confirmed. However, CBD does appear to achieve similar effects to conventional anxiety medication.

Cannabinoids can achieve effects on the body in a way in which it activates the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This system consists of receptor sites that are found throughout the body and are known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD has the ability to interact with those receptors because of the similarity to molecules found within the body which are known as endocannabinoids. CBD has a very low affinity for the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but the molecule is somewhat an agonist for the 5-HT1A receptor.

How Can You Take CBD Oil?

The main question that arises is, how are you supposed to take this oil? If you have not yet used CBD oil, you should start off with small doses to see if it does not have any side effects because every person has different body chemistry. Before you decide to take CBD oils, consider your condition and how bad it is.

The dose of CBD will also depend on your weight. If you are having a headache, which can occur in anxiety, you can massage your head scalp and neck with some CBD oil. You will notice some soothing effects. Start by using a single drop of CBD oil so your body can adapt to it. Increase your dosage slowly, but never take too much because an excess of anything is not healthy.

Whenever you use CBD oil, keep the amount to a moderate level and research well to choose the best CBD oil for anxiety. Keep your dose the same for a while and do not jump to a higher dose just because you do not feel any better. Nothing will work over-night, not even CBD oils. What you need to have is patience. Also, do not take your dose at the same time, but take it in parts throughout the day. This will improve the absorption rate of the oil. Hopefully, you will begin to notice some improvements soon!

There is still some research going on in the role of CBD in reducing anxiety, but for what has been done until now, doctors are hopeful. However, for your own safety, always consult your doctor before any kind of self-medication. Your doctor will guide you in a much better way considering your medical history.

The Newbie’s Guide to CBD Oil

Welcome to the world of CBD oil! You’re about to discover an exciting product that can offer tons of benefits to the average person, including some very specific medical benefits for certain conditions. From pain to anxiety and beyond, CBD shows incredible versatility when it comes to its uses.

There are some things you’ll need to know as a CBD newbie, however. Before you start looking for CBD products, we’ll walk you through what it is, how it works, where to get it, and more. You’ll need this information to make a better-informed purchase decision and adequately explain what CBD is to any curious friends and family. 

Keep reading to learn our newbie’s guide to CBD oil. 

CBD Comes From Hemp

CBD is a Cannabinoid, which is a chemical compound that comes from Cannabis. Cannabis consists of several subspecies, among which is hemp. Hemp contains minor traces of the psychoactive compound THC, and this is where your CBD comes from. You can find minor amounts of CBD in marijuana, but it has higher THC concentrations; hence the high users experience from it. 

CBD doesn’t get you high, but it does interact with the body in a similar way to THC. Each compound interacts with the endocannabinoid system, but where THC actually binds to the cannabinoid receptors, CBD does…well, we’re not exactly sure yet. Scientists are still uncertain as to just how CBD affects the ECS, but it certainly does in a number of ways. 

The top CBD providers in the country use only the highest-quality organic hemp to extract CBD oil or balm to ensure quality. 

It’s Safe, Legal, and Won’t Get You High

Yes, CBD is safe for consistent use. In fact, if you want to feel any effects at all, you’ll have to use it consistently. It’s not like THC, which produces an almost instantaneous effect. You won’t get high from CBD either, or experience any kind of euphoria. This is actually the reason that so many people choose CBD instead. 

Aside from the illegality of THC, some people simply don’t want to feel the “high” that comes with it, nor they want to get addicted to weed, but still want the medicinal benefits of Cannabis. There have been no discoveries that suggest CBD has any ill-effects on the body, and you can’t overdose on it. 

CBD oil is even used in children and pets to treat anxiety, pain, and conditions like ADHD and Epilepsy. Certain rare seizure conditions are actually treated with a CBD-based drug! 

You Can Get It At The Grocery Store…Except Don’t

Yes, your local grocery store and gas station probably both carry CBD oils, gummies, and other products. And yes, the convenience of walking right in and buying one of these products is probably quite attractive, but before you buy…hear me out. 

The top brands in the industry operate almost entirely online, so if you want the best, that’s where you’ll have to go. The brands you’ll find in a grocery store may not be of the highest quality, and you’ll simply be wasting your money. 

When it comes to something like CBD oil, you should only be spending money on the best. Not only does this help improve the overall health of the CBD market, but it also guarantees that you’re getting your money’s worth out of your purchase. 

The Government Doesn’t Regulate The CBD Industry 

One of the concerns with the CBD industry is the lack of regulation. This leads to some incredibly sub-par products becoming available on the market, making wild claims of being able to “cure” certain ailments, among other things. 

While the FDA does offer a few restrictions on Cannabis-based products, it’s still performing research on CBD in order to make definitive guidelines for CBD products. For now, consumers have to turn to the industry’s top providers to set an example of quality and consistency. As a consumer, you can make a change by only buying from high-quality providers and deciding the quality standards for yourself. 

This helps put the smaller, more suspicious operations out of business and improves the industry as a whole for everyone.  

It Doesn’t’ Work Overnight

Unlike THC, you won’t feel CBD’s effects immediately, or even within a few days. It takes at least 2-4 weeks to build up enough CBD in your system for it to have an effect, and that’s only if you remain consistent with your doses during that time. 

That being said, it’s certainly worth the wait. CBD offers so many benefits that I could write another article entirely on the subject! Hang in there and be patient; you’ll get your benefits after a few weeks of consistent use, and you’ll finally be able to see why everyone’s raving about CBD oil. 

It Won’t Cure Your Ailments

“Benefits” doesn’t mean curing anything. Some die-hard fans of CBD claim it can “cure” a number of ailments, but there’s no actual evidence available to support these claims. It can help reduce your pain, but won’t cure what’s causing it, nor will it cure conditions like anxiety or depression. 

If anything, CBD is a supplement to a regular health regimen. Combined with good diet, exercise, and mental health efforts, CBD can drastically improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even increase your overall heart health; but it won’t cure any diseases or make the blind see again. 

It Does Have Some Side-Effects

While CBD oil doesn’t produce any ill-effects, it does come with some minor side-effects. These can include dry mouth, nausea, and even fatigue. You can’t overdose on CBD, but fatigue has been reported among users who take larger doses consistently. That’s it, now you’re an expert on all things CBD. You know what it does, where to get it, and how it works with the body. When you’re ready to take the leap and buy your first bottle of oil, remember to choose a high-quality brand and not your local gas station variety. 

What  is CBN?

Much like CBD (cannabidiol), CBN (cannabinol) is another non-psychoactive compound found in hemp plants. It comes from old, aging THC that has been exposed to oxygen and light over time, transforming it from THC to CBN. With advances in recent technology, CBN can be isolated and extracted from these plants, causing it to become a powerhouse within the CBD world when it comes to helping relieve anxiety, insomnia, and stress.

Studies around CBN and Anxiety

While still largely being researched, CBN is known for its positive impacts on helping relieve anxiety and improving sleep. CBD and CBN are both known for their assistance with alleviating anxiety and promoting relaxation, but the path they each take to do this and interact with our bodies is a bit different than one another. CBD properties usually interact with your body’s serotonin, opioid, and dopamine receptors. Ready for some fun science? Continue reading!

CBN properties are different because they bind with your body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, which control your brain and central nervous system functions. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is one of the major roles within your central nervous system which houses these CB1 and CB2 receptors. It controls receptor interactions by communicating with additional subsystems to either turn on or off. When consumed, CBN interacts with the ECS which, in turn, communicates with the receptors and subsystems. These subsystems turning on and off impact the chemical balances in your body, which can help improve feelings of anxiety and fear along with giving off a sensation of sedation.  

Because CBN has been noted as having a much stronger sedative effect when compared to CBD, many people are opting to use this in place of CBD to help manage their anxiety and insomnia. Another option that is becoming increasingly popular is taking CBN along with CBD for extra relief in these areas. To make things easy for you, dear reader, we’ve created a CBN + CBD Oil Tincture that combines the wonderful elements of both compounds into one easy to consume oil tincture! 

Anxiety is known to oftentimes lead to insomnia; consuming CBN may also offer some relief for not only anxious feelings, but aiding in sleep as well. The widespread help that CBN can offer continues to be discovered as the research around this particular compound gains momentum. 

Is CBN legal?

Don’t be discouraged after reading that CBN comes from old, aged THC! CBN is not a scheduled substance – but the catch is that gummies or any edibles that contain CBN can not have any more than up to 0.3% Delta 9 THC. CBN that is derived from hemp is legal, as stated in the 2018 Farm Bill that was signed into law.

Every CBN product sold on the CBD Infusionz site contains no more than 0.05% Delta 9 THC, giving you the peace of mind that our products are ready to consume without breaking any laws!

How much CBN should I take?

There is no hard and fast rule of what is “right” or what will work for you because each and everyone one of us is unique! That said, a good standard approach that we recommend taking is starting small and seeing how you feel and what your reactions are over the course of a week. From there, you can increase the amount as you see fit (incrementally) to see if a higher dose is more comfortable for you and appropriate for how your body is reacting to CBN. At the end of the day, you know your comfort zone and limits better than anyone – trust your judgment!

An important note about CBN: Because of its sedative nature, most people report feeling drowsy or sleepy after consumption. When trying CBN, we suggested avoiding getting behind the wheel or operating any type of heavy machinery until you can test out how it impacts you.

While there is no magic solution to completely eliminate anxiety and stress, the notable results from people across the US using CBN to help is significantly increasing at a fast moving pace. With any new regimen you introduce, we recommend starting slow and making note of how CBN is impacting not only your anxiety, but your overall well being and physical state.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is among the most common disorders related to mental health that affect approximately 40 million adults in the United States only. Anxiety is a natural response that is induced to danger and stress, but it soon becomes pathological and chronic when a person experiences it for longer periods of time. The common symptoms of anxiety include fast heart rate, fast breathing, decreased concentration, restlessness, and sleeping issues.

Anxiety is manifested in different forms, and there are a number of disorders that are related to anxiety. Social anxiety is a tremendous fear of judgment and nervousness during social interactions. People who have social anxiety tend to avoid eye contact and are scared of getting embarrassed in front of others.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is another type of anxiety in which a person becomes obsessed with certain behaviours and rituals such as checking door locks and light switches repeatedly. People with OCD may sometimes experience intrusive and disturbing thoughts that they are unable to control.

Hypochondria is the anxiety that involves being constantly worried about personal health. When someone with Hypochondria experiences even the slightest symptoms, they immediately assume the worst. People who have post-traumatic stress disorder have anxiety because of some traumatic events that have happened in their lives in the past.

Panic attacks are associated with many anxiety disorders and can be episodic. They can usually last only a few minutes, but they can be really scary. They bring along with them symptoms such as sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, trembling, and abdominal distress. Although there are certain external events that can trigger anxiety it also has to do with neurochemistry.

What Does Research Say?

Several studies have found out that the anxiolytic effects of CBD can be helpful. There is very positive feedback on how CBD can work clinically and as a kind of prescribed medication. A research paper published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology some time ago states a study that took place in order to investigate the effects of CBD on the generalized social anxiety disorder. According to the study, social anxiety disorder is among the most common anxiety conditions overall. This study involved 24 patients that were divided into two groups. One group received one dose of CBD while the other group received a placebo. The researches that performed a speaking test in which all the patients were supposed to feel anxious.

The doctors found that the group that was given CBD has a significant decrease in cognitive impairment, anxiety, and discomfort in their speaking performances. In the paper, the authors also stated that CBD has essential as compared to the pharmacological agents currently available for the treatment of social anxiety disorder.

It was also noted that repeated administration of CBD does not develop any tolerance or dependence, which is very common in pharmaceutical medicine, and it can reduce drug-seeking behaviours as well. This fact plays an important part because patients who have anxiety often try and seek substances and are more prone to self-medication.

Best CBD Oil for Anxiety: Buyer’s Guide

Everyone feels anxious now and then. Anxiety is a normal emotion, but when worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, it can kill the joy of life.

Except for following a professional psychological therapy, which is usually the best and safest solution for most psychologically related issues, maintaining good life hygiene through diet and exercises, natural treatments such us CBD oil can help to deal with your anxieties in a smoother way.

Even though it comes from marijuana plants, CBD doesn’t create a “high” effect or any form of intoxication and may benefit people with various forms of anxiety, such as anxiety-induced insomnia,  social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Numerous studies have proved that CBD encourages neural regeneration, particularly in the hippocampus. In 2011, a study researched CBD’s effects on people with SAD. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced overall reduced anxiety levels.

CBD oil tinctures are undoubtedly the most widely used form of CBD oil. A few drops under the tongue and you are ready to go. Tinctures are a better way to take in dietary supplements or medical marijuana compared to puffing a bong.

For people worried about the taste of CBD oil, some companies have taken it upon themselves to make CBD in different appealing flavors. In general, CBD oils contain less than 0.3 percent of the psychoactive THC which makes them suitable for general use.

The wellness industry has especially taken CBD keenly and different brands are making CBD oil to ease anxiety, depression, and chronic pain among other things. This article reviews the top 5 brands making the best CBD oil for anxiety.

What are CBD Oil Tinctures?

Before you get deeper into this, it would be good if you understand what CBD tinctures are. One thing to note is that CBD tinctures are slightly different from CBD oil. CBD tinctures are, in the most basic form, hemp extracts mixed with alcohol, glycerin, or cinnamon. They have a long shelf life but a bit low potency. CBD tinctures have a high bioavailability and are absorbed in the body very fast when taken sublingually. In most cases, CBD oil and CBD oil tinctures are considered as the same thing.

Health Benefits of CBD Oil Tinctures

As mentioned earlier, CBD has a long list of benefits to the human body. Researchers in the wellness industry are actively looking into how CBD can be used to alleviate and control different conditions. Particularly, CBD oil tinctures have a tangible impact on stress levels, depression, and anxiety. Fab CBD oil has especially received praise from users suffering depression many of whom quoted its efficacy in improving their overall condition. NuLeaf naturals is also a revered brand with a massive following owing to its ability to reduce anxiety in users.

Best CBD Oil Tinctures for Anxiety and overall wellness

While it is not possible to review every brand offering CBD oil for sale, it is feasible to select the top brands that have the best CBD oil for overall wellness based on several factors. Some of the factors considered while this review was done include potency of CBD oil, the ingredients, transparency of the manufacturers, and product reviews from manufacturers’ websites.

Fab CBD

tinctures contain whole-plant hemp extracts containing a unique blend of cannabinoids and terpenes. This is the way to go if you are looking for high-quality CBD rich hemp oil for anxiety. Fab CBD oil has as well been hailed by many for alleviating pain, support stress and support a sense of calm for focus making it one of the most widely used overall wellness CBD products.

Advantages

  • Available in 5 different flavors including a natural flavor
  • Available in 3 different strengths
  • Uses hemp oil carrier making it suitable for people with allergies.
  • Third-party lab tested
  • Innovative high-quality products

Disadvantages

  • No high strength products
  • High price compared to other products

Nuleaf Naturals

NuLeaf Naturals are committed to providing customers with the highest-grade CBD oil on the market. The organic CBD oil contains a full-spectrum CBD and terpenes to improve your wellness. Hemp is the sole ingredient for the oil with no extra additives. NuLeaf Naturals CBD oil is probably the best CBD oil for anxiety that you can get in the current market.

Advantages

  • Completely natural
  • High strength strains available
  • No additives or artificial flavorings
  • Extracted from organic hemp

Disadvantages

  • Only available in one flavor

Elixinol

If you are looking for CBD oil for anxiety for sale, Elixinol organic balance tincture is one unique product you can go for. The tincture bundles together full spectrum CBD, MCT coconut oil for high bioavailability, and BCP which is a strong cannabinoid, sometimes called a terpene. When these ingredients can work each by itself, they are definitely better together giving you a relaxed feeling even when you have a lot going on. The natural flavored organic balance tincture is made from full-spectrum CBD oil extracted using the supercritical CO2 method. No harsh solvents or toxic chemicals used in the process. This is arguably the best CBD oil for anxiety and sleep. Many users have praised the product for aiding with stress and sleep among other things.

Advantages

  • Made of natural full-spectrum CBD
  • Comes with an easy to use marked dropper for accuracy
  • High bioavailability due to presence of MCT oil
  • It is affordably cheap
  • Third-party lab tested

Disadvantages

  • Not suitable for people who are allergic to coconut oil

Populum

Populum premium hemp oil stands out as a cheap, legitimate, and efficient product. Analytical 360 tests the full-spectrum CBD oil to confirm the absence of harmful metal residuals and pesticides. This does noes not make it psychoactive but increases its benefits to your body. It is a high strength product with a reasonable price and the manufacturer offers a 30-day risk-free trial for all new clients. It is available in strengths of 250mg, 500mg, and 1000mg. Other customers heave praised Populum for being good for sleep and anxiety.

Advantages

  • Sweet orange flavor makes it appealing
  • Made of non-GMO hemp oil
  • Extracted from Colorado-grown hemp
  • 30-day risk-free trial
  • No after-taste

Disadvantages

  • May not be suitable for people with allergies due to the presence of coconut and grape seed oil.
  • A bit pricey

RE Botanicals

RE Botanicals are dedicated to quality. Their tinctures are 100 per cent natural and vegan friendly. They are free from synthetic herbicides and other contaminants. The oil uses MCT coconut oil for higher bioavailability. RE Botanicals are extracted from organically grown non-GMO hemp. This tincture has especially been praised for helping with digestion, stress, sleep, and depression. The oil is available in only one flavor, several strength levels, and a fair price scheme. Re botanicals offer excellent customer support not to mention free shipping for relatively low-value orders.

Advantages

  • High bioavailability and hence easy uptake in the body
  • Helps with inflammation and sleep

Disadvantages

  • Unsuitable for people with allergies
  • Relatively new company

Should I be concerned about any Side Effects?

CBD tinctures are natural and easily tolerated by the body. However, everyone reacts differently to CBD and some people have reported experiencing some side effects. Some of the reported side effects include dizziness and drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite, and a dry mouth. CBD is also known to interact with some other medications and supplements leading to unexpected side effects.

People with allergies should especially be careful to read the list of ingredients before buying to ascertain that they are allergen-free. You can also confirm the same by contacting the customer service of your provider. People undergoing medication and generally everybody else should seek advice from the doctor before adding CBD to your daily supplement’s regimen.

How to Buy CBD Oil Tinctures?

Buying CBD oil for anxiety shouldn’t be difficult. The most reliable way to get CBD oil tincture is through a popular manufacturer’s website. It is the only way you can be assured of the quality of the CBD you consume. Note that there are other ways you can obtain CBD and which may seem convenient. The cheap prices offered by the grocery store or that gas station near your area should not tempt you to overlook quality.

While buying CBD oil tinctures remember to make considerations of the potency, the specific ingredients, and make a point of reading what other buyers feel about the product.

Conclusion

CBD oil and CBD oil tinctures are in the wellness industry to stay. Their use for purposes of wellness can only be projected to increase based on how easily people are taking them up. With the CBD industry receiving more players every day, consumers must take precautionary measures such as personal research and buy only from the manufacturers alone. This gives them the guarantee of quality and in turn, gives the manufacturer the responsibility for their products.

The wellness industry has wide use cases for CBD oil tinctures. CBD products are usually made for general purpose use but they are all different in what they achieve. As mentioned in the article, Fab CBD oil, NuLeaf Naturals, and Elixinol are arguably the best CBD oils for overall wellness.

People react differently to CBD. While others may not experience any side effects, a few others have reported even severe side effects. To get the best results with CBD oil tinctures, it is recommended you take the same dosage at almost the same time of the day for several weeks. One brand may work well for you than another but for starters trying several brands is the only way to know what works. You can try some of the products listed in this article to start with.

If you struggle with anxiety, likely you also experience problems with sleeping. People tend to look for solutions by smoking weed to achieve faster sleep. The importance of good sleep lies in its quality, especially the REM phase, rather than its length. 

Which is Better for REM Sleep – CBD or THC?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, about one-third of the United States population suffers from insomnia. Additionally, they also found in a 2016 survey that two-thirds of Americans either have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. With the pervasive effects of sleep-related issues, almost everyone is looking for a solution. This led some people to start using marijuana as a sleep-aid, but what works best for supporting the full sleep cycle, CBD or THC?

What is REM Sleep?

Rapid Eye Movement sleep, commonly referred to as REM sleep, is a specific phase of sleep classified by the seemingly random movement in the eyes. It typically occurs about ninety minutes after falling asleep. Most people know of the REM cycle as the phase in the sleep cycle when you dream. This makes it a unique phase different from all other phases of sleep.

The distinct nature of REM sleep is why the sleep cycle is commonly split up between REM sleep and non-REM sleep despite non-REM sleep containing three stages. While all of these stages contribute to a healthy sleep cycle, REM sleep and non-REM sleep have significant differences that are not seen between the three stages of non-REM sleep.

THC Induces Sleep but Reduces REM Sleep

Now that you understand the importance of the REM sleep cycle to your overall health, can you use either CBD or THC to support a healthy sleep cycle? According to an article discussing the CBD/THC relationship from Online Dispensary Canada, THC & CBD work even better when taken together, something described as the entourage effect. When looking at them individually, however, THC seems to act as a sedative meaning it can help someone fall asleep and stay asleep, it also seems to reduce the amount of time spent in the REM cycle.

This is because people regularly associate marijuana use with a lack of dreaming. It also explains why people who stop using marijuana after using it regularly for an extended period of time experience intense dreaming.

After experiencing a deprivation of the REM sleep cycle, the body tends to rebound by entering the REM cycle faster and more frequently. So, while THC seems to help some people fall asleep, it tends to actually decrease the amount of REM sleep you experience. You can read the full article: comparing the properties of THC & CBD here.

When Would THC Work Well for Sleep?

Even though THC seems to reduce the amount of time spent in the REM sleep cycle, that is exactly what some individuals need for a healthy sleep schedule. This particularly holds true for individuals suffering from PTSD or regularly experience nightmares. By reducing the amount of time spent in the REM sleep cycle, you also reduce the amount of time you spend dreaming. 

While dreaming is healthy for most people, if you regularly experience night terrors or suffer PTSD, just thinking about dreaming can cause a sense of fear and dread. This is why some users feel that THC is an extremely effective sleep aid as it reduces the amount of time spent dreaming allowing them to fall asleep easier without the fear of nightmares. While they may not experience the full range of benefits from a healthy sleep cycle that includes REM sleep, it’s still far better than not receiving enough sleep overall.

You can use delta-8 THC gummies when you want physical and mental relief, or to enhance your experience of enjoyment and relaxing. Check mrhempflower.comfor more information.

What About Using CBD for REM Sleep?

So, if THC can help someone fall asleep but it reduces the amount of REM sleep, could you use CBD to promote a healthy sleep cycle? Well, according to a Consumer Reports survey, 10% of people who use CBD use it to help with sleep. Most of those who used CBD to help with sleep claimed it worked. Scientific studies seem to agree with this anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBD could help with falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night.

Additionally, CBD does not seem to affect a person’s natural sleep cycle. This means that unlike THC, CBD can help with inducing sleep while also maintaining a normal REM sleep cycle. However, it’s unclear whether the benefits to sleep come from the CBD itself or the terpene myrcene which is commonly found in high-CBD strains.

Myrcene is regularly found in high-CBD strains of marijuana as well as a few other plants including mangoes, basil, thyme, lemongrass, and hops. Studies suggest that myrcene acts as an effective sedative that helps people fall asleep. This is the main reason that hops are commonly associated with a sedating effect. Some people believe this terpene is why people associate CBD with helping users fall asleep. This confusion is only made worse by the fact that most scientific studies on using CBD for sleep use CBD alongside other cannabinoids and terpenes. All of these factors make it difficult to determine exactly what causes the sleep-enhancing effects so many users associate with consuming CBD.

However, this confusion seems to dissipate by the fact that people who use pure CBD isolates still claim that it helps them fall to sleep. While this is only anecdotal evidence that could be explained by the placebo effect, most people who use CBD seem to agree that it helps with sleep. Despite all of this confusion, whether it’s CBD or myrcene causing these sedating effects people associate with CBD does not matter a whole lot to the end-user.

If you use a full-spectrum CBD product which most people in the field recommend anyways, it will most likely contain myrcene and CBD so that you can benefit from both.

Summary of REM Importance & THC/CBD’s Effect

While researchers still do not know the exact function of REM sleep, a number of studies show the importance of this stage of the sleep cycle. One study even found that rats deprived of REM sleep die in a matter of just four to six weeks. Other studies have shown various lab animals exhibit increases in aggression after prolonged periods of REM sleep deprivation. Researchers have also theorized that proper REM sleep could contribute to:

  • Preservation of memory
  • Neural ontogeny
  • Defensive immobilization
  • Oxygen supply to the Cornea
  • Recovery of the monoamine receptors in the brain

To sum this all up, while THC can help with sleep, it also reduces the amount of time spent in the REM sleep cycle. On the other hand, CBD can also help with sleep but it maintains your natural sleep cycle meaning your body still goes into the REM stage of sleep as it normally would.

About the author Joseph Martin

This article was written by Joseph Martin who regularly shares advice on the physical health. In particular, natural remedies and therapies for aches, anxiety and every day induced stress. You can find more about him on Mellow By Design.

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