Anxiety and stress are some of the biggest mental plagues we face today. While many have turned to cannabis to calm those nerves, the high THC content in today’s bud may actually increase those feelings of anxiety… and sometimes even with a side of paranoia. But if this has been your experience, you don’t have to write off cannabis completely. The other superstar compound in the cannabis plant, CBD, could be your ticket to relieve stress and feelings of anger and anxiety.
CBD is fabulous for managing emotions for a few reasons. It’s non-psychoactive, so you can take it at any time of day; it’s completely non-addictive and not habit forming; and it often works right away, unlike anti-anxiety medications where you have to take it for a while to see if it’s even for you. Keep reading to learn how to use CBD for easy stress relief!
How does CBD help relieve stress?
We have tons of neurotransmitters located in our brains and throughout our bodies that essentially connect the two together. The way the neurotransmitters communicate this way has a big effect on our mood, stress levels, sleep and even our appetite.
For reference, serotonin and dopamine are both important neurotransmitters, and both of these have a lot to do with how we feel and process stress. CBD binds to both of these neurotransmitters, just like our own endocannabinoids, which are produced by our own bodies to regulate our endocannabinoid system.
When CBD binds to serotonin receptors (also known as the feel-good hormone), it produces a similar effect as serotonin itself does, regulating our emotions. The same goes for our dopamine receptors, which control feelings of pleasure in our brains.
Wow, that was a lot of science. There’s a lot to our endocannabinoid system and neurotransmitters, and even a lot that we still don’t know about it because it is so complex. But many studies have shown that CBD does in fact lessen feelings of stress in people as opposed to those given a placebo. What more reason to do you need to give it a try?
What’s the best way to use CBD for stress relief?
Our favorite ways to use CBD for stress relief is to combine it with an already relaxing ritual, like enjoying a nice CBD “cocktail” or treat, using CBD lotion for massage, or soaking in a CBD bath.
To make CBD-infused food or drink, the easiest way is with a CBD tincture. You can purchase a CBD tincture no matter where you live, as long as it is produced from industrial hemp, or a cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC. A CBD tincture is a liquid vial usually with a dropper that contains super concentrated CBD. This way, all you have to do is drop some into your favorite mocktail or tea. You can easily substitute the THC tinctures for CBD tinctures in our Infused Drink recipes!
How to use CBD for stress and anger
Another great way to relieve stress, especially before bed so you can get some good z’s, is with a CBD-infused lotion or balm. This is applied topically and soaks in through your skin and is also effective at calming down those neurotransmitters firing off stress. Give yourself a foot or hand massage with it before hitting the hay.
Or, pick up a few CBD bath bombs and soak for 15 minutes. This is also great to do before bed, since you’ll get a double whammy of relaxation from the CBD and the warm water. There are also CBD bath salts and CBD-infused bath oils available that you can try—the CBD bubble bath combinations are endless.
CBD 510 oil cartridges and CBD flower vapes are also a good route to take if you want to still have a typical "weed" experience. Talk to a budtender to find a strain without THC but a high CBD %. A few puffs before you relax or get into bed can help you truly unwind.
Always consult with your doctor if you want to try taking CBD for stress relief. Also, do some research on the best CBD brands available in your state— ones that have been approved by testing facilities for safety and efficacy.
