Let’s talk about stress. 

Just about everyone deals with stress from time to time. Lots of people even feel stressed out by their busy schedules on a daily basis.

In general, feeling stressed from time to time is to be expected. Getting anxious before a big event, worrying about your finances, or feeling awkward in some social situations is completely normal. 

Regardless of how often you feel stressed, you may want to consider trying out different methods or strategies to find some relief. Things like exercise, sleep, making time for your hobbies, and eating healthier can all help. In addition to those suggestions, you may want to also try taking CBD for stress.

Many people benefit from taking CBD (cannabidiol) regularly. CBD has the potential to help ease feelings of stress thanks to its relaxing effects. Since CBD is an all-natural, non-psychoactive, and non-addictive compound, many have started using it for a variety of different reasons. From improving their sleep to reducing pain and inflammation, CBD has been shown to have many potential benefits on the human body.  

However, note that not enough research has been done on CBD for scientists to know how effective it is at managing or treating different issues. It is not FDA-approved, and although many studies have shown promising results, more studies are needed. 

To learn more about the truth behind taking CBD for stress relief, keep reading!

What does the FDA say about using CBD?

Before we talk about how CBD works and whether it can help you feel less stressed, we need to get some important information out of the way. 

CBD is not approved by the FDA for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease. There is currently only one CBD-based medication that has FDA approval – Epidiolex, which is used to treat and manage epileptic seizures.

Although many research studies have been completed on CBD and its effect on various health issues, many more human clinical trials need to be done. We need more information before anyone has a clear picture of how effective CBD is and what health issues CBD may help manage. 

At this time, we cannot make any claims that our CBD products will cure any diseases or reduce symptoms that you experience. We can, however, share with you some of the research that has been done on CBD, and mention some of the common experiences CBD users have. Then, (after you get the go-ahead to use CBD by chatting with your doctor first) you can make an educated decision about whether you think CBD might benefit you. 

It’s just a little stress. What’s the big deal?

Like we mentioned earlier, everyone experiences stress in some form on occasion. Life seems to move a million miles per hour with tightly packed schedules, family and work pressures, and more. 

But there is a difference between being stressed out every so often and experiencing stress daily. If you constantly feel stressed out, you may be dealing with chronic stress. 

If you just feel stressed on occasion, that’s very normal. A few examples of everyday stress may include:

• Stressing about paying your bills
• Worrying about issues in your relationship
• Getting panicked about an upcoming job interview
• Feeling awkward when talking to new people at a party

Whether you only experience stress every once in a while, or you’re dealing with chronic stress, it’s important to have a plan for dealing with that stress so that you can be more productive and happy.

You should also note that stress can have long-term negative effects on the body. It can lead to digestive issues, sleep disorders, headaches, and other issues. 

Stress isn’t just in your head. It physically impacts the body! Stress affects you by releasing hormones that increase your heart rate and breathing, and by restricting your blood flow. This is called the “fight-or-flight” response. 

It’s best to find a way to manage your stress now before it causes more severe health problems in the future. 

Can CBD help manage my stress?

CBD is the main non-psychoactive compound in cannabis. It works with your body’s endocannabinoid (ECS) system to provide health benefits by promoting balance among your systems. Many people report experiencing a sense of calm and relaxation after taking CBD. This allows some to experience better sleep and a more tranquil mindset.

All in all, CBD may be an effective and natural option to consider in addition to other lifestyle changes. A few other ways to manage your stress include:

• Getting regular exercise
• Eating a healthy diet
• Making time for enjoyable hobbies
• Getting more restful sleep
• Talking with a trusted person about your day
• Setting attainable goals
• Organizing a realistic to-do list

Current Research on CBD and Stress

A few studies have been done on how CBD affects anxiety. Keep in mind that stress and anxiety are two different conditions and they have different effects on the body, but they are similar in some ways, including the long-term effects they may cause. Because of this, it may be helpful to look into some of the research done on CBD and anxiety to get a decent idea about how CBD may affect stress. 

One study used CBD as a treatment for patients with sleep disorders and anxiety. The results were that on average, anxiety and sleep improved for most patients. The study also noted that a lot of the patients appreciated trying a natural remedy as they wanted to avoid using prescription medication. 

So far, the results of recent research studies are looking very promising! Lots of research points to the fact that CBD can help the body manage stress and occasional anxiety by directly affecting the brain and serotonin receptors, and inspiring a feeling of calm and relaxation. 

How much CBD should I take?

Before you start using CBD, you should talk with your doctor. Although CBD isn’t known to have many serious side effects, CBD may negatively interact with certain medications. This makes it very important to talk with your primary healthcare provider to make sure that you aren’t taking any drugs that don’t pair well with CBD.

After you’ve gotten the all-clear from your doctor, next you need to determine how much CBD to take. The exact dosage of CBD you should take varies based on a few different factors. Your weight, the concentration of the CBD, the type of product, and the way your body personally processes CBD will all affect the amount you need.

Because of this, it’s best to start with the smallest amount advised on the product (usually one dropperful of oil, one gummy, etc.) and then increase the dosage slightly until you achieve your desired effects. Also, note that you may need to take CBD consistently over a few weeks or longer to get the best results. Although taking a dose of CBD when you’re starting to feel stressed out may help you to relax, taking CBD daily is most effective. 

Keep in mind that CBD can affect everyone differently. While some people need very little CBD to experience the benefits, others may need a slightly larger dose. Also, while most do not experience any side effects, there are a few side effects to be aware of. A few of the most common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Changes in appetite/weight
• Diarrhea
• Interactions with certain medications

Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s advised that you do not take CBD. 

So, is taking CBD a good idea?

Dealing with stress, whether it is chronic or occasional stress, can be very difficult. If you find yourself stressed out often, you may also be experiencing sleeplessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and/or muscle tension. 

If stress is affecting your life, it’s best to speak with your doctor to see if CBD is a good option to explore. Of course, CBD is most effective when taken in addition to regular exercise, a healthy diet, and getting more sleep. Making those changes to your lifestyle can make a huge difference in the stress you experience. If you do want to give CBD a try, check out our high-quality CBD products.