Research published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2022 looked into the nation’s mental health and well-being. It found that over 43% of Australians aged 16 to 85 experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives. Moreover, anxiety was the most common group of one-year disorders, with almost 17% of people experiencing it.
COVID was certainly a key driver in the increase in anxiety experienced by Australians. Others suffer affective disorders that make it difficult to function at work or in relationships. What’s worse is that some people use opioids to try and cope. Research has found that most opioid overdose deaths are attributable to pharmaceutical opioids.
What if there was another way to cope with anxiety that didn’t force you to rely on an addictive substance? As it happens, there is. It is called CBD cannabis oil and is legally available in Australia. This article looks into how hemp oil can help you feel more relaxed and at ease with yourself and the world.
A great deal as it happens! First of all, let’s clear something up. The hemp oil we’re talking about does NOT involve the use of marijuana. Legally speaking, brands selling CBD oils in Australia must ensure that there is a tiny amount of delta-9 THC, the famed intoxicating cannabinoid in marijuana, in their products.
There is an impressive array of scientific literature on hemp oil for anxiety. One review of studies published in 2015 looked into the use of CBD to ‘treat’ anxiety disorders. The researchers wrote that CBD interacts with the CB1 receptor, the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, and other receptors located in the brain that regulate anxiety and fear-induced behaviors.
They also discovered clinical and preclinical data that supported the idea of CBD being an effective compound for various forms of anxiety disorder. These include:
Panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder
A more recent study looked into the effects of CBD on almost 400 New Zealand adults. The study’s volunteers received cannabidiol for various issues, including mental health and neurological symptoms.
After using CBD for three weeks, each group reported quality of life improvements. Those who received hemp oil for depression or anxiety were better able to perform daily functions than before and exhibited fewer pain, anxiety, or depression symptoms.
What’s promising is that studies have looked into the effect of different doses. Some users consumed 6mg of CBD, while other researchers analyzed the effects of 400mg. The cannabinoid was well tolerated by the vast majority of volunteers, and even those who received lower doses experienced some improvement in certain instances.
Unfortunately, there are no standardized dosing recommendations for CBD oils. However, if using it for anxiety, it is worth trying a small dose first to see how you react. Begin with 2.5mg to 5mg and take note of the effects. Gradually increase the dose if you tolerate the substance, but it doesn’t have much impact. Do so until you reach a point where the hemp oil has the desired effect.
CBD oils affect everyone differently. One person may find that 20mg daily is enough to help them feel less anxious. For others, 50mg may be the ‘sweet spot.’ When using hemp oil, place the requisite number of drops beneath your tongue and hold them there for about 60 seconds before swallowing. Most users feel an effect within 20 minutes, though this is not always the case.
Other CBD consumption methods include edibles, vape liquid, topicals, and suppositories. However, hemp oil remains among the most popular products in the industry.
Evidence that CBD oils could prove useful for anxiety is mounting. Its effects on various receptors in the body might be why it has such calming effects on many users.
The cost of hemp oil has recently fallen as more brands enter the marketplace. However, you’re better off sticking with tried and trusted CBD sellers like Premium Jane. It offers hemp oil in various flavors, including the wonderful Chocolate Mint option which is extremely popular.
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