Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in cannabis sativa that possesses the ability to calm the mind and body. Discover how it can help you manage symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety.
Anxiety is a feeling of worry and fear in response to a real or perceived threat. It can be accompanied by symptoms such as an increased heart rate, nervousness, and sweating. If you have frequent anxiety episodes that interfere with your daily activities, it may be caused by anxiety disorder, which is a mental health condition.
Panic attacks share similar symptoms with anxiety. However, the main differences are that a panic attack can occur without a trigger, and the symptoms are usually more intense. Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks indicate you may have a condition called panic disorder.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical (cannabinoid) found in Cannabis sativa. CBD treatments have gained popularity in recent years, and evidence from research shows that CBD may help alleviate symptoms associated with various medical conditions.
CBD is generally safe to use medically. Epidiolex, a drug that contains cannabidiol as its active ingredient, was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of two rare seizure disorders — Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes.
Read on to find out how CBD can help with panic attacks and anxiety, different ways to take CBD, precautions to take when using CBD, as well as the possible side effects.
CBD can help manage symptoms associated with panic attacks and anxiety, as evidenced by the results of several studies.
A 2011 study found that 400mg of CBD administered orally reduced anxiety levels in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD).
In 2020, researchers published the outcome of a study involving 397 adults with different medical conditions, including anxiety and depression. The participants were prescribed CBD oil. After three weeks of using the oil, patients with anxiety and depression reported an improvement in their symptoms.
Also, according to a 2015 review of 49 studies, preclinical evidence suggests that CBD can be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system that regulates physiological processes such as mood, pain, and sleep.
CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are the main receptors in the ECS. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system (CNS), while CB2 receptors are more abundant in the immune system.
By interacting with CB1, CB2, and other receptors that play a role in mood regulation, such as serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, CBD is able to reduce anxiety and panic attack symptoms.
Aside from Epidiolex, which is FDA-approved, there is no established dosage for CBD products. You may have to figure out what works for you through trial and error.
However, according to researchers, 300–600 mg of CBD has been shown to produce therapeutic effects on individuals with anxiety.
Ideally, you should speak to your doctor before trying CBD. They can help you find the right dosage by considering individual factors such as:
There are different types of CBD products, each with its own route of administration. Examples include:
The route of CBD administration determines how fast you will feel the effects. For example, vaping CBD may produce a faster effect than taking it orally. This is because the vapor goes directly to the lungs and enters the bloodstream quickly.
Vaping may provide fast relief from panic attacks, which usually start suddenly and last between five and twenty minutes. However, vaping CBD is not without its risks. A 2023 animal study discovered that inhaling CBD vapor can induce a strong inflammatory response and pathological changes associated with lung injury.
For you:
CBD is well-tolerated in most individuals. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CBD can cause the following side effects.
If you intend to use CBD for panic attacks or anxiety, you should:
Book an appointment with your primary healthcare provider if you experience panic attacks and anxiety symptoms that disrupt your daily life.
Your doctor will help you explore treatment options and determine if it’s safe for you to use CBD. They may advise against using CBD if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver disease.