How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Anxiety

Choosing the right CBD oil for anxiety can feel like a daunting task, especially when you're bombarded with an array of choices that seem more confusing than comforting. The quest for relief is a personal journey, one that requires understanding, patience, and a bit of guidance. 

Unlike its more famous cousin, THC, which is known for inducing anxiety in some individuals, CBD is cherished for its potential to soothe the mind without the psychoactive highs and may relieve anxiety effectively.

This blog post is your guide through the intricate world of CBD oils for anxiety. We'll explore the soul of CBD—how it works, why it's a favored choice for anxiety relief, and how it contrasts with the sometimes anxiety-inducing effects of THC. We'll dive into the nuances of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum, isolate products, and decode the jargon that often clutters their labels.

Together, we'll examine what makes CBD oil trustworthy and effective. From the importance of organic farming practices to the reassurance of third-party testing, we'll cover what to look for and avoid.

By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped to make an informed decision about which CBD oil might be right for you. You'll also understand why this natural remedy has become a cornerstone for those seeking relief from anxiety and a calmer, more balanced life. 

What is CBD? (… And What It's Not)

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a natural, popular chemical compound in hemp. Hemp and cannabis are very closely related. Genetically, they are the same species, and both produce CBD in varying levels, but there are some significant differences between hemp and marijuana:

• Hemp contains less than .3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by law. The cannabis plant contains more than .3 percent THC.
• Hemp is legal at the federal level throughout the United States, but marijuana, depending on state laws, is not.
• Hemp does not produce a "high" or intoxication like cannabis does when ingested.

CBD, and the intoxicating chemical compound THC, is one of the hundreds of compounds with the label "cannabinoid." CBD and CBD oil should not be confused with hemp oil, which is a product sourced from hemp seeds.

Although closely related, hemp and CBD are not addictive or intoxicating; CBD is the contrary, helping people and improving lives every day.

CBD has garnered a lot of attention from celebrities like Mike Tyson and Kourtney Kardashian, and most importantly, CBD helps average Americans who deal with medical conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, sleep problems, PTSD, panic attacks, and many other issues.

CBD's health and wellness benefits are possible because of a complex system within the human body.

What are Endocannabinoids and Cannabinoids?

Discovered in the early 1990s, endocannabinoids are naturally found in our bodies and are part of our biological system. They help us maintain homeostasis. In other words, endocannabinoids help us regulate our body temperature, fluid balance, blood pressure, stress, and much more by attaching themselves to cellular receptors.

There are two primary receptors in our bodies where endocannabinoids latch. They are CB1, the most abundant type in the brain and nervous system, and CB2, the most common type found outside the nervous system. The receptors are on the surface of cells, waiting for endocannabinoids to attach themselves to the site.

Cannabinoids are naturally found in nature and at high levels in the hemp and marijuana plants. Cannabinoids are numerous, but how do they interact with our bodies?

The CB1 and CB2 receptors cannot differentiate between the human body's endocannabinoids or hemp cannabinoids. The CBD cannabinoid attaches to these receptors, influencing the body's homeostasis.

When someone ingests CBD, either by vaping, eating, or absorbing it through the skin, the cannabinoid travels through the bloodstream. Scientific research suggests that when CBD attaches to CB2 receptors, the cannabinoid raises levels of anandamide, an endocannabinoid that a 2015 study indicates could enhance mood and reduce fear.

Now that you know how the endocannabinoid system works, let's see what science says about how the best CBD oil for anxiety can help you bring calm into your life.

Can You Use CBD for Anxiety Symptoms?

In the United States, anxiety is not uncommon; in fact, it's quite the opposite. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S.

Anxiety affects up to 40 million adults age 18 or older, or 18.1 percent of the population, every year. Still, only 36.9 percent of people affected by anxiety seek help. Causes of anxiety issues vary and usually develop from factors like genetics, personality, brain chemistry, and life events.

There are many different types of anxiety disorders. Here are some of the most common conditions:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

If you have any of these anxiety disorders or experience panic attacks, there are various anxiety treatments. Conventional treatments include psychotherapy and the use of medications like antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and buspirone, but there is an all-natural alternative — CBD oil.

As CBD becomes more popular to treat anxiety, research scrambles to catch up. What research there is appears to support the idea that CBD can help reduce symptoms associated with the many types of anxiety disorders, fears, and stress that surround the COVID-19 pandemic.

Certain scientific research highlights how CBD may be a treatment for anxiety. The study' Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series' published in The Permanente Journal stated, "CBD appears to be better tolerated than routine psychiatric medications," and "CBD displays promise as a tool for reducing anxiety in clinical populations."

The team conducted a retrospective case series at a psychiatric clinic to study the effects of CBD on people who suffered from anxiety and sleep. The team found that out of 72 adult patients, 79.2 percent of people reported an anxiety decrease within the first month. What is even more astonishing is the fact that the patient's anxiety levels remained low for the duration of the study.

What Goes into Choosing the Best CBD Products for Anxiety?

Deciding where to buy CBD oil as a new or even regular CBD user can be a daunting, confusing task because there is a lot to consider. For example:

• What method does the company use to extract CBD from hemp?
• Does the company where you buy CBD from make full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate CBD products? Which is best?
• Does it contain healthful phytochemicals?

These are some things you need to consider when buying the best CBD oil for anxiety.

How is the CBD extracted?

While searching for CBD brands, it's essential to consider how manufacturers extract CBD from hemp. Some companies use solvents that deplete some of hemp's beneficial organic compounds. Here are the four primary methods of extraction you need to know:

Solvent Extraction is a simple process that uses alcohol, ethanol, or butane to remove cannabinoids and terpenes from hemp. This method also removes chlorophyll and possibly other harmful contaminants from the plant that could end up in the final product.

CO2 Extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide to pull CBD and other phytochemicals from hemp. This technique has four different categories for extraction: supercritical, subcritical, and mid-critical. Each type uses different amounts of pressure to extract the oil. When CO2 is pressurized, it acts as a safe and effective solvent without the safety risk associated with alcohol extraction.

Olive Oil Extraction is a safe, effective way for CBD oil producers to extract hemp's phytochemicals. This involves decarboxylating hemp, heating the plant material to activate CBD, and adding it to olive oil, where cannabinoids dissolve. The hemp is then removed, and all that remains is oil infused with CBD.

Pressurized Extraction is a process where CBD oil companies, like MONTKUSH, take whole, organic hemp flowers and place them into a rosin press to make a whole-plant extract. The press heats and adds 200 tons of pressure to the hemp. As the flower is squeezed and pulverized, high-quality rosin liquid exudes from the plant, which later turns into some of the best CBD oils for anxiety on the market today.

Each method works to extract CBD from hemp, but not all processes produce as high-quality CBD oil as pressurized extraction does.

Is it Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, or Isolate?

You want to spend your money on CBD from a company that sells high-quality products, and to do that, you need to know the three primary types of tinctures available. Here are the three extract types you need to know about:

Full-spectrum CBD oil is the most superior type of CBD oil. It contains all of hemp's wellness and medicinal properties and phytochemicals like terpenes, essential oils, and other cannabinoids. Full-spectrum CBD oil also has .3 percent THC or less.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is similar to full-spectrum CBD, but it's missing just one thing. Producers remove THC from the final product.

CBD isolate is what you might think. It is a crystalline form of pure CBD but without any of hemp's healthful phytochemicals like terpenes or essential oils. CBD isolates are also THC-free.

Each CBD form has its advantages, but only one has the Entourage Effect.

The Entourage Effect is a theory that suggests all compounds in the hemp plant — CBD, THC, and all phytochemicals included — provide better mental and physical relief for users when taken together as full-spectrum CBD, like MONTKUSH, as opposed to broad-spectrum or CBD isolates.

Do They Use Phytochemicals?

If CBD oil does not contain fine, bodacious organic chemicals like terpenes or other robust cannabinoids, you are losing out on the full-wellness effect hemp offers. High-quality CBD will have many different types of terpenes and cannabinoids.

Terpenes are aromatic oils within hemp that emit flavors like pine, citrus, berry, or mint. Over 100 terpenes have been identified and are unique to each plant, just as personalities are to people. Some terpenes include limonene, pinene, and linalool. Each terpene has benefits, and if you want to calm anxiety, use CBD oil containing high amounts of linalool because it contains anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties.

Cannabinoids, as mentioned earlier, include more than just CBD — there are hundreds more! There's also cannabichromene and cannabinol (CBN). While lesser known than CBD, CBN can potentially be a neuroprotectant, which means for anyone struggling with anxiety, CBN can possibly protect neurons from damage caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Further CBN research is needed to confirm this, but one study shows the cannabinoid's potential.

Montkush: The Best CBD Oil for Anxiety

As we conclude our exploration of CBD's benefits for anxiety, it's crucial to spotlight the product that truly stands above the rest in efficacy and quality. Our Montkush CBD Oil is the premier choice for anyone looking to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. Crafted from organically grown hemp, our CBD oil ensures you're receiving a product that's not only pure but also potent—key factors in effectively managing anxiety.

At Montkush, we take great pride in our organic, farm-to-bottle approach, ensuring that every drop of our CBD oil is of the highest purity and quality. Our products, including the Mint CBD Oil Drops, are made with USDA organic CBD rosin and organic fractionated coconut oil, ensuring a product free from pesticides and GMOs.

Montkush's extraction processes are designed to preserve the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes in the hemp plant. This approach supports the entourage effect, which may enhance the therapeutic benefits of CBD, including its ability to manage stress and anxiety. Our commitment extends beyond quality products; it's about providing a holistic approach to health that reassures our customers receive the best care possible.

By choosing our CBD products, you're not just getting an oil; you're experiencing the culmination of carefully grown, harvested, and extracted CBD that adheres to the strictest quality standards.

Whether you're a first-time user or considering a new CBD brand, trust us to deliver a reliable and effective solution that can help guide you toward a more peaceful, anxiety-free existence.

CBD FAQs

How should I take CBD for anxiety?

There are various ways to take CBD for anxiety. Common methods include CBD oil drops, cbd gummies, capsules, and topical applications. When using CBD oil for anxiety, it's often recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find what works best for you. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. 

What dosage of CBD should I use for anxiety relief?

The appropriate CBD dosage can vary widely depending on factors such as whether you're new to CBD, your body weight, metabolism, and the severity of your anxiety symptoms. It's generally suggested to start with a lower dose, around 10-20 mg of CBD, and adjust as needed. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Are there side effects of CBD when used for anxiety?

While CBD is generally considered safe, it can have some side effects, especially when used for anxiety. Common side effects include fatigue, changes in appetite, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea. Some people may also experience dry mouth or changes in mood. It's important to note that CBD can interact with certain medications, so it’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are already taking other medications.