Examining the Impact of CBD on Anxiety Levels
Amidst the surge of CBD products in the U.S. markets and growing anecdotal tales of its benefits, it is vital to investigate the reality behind CBD's claimed ability to alleviate anxiety. Cleveland Clinic offered insights on this matter, interviewing psychiatrist David Streem, MD.
CBD, a chemical derived from cannabis-based plants, predominantly hails from hemp and contains trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound linked to marijuana's intoxicating effects. The U.S. government restricts hemp-derived products to a THC content of no more than 0.3%.
While there is evidence for CBD serving as a potential treatment for chronic pain, the data on its effectiveness in reducing anxiety remains ambiguous. Streem, however, emphasizes CBD's documented health benefits in various scientific studies and its approved role in a medication for specific childhood seizure disorders, particularly for Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes.
Regarding CBD's asserted anxiety-relieving properties, Streem offers a cautionary stance. "The science isn't there yet," he states, indicating a lack of substantial, high-quality data supporting the claim that CBD can curb anxiety.
One impediment to producing such data is the complex regulatory environment surrounding cannabinoid research, exacerbated by persisting laws that classify cannabis as an illegal substance at the federal level. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) faces difficulties enforcing regulations on CBD as many states allow the sale of CBD as a dietary supplement, which is technically against FDA guidelines.
The other hurdle is the inconsistent quality of CBD products due to inadequate oversight and labeling inaccuracies. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association discovered that 26% of tested CBD products contained less CBD than advertised, while 43% contained higher amounts. Furthermore, some products contained enough THC to trigger a positive drug test and cause potential side effects.
Potential Risks of Using CBD
CBD users without medical consultation should resist trying CBD products, advises Streem. The unregulated nature of most products and the potential inclusion of THC make these risks less predictable. Consulting a healthcare provider offers a lesser risk, but users should still be cautious of any unfamiliar sensations and cease using the product immediately if they occur.
When considering CBD products, consumers should be aware of the product's impact on them, particularly in terms of side effects. The FDA's lack of stringent regulations on CBD products and the inconsistency in labeling cause concern for the safety and effectiveness of these products.
In conclusion, while evidence supports some medicinal advantages of using CBD, particularly in the treatment of certain seizure disorders, the scientific case for its impact on anxiety remains elusive. Attempting to use over-the-counter products without regulatory oversight carries more risks than benefits. As more research unfolds, the potential role of CBD in managing anxiety will become clearer, providing further insights into its therapeutic applications.
- Despite the rise in CBD products and anecdotal reports of its benefits for anxiety, psychiatrist David Streem, MD, from Cleveland Clinic advises caution, stating that the science supporting CBD's ability to alleviate anxiety is not definitive.
- The complicated regulatory environment surrounding cannabinoid research and the inconsistent quality of CBD products pose significant challenges in gathering high-quality, substantial data on CBD's effects on anxiety.
- When considering CBD products, consumers should be aware of potential risks, such as unpredictable effects due to the unregulated nature of most products and the potential inclusion of THC, particularly without medical consultation.
