Cannabidiol, more commonly called CBD, is a natural compound found in the hemp or cannabis plant. Like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the molecule responsible for the psychoactive and euphoric effects of cannabis use.
Even though it can fall victim to cannabis’s bad reputation, CBD is not, however, considered a psychotropic or narcotic. You can find it sold freely online or in specialized shops, in bulk, as oil, capsules, or even as infusions.
It is often recommended for its relaxing effects and for relieving pain. But is it really effective to fight temporary stress and anxiety? I will break down for you what the science says on the subject.
📚 Read also | Our selection and analysis of the best CBD oils on the market
How can the relaxing effects of CBD be explained?
Neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation
The mechanisms of anxiety are often linked to a dysfunction of the limbic system, that is to say the amygdala, the hippocampus and the hypothalamus.
As well as an imbalance of neurotransmitters that play a major role in mood regulation.
The molecules most affected are serotonin (the “happiness” hormone), as well as GABA and norepinephrine.
CBD’s effect on these neurotransmitters
Même si les mécanismes d’actions du CBD ne sont pas tout à fait élucidés, la plante tiendrait en partie ses effets relaxants par sa capacité de modulation de ces mêmes neurotransmetteurs.
It would act in particular on two levels.
According to these studies, CBD would have a agonist action on 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, meaning that it would mimic the natural action of molecules in our body.
Among other things, it would promote a greater release of the “happiness” hormone, which is directly involved in well-being and mood regulation.
CBD would also improve the GABAergic system, which would reduce neuronal excitability linked to stress and anxiety.
A significant reduction in anxiety
Effect on generalized social anxiety disorder
Il existe de nombreux travaux prometteurs qui montrent les effets positifs du CBD sur l’anxiété passagère ainsi que chez des patients dont l’anxiété relève de la pathologie.
This double-blind study revealed that 10 men with generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) who consumed a 400 mg oral dose of CBD showed a significant reduction in anxiety compared to placebo.
Neuroimaging results also suggested that CBD intake would have affected the modulation of limbic and paralimbic brain regions.
Compared with anxiolytic medications
This other study compared the effect of CBD (300 mg) to that of anxiolytic drugs such as diazepam and ipsapirone during a public speaking test. CBD showed a significant reduction in anxiety after the test.
Effects not proportional to the ingested dose
One fact I find interesting: research has shown that the relaxing effect is not proportional to the dose of CBD ingested.
A 300 mg dose of CBD appears to be the most effective for reducing anxiety in healthy volunteers, compared with a 100 mg and a 900 mg dose. At high doses, CBD could therefore be counterproductive.
Some precautions for use
It is recommended to start with a low dose, and adjust gradually according to your needs.
Le CBD n’est pas un traitement médicamenteux et il n’a pas pour vocation de les remplacer. Avant toute utilisation, je vous conseille vivement d’en parler à un professionnel de santé.
En effet, le CBD pourrait avoir des interactions médicamenteuses avec certains traitements à marge thérapeutique étroite.
Sources and scientific studies
- Russo EB et al., Agonistic properties of cannabidiol at 5-HT1a receptors, 2005
- Crippa JA et al., Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: a preliminary report, 2011
- Effects of ipsapirone and cannabidiol on human experimental anxiety, A. W. Zuardi et al., 1993
- Inverted U-Shaped Dose-Response Curve of the Anxiolytic Effect of Cannabidiol during Public Speaking in Real Life, Zuardi et al., 2017
