Every human and almost every animal has a complex network called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS.

The ECS includes cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2 in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands and immune cells, which can be stimulated by cannabinoids such as CBD.

Together, these receptors form an internal communication system that serves an integrated health function and helps regulate homeostasis, the balance of the body's internal environment across its many biological systems. Although anxiety has various triggers, it generally results from imbalance in the body.

To understand how CBD oil works for anxiety, consider this example. You find yourself in an uncomfortable, clearly unwanted situation. Brain activity adjusts accordingly. Depending on the intensity of your feelings, the body releases cortisol, a hormone associated with stress and fear.

Naturally, you want the situation to end. If anticipation and discomfort become excessive, the body releases more cortisol and you begin worrying about the situation. This can quickly become a vicious cycle leading to serious mental difficulties.

By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD may help regulate anxiety through the following mechanisms:

1. CBD can directly activate the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, a protein receptor involved in biological and neurological processes including anxiety, addiction, appetite, sleep, pain perception, nausea and vomiting. Once activated, 5-HT1A can activate other 5-HT receptors, creating a cascade that directly influences anxiety.

2. CBD regulates stress signals by reducing neural activity in the brain's stress circuits.

3. CBD may regulate the HPA axis, which controls secretion of glucocorticoids, an important group of hormones responsible for stress responses.

CBD's effects on anxiety disorders

The example above is broad, but anxiety takes many forms. CBD may offer help in these situations.

Findings from numerous studies suggest potential to ease various anxiety-related conditions, including:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), in which a person regularly experiences nervousness, stress, worry and increased heart rate. By influencing the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, CBD displays anxiolytic properties and may help improve mental conditions such as GAD.

  • Panic disorder (PD), a disabling psychiatric condition involving anxiety severe enough to leave someone immobilized. CBD may help in two ways: (1) influencing 5-HT1A serotonin receptors to ease symptoms and (2) regulating the brain's stress response to relieve and prevent anxiety.

  • Social anxiety disorder, a form triggered by social interaction that can harm a person's ability to socialize. Although its trigger differs, CBD may ease it through the same mechanisms as other anxiety forms: influencing serotonin receptors and reducing the stress response. A 2011 study found reduced social anxiety symptoms with CBD.

  • Anxiety can also arise from discomfort linked to pain and inflammation. CBD is a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps relieve various kinds of pain, including neuropathic, muscular and inflammatory pain. It also helps manage pain by interacting with the TRPV1 receptor, which controls pain perception.

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects people who have experienced traumatic events or situations, such as witnessing violence. When triggered by something associated with that experience, they may have flashbacks, stress, anxiety, fear, mood swings and other negative symptoms. Research suggests CBD may help manage PTSD by easing associated symptoms and changing how the brain responds to stressful situations that trigger them.

Note: This is not medical advice! Please do not use CBD or related products without consulting your doctor first!