CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive and harmless molecule whose potential benefits are attracting more and more people looking for a natural solution to various everyday ailments such as stress.
Renowned for its relaxing action, CBD oil is particularly appreciated by the stressed. A few drops under the tongue before an exam, a public speaking engagement or any other event seem to help reduce the effects of stress, such as clammy hands, excessive sweating and memory lapses.
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Stress: causes, effects and symptoms
Stress and anxiety are often lumped together. While it's true that these two "psychological conditions" are closely linked, they shouldn't be confused. If you'd like to find out more about the potential benefits of CBD against anxiety, we invite you to read our detailed article on the subject of CBD and anxiety.
Stress is normal (and not necessarily negative)!
Everyone has experienced the effects of stress. As we mentioned earlier, the most common symptoms include: clammy hands, excessive sweating, memory lapses, accelerated heart rate, but also difficulty in expressing oneself clearly, concentrating or even carrying out a task.
It's not a pleasant feeling, far from it, but it disappears as quickly as the source of the stress. In fact, people who learn to manage stress are able to use this heightened state of alertness to their advantage.
Post-traumatic stress (or chronic stress)
When a situation is perceived as "potentially dangerous", the adrenal glands in the brain secrete a hormone called "cortisol".[1]
This hormone plays a number of key roles in the body, including regulating blood sugar levels. Faced with a stressor, the brain punctually increases cortisol production to raise blood glucose levels and provide the brain with the energy it needs to react to the stressful situation in question.
When the stressful situation disappears, the cortisol peak decreases until it returns to normal. The problem is that sometimes the brain remains "stuck" on an impression of stress or a state of danger, andthe cortisol level does not drop. This is known as post-traumatic stress or chronic stress.
This type of stress is triggered by a one-off or repeated intense traumatic event, and can lead to numerous health problems linked to the prolonged presence of cortisol in the body.
The impact of stress on daily life and health
The stress caused by the approach of an exam or an important event has no negative impact on health, but it can nonetheless lead to difficulties at school, at work and in social life, which in some people can lead to depression and/or anxiety.
In the case of chronic stress, high cortisol levels directly affect the hippocampus, and thus cognitive abilities, which can lead to memory problems, learning difficulties, concentration difficulties and impaired decision-making, problem-solving and planning.
The amygdala is also strongly affected by cortisol, leading to mood disorders that cause anxiety, panic attacks, depression and even more serious psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder.
Is CBD effective against stress?
To understand the growing interest in CBD to combat ailments such as stress, we first need to know that this molecule acts on a set of receptors distributed throughout our body, known as the "endocannabinoid system".
The mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system are not yet fully understood, but we do know that it plays an active role in maintaining a state of homeostasis (a state of equilibrium synonymous with good health).
Through its action on the receptors of our endocannabinoid system, CBD acts, among other things, on our endocrine system (hormones) and our central nervous system.
CBD regulates the production of cortisol (stress hormone)
As we explained earlier, one of the main contributors to the effects of stress is the hormone cortisol.
To find out whether CBD has any anti-stress properties, a team of scientists investigated the cannabinoid's possible ability to regulate the overproduction of cortisol induced by a stressful situation via its action on our endocrine system.
Their double-blind study [2] concluded that CBD does indeed significantly reduce blood cortisol levels.
Although these preliminary results are encouraging, it should be pointed out that the study was carried out on just 11 volunteers.
CBD to calm anxiety and sleep disorders
In addition to acting directly on the cause of the effects of stress (the overproduction of cortisol), CBD could also reduce the effects of two of the main disabling consequences of stress, namely anxiety and sleep disorders.
Indeed, as we mentioned earlier, CBD acts on our central nervous system, the seat of our emotions. As a result, taking CBD could have a relaxing effect, inducing a state conducive to concentration and intellectual performance during the vigilance phase, and a state of serenity conducive to quality sleep during the rest phases.
Several studies tend to demonstrate the effectiveness of CBD against anxiety and sleep disorders. One of them [3] involved 72 adults treated with CBD oil over several months. Within the first few weeks of treatment, 79.2% reported feeling less anxious, while 66.7% reported better quality sleep.
Of course, these results must be interpreted with caution, and it must be borne in mind that further proof is needed.
How to enjoy the relaxing effects of CBD?
Stress affects almost everyone. According to a study published by the Ramsay Foundation [4], more than 9 out of 10 people admit to suffering from stress on a daily basis.
As a result, numerous solutions such as yoga, mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques or alternative medicine (sophrology, aromatherapy, acupuncture) have emerged and are now accessible to everyone.
CBD could be an additional aid, ideal as a complement to one or more of the above solutions.
What type of CBD for stress?
To combat stress, the type of CBD product generally recommended is CBD oil.
Hemp infusion is ideal for those who suffer from mild, occasional stress and whose main concern is sleep quality. Best taken in the evening before going to bed, with a little milk (of animal or vegetable origin) to optimize the body's absorption of CBD, CBD infusion soothes the mind and makes it easier to find Morpheus' arms.
However, people who stress easily before an event, or who feel constantly stressed, should opt instead for CBD oil, which contains a higher concentration of CBD and better bioavailability than infusion.
In this case, there are three types of oil to choose from:
- Full spectrum CBD oil, which contains all other cannabinoids, including THC (less than 0.3%). It allows you to enjoy the entourage effect;
- Broad spectrum CBD oil, which contains all other cannabinoids except THC. It also allows you to enjoy the entourage effect, albeit to a lesser extent due to the absence of THC;
- CBN oil for stress and sleep based on CBD and CBN, the latter being a cannabinoid known for its sedative effects.
Don't hesitate to ask our team for advice if you need any information on choosing the right CBD oil for you.
Recommended dosage
The dosage of CBD oil is very personal and depends on a whole host of factors such as your age, weight, tolerance to cannabinoids and the intensity of your symptoms. What's more, there is currently no official dosage.
That's why we advise our customers to start with a low dose. with a low dose (between 3 and 5 drops/day) of a low-concentration oil (between 5% and 10% CBD) and increase gradually until you achieve satisfactory results.
When it comes to how often and when you take it, there are no set rules either. You can just as easily take your CBD in a single dose when you feel the need, or take it religiously 3 times a day before meals.
This will depend on the type of stress you're suffering from and its intensity.
In any case, you should know that CBD (unlike benzodiazepine-type anxiolytics) is harmless to health, even in high doses. And any possible side effects are mild stomach upsets, sleepiness, headaches, etc. Of course, this doesn't mean you shouldn't from talking it over with your doctor or a healthcare professional, especially if you're undergoing treatment.
CBD against stress: what are the results?
CBD has the potential to help reduce anxiety and stress-related sleep disorders. However, as we have explained, to date there are no studies providing formal proof of its efficacy.
On the other hand, it is important to bear in mind that some people are sensitive to the effects of CBD than others.. That's why there are both extremely positive opinions about the results obtained with CBD in the fight against stress, and more mixed opinions, even negative feedback.
In other words, to find out if CBD can help you reduce the effects of stress, all you have to do is give it a try!
Our sources
[1] Understanding and combating the effects of stress on the brain and mental health(University of Ottawa)
[2] Effect of cannabidiol on plasma prolactin, growth hormone and cortisol in human volunteers(Pubmed)
[3] Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series(Pubmed)
[4] The Ramsay Générale de santé foundation creates its stress observatory(Ramsay santé)