In modern times, a natural compound known as cannabidiol, often referred to as CBD, has caught the attention of the health and wellness community. Identified as a phytocannabinoid in cannabis plants, cannabidiol makes up nearly 40% of the plant's extract. Its recognition stems from studies that suggest it presents potential benefits for various health conditions such as anxiety, addiction, psychosis, movement disorders, and pain, although concrete evidence for its effectiveness in these areas is still pending.

Unlike its infamous sibling compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), cannabidiol does not result in the 'high' sensation typically associated with cannabis use. In fact, CBD can moderate the effects of THC if they are both present in the body. However, an interesting discovery is that when heated to a temperature between 250–300 °C, CBD may partially convert into THC.

Cannabidiol comes in various forms including CBD oil, CBD-dominant hemp extract oil, capsules, dried cannabis, or prescription liquid solution. It can be consumed through diverse methods, including inhalation of cannabis smoke or vapor, oral intake, or as an aerosol spray into the cheek. It's important to note, however, that while the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved a cannabidiol drug Epidiolex for the treatment of two epilepsy disorders in 2018, the marketing and sale of cannabidiol for medical use or as a dietary supplement ingredient remain illegal under FDA regulation in the United States.

Among its proposed health benefits, one of the most attention-grabbing is the potential role of CBD in managing anxiety. A systematic review conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts up until June 2019 evaluated the safety and efficacy of CBD in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Findings from eight articles including case reports, case series, and randomized controlled trials suggested that CBD demonstrated an improve in clinical outcomes on various anxiety assessment scales. Dosing strategy varied from 6mg to 400mg per dose, but overall, CBD was well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects, the most common being fatigue and sedation.

While some trials and laboratory studies have provided evidence of anxiolytic effects of CBD in both clinical populations and healthy volunteers, it is essential to note that more investigation is warranted to firmly establish CBD as a first-line treatment for anxiety. Still, its current potential as alternative therapy in anxiety management is promising. In fact, medicinal cannabis for treating anxiety disorders is a rapidly expanding field, with about 17% of current prescriptions for anxiety being for CBD-dominant liquid products.

However, not all studies show favorable outcomes for CBD in anxiety management. One double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of an acute, single dose of CBD compared to repeated CBD administration on individuals with elevated trait worry. Results showed that neither acute nor repeated dosing of up to 300mg of CBD significantly reduced worry severity or anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest that the anxiolytic effects of CBD might be specific to the physical aspects of anxious arousal rather than attenuating the cognitive symptoms of anxiety.

In conclusion, while there is potential for cannabidiol as a therapeutic agent in treating anxiety and related disorders, the dynamics of its effects require substantially more research. Future investigations should focus on reconciling heterogenous findings, exploring differential effects based on gender, determining the optimal dosage, and assessing its long-term efficacy. As we progress further in the understanding of cannabidiol, it may hold key benefits for improving mental health in an increasingly anxious world.

jose (2024/04/02)