Understanding the Relationship Between Cannabinoids, CBD, and Anxiety

CBD oil (sometimes referred to as CBD extract) is one of the latest health crazes to take the US by storm. Perhaps unsurprisingly, most people associate cannabinoids for cannabis and marijuana, which has, in turn, led to an association between CBD and weed. While these substances are not entirely unrelated, their relationship is more complicated. This misunderstanding of what cannabinoids are and how they interact with their body has made many people reluctant to try CBD, despite its many potential benefits. This article will explain what cannabinoids are and why CBD extra softgels may be a useful option if you suffer from anxiety.

Are Cannabinoids and Cannabis the Same Thing?

Put simply: no. If you are concerned about the relationship between CBD extract and marijuana, then you can rest easy. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical extracted from cannabis plants, a genus that includes plants such as hemp. Cannabis plants contain compounds known as cannabinoids. This category encompasses a broad range of compounds, including cannabidiol and THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana). The impacts of these compounds on the body vary, and THC is the component that gives marijuana its qualities as a recreational drug.

In other words, CBD isn't a recreational drug and it won't get you high. The CBD found in commercial products is generally extracted from hemp, a classification for cannabis plants that contain only trace amounts of THC. The CBD extraction process then ensures that the final CBD products that you buy over the counter contain no meaningful amounts of THC.

CBD and Stress

Details aside, CBD should be of practical interest to anyone that suffers from high levels of stress or anxiety.  Although there is much research still on-going, early studies have indicated that CBD oil can benefit individuals suffering from a range of stress disorders. Interestingly, this may come back to the effect that weed has on the body. If you've ever been around someone smoking marijuana, then you know that it can have a calming effect on some people. This likely isn't the result of the THC (the intoxicating compound), but rather the CBD.

When taken alone, CBD may reduce anxiety without the intoxication and potential negative effects of THC. Although self-medicating for severe disorders is never a good option, CBD products may provide an excellent supplement to traditional therapies and treatments. CBD is also highly useful for treating minor stress and anxiety-related issues.

Why Softgels?

If you've decided to dip your toes into the world of CBD products to help alleviate your stress, then you may be overwhelmed by your options. Although a variety of delivery methods are available, softgels may be an excellent place to start for beginners. CBD extra delivered in oil form can be thick and difficult to swallow (literally) for many people, while softgels provide a simpler and more palatable delivery method. The coating and gel layer can also help to keep the CBD stable for longer.

Remember that the best way to deal with anxiety is to approach it head-on. CBD softgels for stress can help you work through your struggles and keep your life on track.

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