Both CBD and THC are natural compounds that are extracted from the cannabis plant. And while they share similarities, they also have notable differences that must be considered, such as their roles in managing anxiety. 

CBD vs. THC is a common debate in the world of hemp-derived products, as both offer unique benefits. To better understand how these compounds compare, this article discusses each of their roles in decreasing the symptoms of anxiety.

CBD for Anxiety

Some research shows that CBD might help relieve anxiety. This is due to CBD’s interaction with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. While the full interaction between these receptors in the brain isn’t fully understood, it’s believed that it alters serotonin signals. Serotonin, a natural mood stabilizer, is a feel-good hormone that’s thought to regulate anxiety and reduce feelings of depression.

A 2019 study showed that anxiety scores decreased within the first month for 79.2% of the participants who were consuming CBD.

A previous study also supports this claim, stating that “existing preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder when administered acutely.”

THC for Anxiety

THC can decrease anxiety at low doses but may actually increase it if consumed at higher doses. The reason is that THC has psychoactive properties, causing the “high” effect that it’s most commonly recognized for.

A 2020 study reviewed the effects of CBD and THC on anxiety. The report states that “the available human clinical studies demonstrate a common anxiogenic response to THC (especially at higher doses).” 

When used in high doses, side effects of THC include paranoia, confusion, and even a high heart rate. That’s why anyone who wants to take THC to reduce their anxiety should only take small amounts or opt for full-spectrum CBD products. We’ll discuss this more below.

CBD vs. THC for Anxiety: Which Is Better?

Each person reacts differently to products, meaning both THC and CBD can be used to minimize the symptoms of anxiety. However, due to THC’s psychoactive effects, CBD is recognized as the right choice for many consumers.

So while pure CBD is a great choice, there’s one other product that combines both worlds: full-spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum CBD products contain all the compounds of the plant, including THC. However, since THC is not the main compound in the product, the consumer has a higher chance of regulating the amount of THC they consume in order to minimize symptoms of anxiety rather than provoke them.

How to Take Full-Spectrum CBD Oil for Anxiety

• Consume CBD oil orally by swallowing it or placing it under your tongue through sublingual administration. Some people also enjoy adding it to their favorite beverage, such as hot tea, as an added method of calming anxiety. To better understand your dosage, check out our dosage guide. We recommend using this guide to get a better idea of what you need based on your weight, though every person is different. Always start low and gradually increase if necessary.
• For optimal results, choose a time of day that best suits you. This will depend on you and your needs, and it will look different for everybody. You can consume CBD oil every morning and night or at specific times when you know you’ll be stressed. For instance, if you’re experiencing work-induced anxiety, you might want to take it before and/or after your shift.
• Generally, an individual will start feeling the effects of CBD within 15 to 45 minutes. Keep this range in mind so that you’re aware of when the expected effects should kick in.
• Always remember that full-spectrum CBD products contain small amounts of THC, meaning they should be consumed responsibly. Always pay attention to how you feel and adjust your dosage accordingly.

The debate over THC vs. CBD is an ongoing topic and for good reason! Both compounds offer great benefits to the user when consumed responsibly.

If you suffer from anxiety, our full-spectrum CBD oil is a natural solution for minimizing symptoms. Check out our organic CBD oil.