Cannabidiol (CBD) has been steadily gaining attention for many reasons recently, one of the most prominent of these being its anxiolytic properties. Offering a promising alternative to strong prescription pharmaceuticals, taking CBD for anxiety and stress management has obvious appeal. However, trying to decide which products or formulations to choose might be overwhelming, as the market is saturated with options. So we’ve broken it down here, to answer exactly what is the best CBD product for anxiety in the UK right now?
Does 100% CBD Help with Anxiety?
CBD has demonstrated clear benefits for both acute anxiety and for generalised stress and chronic anxiety disorders. Its mechanisms involve interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, with actions upon several receptors known for their fear and anxiety-regulating functions. By moderating these receptors’ responses, cannabidiol can exert a profound anxiolytic effect on the user.
100% CBD is an extract of the hemp plant, one from which all other compounds and plant materials have been carefully removed. This means that there is no THC content, and no mind-altering effects, making it safe and legal to take in the UK. When taking cannabidiol you are fine to drive and operate heavy machinery, unlike with many anxiolytic medications, and there are minimal drowsy side effects.
Which CBD Brand is the Best For Anxiety?
Not all cannabidiol products are created equally; finding a trustworthy brand is imperative. Ensure you source your CBD from a trusted supplier like Goodrays, so you can be sure it is exactly what it claims to be. Reputable companies will undergo regular third-party testing of their products, checking for consistent potency and purity, and will comply with UK FSA regulations.
What is the Strongest CBD in the UK?
The strongest CBD oils available to buy in the UK are 50% concentration, meaning for every 1 ml of oil 0.5 ml of it is pure cannabidiol. This works out to 500 mg/ml, which constitutes a very high dose. One of the benefits of a high concentrate oil is that you need to take less in volume to achieve results.
Strength isn’t everything when it comes to anxiety relief, however, as the clinical efficacy of CBD for this purpose follows a bell curve. Lower doses of below 150 mg offer less of an effect, with results increasing around an optimal level of 300 mg. Effectiveness then reduces as doses increase, and at 600 mg and above there is no difference in results between CBD or a placebo. This is good news for anxiety sufferers’ wallets, as stronger cannabidiol products often come at a premium price too!
Which Are the Most Effective CBD Products for Anxiety Relief?
- CBD Oils and Capsules:
CBD oils come in a variety of concentrations and are taken sublingually, held under the tongue to be absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream. The beauty of CBD oil is that the dosage can be very carefully measured and modified depending on the user’s wants and needs. This allows you to experiment to find how many milligrams work best for you, helping to identify the optimal dosage for maximum anxiolytic effects.
Some CBD oils come with other ingredients or flavours added, to make taking them a more tasty and enjoyable experience. Night-time CBD formulations are especially good for generalised long-term anxiety disorders, with calming additives like chamomile or lavender. These help aid in relaxation, promoting a great night’s sleep as well as reducing anxiety and stress when awake.
CBD oil typically comes in a bottle with a dropper, so you can precisely control your dosage and find what amount works best for you. Once you’re clear on this, you might wish to switch to using CBD capsules. These you can open up and use sublingually or swallow, and are easy to carry around for when you need them.
- CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are small gummy fruit-flavoured sweets with a therapeutic dose of CBD in each. Great for taking when out and about and on the go, they are discreet and tasty, and ideal for people using CBD for acute anxiety in specific situations. Sufferers of social anxiety, for example, could keep a pack of CBD gummies on hand ready for when they have to go into a stress-inducing environment.
The best CBD gummies are made without the use of any artificial additives, flavourings, or colours, and feature natural flavours and fruit extracts. Once you’re sure of the best CBD dose for your purposes, the regular dosage within each gummy allows for an easy, fun way to take a therapeutic measure of cannabidiol when you want it.
- Topical CBD
CBD formulations designed to be applied topically to the skin are best known for their pain-relieving abilities and for reducing inflammation. When applied to pressure points like the temples and the back of the neck, however, topical CBD can have real benefits for reducing anxiety, too.
These ointments and creams are typically made to offer a luxurious and indulgent experience to the user. The very action of massaging them into the skin can provide you with a calming and relaxing experience, soothing the mind and senses. They often use recipes featuring other essential oils and ingredients to complement their stress-relieving action, meaning they feel and smell beautiful when applied.
- CBD Vapes
The fastest-acting way of taking cannabidiol is via inhalation, typically with a CBD vape pen. This method of delivery offers the benefit of almost instantaneous effects, so for those users who want results ASAP, this may be the best choice. Vape pens come in a variety of different flavours and concentrations, so you can pick one that delivers the dosage you want with a taste you enjoy.
This method does have its downsides, though. It is much harder to be precise about dosage, as each breath or inhalation is not a consistent volume. It may be harder to find somewhere to use your vape, too, as many places now forbid the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens.
While the wide array of CBD products available for purchase, it can seem a little daunting when trying to decide which is the one for you. Experimenting with dosages to find what amount has the best effects on your anxiety is advisable when starting out, and CBD oil is the most convenient and precise way to go about this. Once you know the therapeutic quantity of cannabidiol you need and when, you are better placed to explore the wide world of delivery options and discover the most enjoyable form of CBD for your purposes. And there’s no better way to start your CBD journey than by perusing the range of high-quality CBD products of a premier cannabidiol company like Goodrays.
Written in partnership with Tom White.
