Are you feeling more on edge lately with so much uncertainty in our daily lives? I sure am. That’s why I’m so glad I also have cannabis in my daily life, and CBD in particular.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is often recommended for easing stress and boosting mental relaxation—but it’s also promoted as a pain reliever, sleep aid and skincare ingredient, sold at grocery stores and gas stations, and even infused into pillowcases and sports bras. No wonder people are confused. Which claims are real and which ones are hype? 

Research on CBD and Stress

As a neuroscientist, I seek out data-based evidence. So I’d preface any statements about CBD and stress relief by saying—as any responsible person in this field would—that findings are promising but we need more data from large-scale, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Decades of prohibition prevented researchers from doing more in-depth study of cannabinoids, and I’m thankful we’re starting to make more headway.

In recent years, credible studies on CBD have resulted in some encouraging discoveries, and I’d like to share a few with you:

1. A 2019 study of 72 adults published in the Permanente Journal examined whether CBD had an effect on anxiety and sleep in a three-month period. An overwhelming majority of participants’ anxiety scores decreased within the first month. And they remained at decreased levels for the duration of the study. (A majority of participants reported that they slept better too in the first month. Results fluctuated over time, however.) 
2. Another 2019 study published in Frontiers of Psychology examined 37 teenagers with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Each participant received 300 milligrams of CBD oil or a placebo every day for one month. The participants’ anxiety scores in the non-control group dropped significantly, while the scores of those in the placebo group remained unchanged.
3. A 2015 literature review published in Neurotherapeutics assessed findings from 49 primary preclinical, clinical, or epidemiological studies, and found that “evidence from human studies strongly supports the potential for CBD as a treatment for anxiety disorders.”
4. A 2011 study published in Neuropsychopharmacology examined the effects of CBD in 24 subjects diagnosed with Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder (GSAD). All 24 were asked to speak in front of a group. Researchers found that “CBD significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in their speech performance, and significantly decreased alert in their anticipatory speech.” 

CBD and THC: They Work Better Together

Beyond it’s calming abilities, CBD is associated with many other benefits. One benefit is that cannabis consumers report fewer of the unpleasant side effects associated with THC when CBD is present. 

Almost everyone who has tried cannabis has had an unpleasant experience at some point, one that usually involves jitters, paranoia, or a racing mind. These studies and others indicate that CBD could counteract some of those unwanted effects. I would argue that such a reduction does strengthen the argument for CBD’s ability to boost mental relaxation and clarity.

At LucidMood we’ve designed a variety of formulations so that consumers can find a THC:CBD ratio that works best for them. 

Of course, everyone’s experience with cannabis is different—but as head of R&D, I take very seriously the idea that our customers are looking to us for reliable results and consistent experiences. Who wants the stress of not knowing how cannabis is going to affect you when you’re looking to unwind after an intense day? 

There is no universally recommended dosage for CBD yet. I always advise new consumers to start low and increase dosage gradually. Cannabis tolerance is highly variable, so if, for example, you’re trying a LucidMood vape pen, start with one to two 2-3 second inhalations, wait about 10 minutes to feel the onset of effects, then go from there. 

Helping People Have a Better Day 

At LucidMood, we are big believers in the many cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis and their ability to help people have a better day. That’s why we got into this crazy business in the first place. In uncertain times, we could all use a little support to help us be more centered, more relaxed.  

So, could CBD help you cope with stress? My TL;DR answer: The best way to figure that out is to try it.

Learn more about LucidMood’s unique formulations here.