CBD Oil Near Me: Should You Buy CBD for Sale Locally in 2025?

There’s a lot of talk surrounding the many reported health benefits of CBD — but where is everyone buying their CBD products? Where can I find CBD near me?

In this article, we’ll discuss all your options for buying CBD products online and in-store.

We’ll cover the pros and cons of buying CBD oil from the manufacturer directly or at your local dispensary or head shop. We’ll also mention some of the most common health food stores, pharmacies, and grocery chains in America that are jumping on board and stocking their shelves with CBD products.

At A Glance: Our Top 3 Picks for CBD Oil Products

Let’s get started.

Looking for “CBD Oil Near Me”? Why You Should Consider Buying Online

Everyone wants to capitalize on the CBD craze. Unfortunately, the current FDA doesn’t do much to regulate the CBD market, which allows many companies to sell poor-quality or misleading products to unsuspecting customers.

If you have a look at Amazon.com, you’ll find a variety of “CBD oils” for sale, even though CBD isn’t permitted on Amazon’s website. When you take a closer look, you’ll find these oils are actually just hemp seed oils — there’s no CBD whatsoever in these products, yet the price is the same as a true CBD oil would cost.

Stores aren’t safe from this either. You can go into any health food shop or supermarket and you’ll find a bunch of oils that resemble CBD oil — but most of the time this is actually hemp seed oil (once again).

Customers who don’t understand the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil could get tricked into buying these products, which will let them down later when the product doesn’t perform as expected.

Even dispensaries owned by people knowledgeable on the CBD industry have been caught selling low-grade CBD oils in their store shelves.

The store’s owner decides what good quality is and what isn’t. Sometimes this decision is driven by the profitability of oil rather than its quality. This could mean sourcing CBD oils made with synthetic cannabinoids, or products made from cheap imported hemp, which could contain harmful additives or contaminants.

I much prefer ordering my CBD oil online to avoid all of this.

When shopping online, you can do more research on the products before you buy it. You can read other user reviews, visit the company’s third-party test results page to check the quality of the oils it sells, and ask the manufacturer questions directly before you make your purchase.

The key advantages of ordering CBD oil online:

  1. You can check where the company sources its hemp
  2. You can have a look at the third-party lab analysis of the product for ultimate transparency
  3. You can get in touch with customer service reps from the company directly to ask questions
  4. You can read other users’ reviews on the product before you buy
  5. The prices online are usually cheaper than in-store
  6. You can have the package delivered directly to your front door

There are many factors to take into account before buying CBD oil. If you want to skip the testing, continue with my top CBD oil recommendations below. But if you’re new to CBD and just abandoned the thought of buying it locally, it may be worth it to devote some time to educating yourself about the features of what makes for a top-quality CBD oil.

Quick Summary: Our Top Picks for CBD Oil Products

IMAGEPRODUCT
Editor’s ChoiceRoyal CBD Full Spectrum CBD Oil — 2500mg This CBD oil is sourced from American-grown organic hempExtracted using supercritical CO2Use code “CFAH” at checkout to get 15% off all Royal CBD productsCHECK BEST PRICE →
Best Organic FormulaGold Bee Sourced from organic Colorado-grown hempContains full-spectrum CBDUp to 1200 mg of CBD per bottleCHECK BEST PRICE →
Runner UpRoyal CBD Full Spectrum CBD Oil — 2500mg. This CBD oil is sourced from American-grown organic hempExtracted using supercritical CO2Use code “CFAH” at checkout to get 15% off all Royal CBD productsCHECK BEST PRICE →

Top-Rated CBD Oil Products Near Me

I’m constantly testing out CBD products on myself — and have tried and tested over 40 CBD oils to date. This has given me a lot of insight into which CBD oils work the best, and which ones can’t back up what the manufacturer claims.

A few of these brands may be available locally, but hundreds of CBD brands are currently in operation in the United States. Some reputable companies aim to add their products to store shelves, but most remain online.

Let’s go over my top-rated CBD oils in order of preference:

1. Royal CBD Full Spectrum CBD Oil — 2500mg (Editor’s Choice)

Royal CBD Oil 2500mg

This CBD oil features a full-spectrum extract and 2500 mg of CBD per 30 mL bottle. This works out to a potency of around 83 mg/mL or roughly 1 mg per drop. This is one of the stronger CBD oils I’ve tested, and certainly my favorite in terms of overall quality.

The oil tastes great and has a strong set of effects. Hold this oil under your tongue and you’ll start to feel it within just a few minutes.

Making full-spectrum CBD oil is a complicated process due to the laws around the legal limits of THC in nutritional CBD products. Royal CBD uses supercritical CO2 to make this extract, which strips all the beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals from the plant. This technique allows Royal CBD to produce clean, efficient, and highly potent hemp extracts — while keeping THC levels well below the legal limit.

ProsCons
This CBD oil is sourced from American-grown organic hemp. Extracted using supercritical CO2. Contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. Suspended in premium MCT oil (it has a great neutral taste). Available in 4 potencies: 250mg, 500mg, 1000mg, and 2500mg. Each batch of product is tested in a third-party laboratory. Available in multiple flavor optionsSlightly more expensive than other brands

Get 15% off all Royal CBD products.  Use code “CFAH” at checkout.

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What I Like About Royal CBD:

This 1000 mg CBD oil is a jack of all trades — perfect for both beginners and experienced CBD users alike. The guys at Royal CBD use only premium ingredients, placing emphasis on source hemp and carrier oil quality. Both ingredients used by Royal CBD are organic and extensively tested before the bottle ever leaves the facility.

You can see and taste the quality of these oils yourself. The flavor of this hemp oil is fresh and has a notable hemp flavor. Many other CBD oils I’ve tried lack any real hemp flavor, suggesting to me that the extract was damaged during production. The main reason for the flavor of hemp oil is the terpene profile, which is a group of aromatic compounds that deliver their own set of benefits to the final product. If terpenes are exposed to high heat for too long, they will begin to break apart, ruining the flavor of the oil.

A lot of cheap, low-grade hemp oils lack any real hemp flavor, and often companies will try to mask this by adding synthetic flavorings instead. Royal CBD does sell flavored oils, but they also offer an unflavored version if you want to experience the true taste of a high-end CBD oil.

Royal CBD also offers both low-potency (250mg) and high-potency (2500mg) CBD oils — along with their high-quality CBD capsules, gummies, and CBD-infused topicals.

If you’re not satisfied with your product, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund thanks to their 100% money-back guarantee program.

It’s refreshing to see a young company like Royal CBD hold quality at the highest possible standard. With their premium CBD oil, you won’t have to worry about the potential toxins in your oil — solvent residue, heavy metals, molds, bacteria, or mycotoxins — that could be harmful to your health.

2. Gold Bee (Best Organic Formula)

Gold Bee CBD oil bottle in white background

Gold Bee is a California-based manufacturer specializing in all-organic hemp supplements. There’s a reason why this company has a bee in its logo. The guys at Gold Bee started out in the superfoods industry (with honey being their staple product), gradually diversifying their activity with CBD extracts. As of now, Gold Bee offers two types of CBD oil (natural and kiwi-flavored), high-potency capsules, and CBD-infused honey sticks — all of which are tested in third-party laboratories for potency and purity.

ProsCons
Sourced from organic Colorado-grown hemp. Contains full-spectrum CBD. Up to 1200 mg of CBD per bottle, suspended in hemp-seed oil. Available in a Kiwi flavor. The flavored option is sweetened with organic honeySourced from organic Colorado-grown hemp. Contains full-spectrum CBD. Up to 1200 mg of CBD per bottle, suspended in hemp-seed oil Available in a Kiwi flavor. The flavored option is sweetened with organic honey

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What I Like About Royal CBD:

I’ve decided to pick the kiwi-flavored CBD oil since I’m not a fan of unflavored full-spectrum extracts. I must say this little one lives up to its hype. The flavor is spot-on; not too sweet, but there’s no earthy aftertaste, which I’ve been hoping for. The 1200 mg bottle delivers 40 mg of CBD in each milliliter, which has been enough for me to split my daily dosage into two half-droppers. I take each dose in the morning and in the evening to boost my daily performance and wake up better rested. I’ve also noticed that my back pain is more manageable with this potency, and so is my morning anxiety. I love the fact this company uses organic-only ingredients, and as a flavor-chaser, I feel more than satisfied. 

Gold Bee also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with its products, you can return them within that period for a full refund.

3. Hemp Bombs CBD Oil — 300mg (Runner Up)

Hempbombs 300mg oil bottle

Hemp Bombs specializes in producing high-grade CBD isolate oils, which means the only active ingredient is CBD. There are no terpenes or other cannabinoids in this product, including THC.

Hemp Bombs prides itself on making some of the most potent CBD oils on the market. They have a wide selection of different CBD products, from tinctures to vape oils, topicals, gummy candies, and beauty products. Every batch of product is backed by third-party testing to ensure its quality.

One of the best things about this product is that it’s made from a CBD distillate. While we generally prefer full-spectrum oils — like that of Royal CBD — isolates have their place as well. This product is great for people who want to make sure there’s no trace of THC in the bottle, or for people who plan on taking CBD oil alongside other supplements. Having fewer active ingredients in the bottle lowers the chances of a negative interaction with other supplements or medications.

Hemp Bombs is my second favorite option because the company has around-the-clock customer service and a well-developed education base for its customers.

ProsCons
CBD is extracted and isolated from hemp plants grown in Europe CBD distillate is made using supercritical CO2 and short-path distillation techniques. Each batch is third-party tested for quality and potency assurance. Up to 4000mg of CBD per bottle, completely THC-freeCBD is extracted and isolated from hemp plants grown in Europe. CBD distillate is made using supercritical CO2 and short-path distillation techniques. Each batch is third-party tested for quality and potency assurance. Up to 4000mg of CBD per bottle, completely THC-free

See Lowest Price

What I Like About Hemp Bombs CBD Oil — 4000mg

While Hemp Bombs doesn’t offer the same quality as a brand like Royal CBD, they do a great job of making 99% pure CBD isolates on a large scale at a good price.

Hemp Bombs CBD oil is extremely potent, reaching up to 4000mg of CBD per bottle. This is enough CBD to last even the most frequent CBD users at least a month — if not several.

This product is made from CBD isolate. The lack of other cannabinoids and terpenes makes it a less desirable type of CBD oil among most users. Most experts agree that full-spectrum products are stronger and more versatile in their effects. However, there are a lot of people who prefer CBD from isolate instead. This really comes down to your individual circumstance and what you’re looking for in CBD oil.

Nevertheless, if you’re allergic to other ingredients than CBD in hemp extracts, are expecting drug screening at work for THC, or want to mix CBD with other supplements, Hemp Bombs CBD oil is a good option to consider.

Pro Tips: Buying CBD Oil Online

Illustration of a CBD oil bottle

There are several things you need to know about when buying CBD oil online (or anywhere for that matter). No two oils are the same, so you need to look for a few important metrics before you decide to purchase one brand over another.

Let’s go through some of the most important metrics to consider before you buy CBD oil.

1. Stay Away from Cheap CBD Oils

CBD is not a cheap supplement, and there’s a reason for this. A lot of hemp needs to be processed to produce each bottle of CBD oil. Additionally, everything needs to be sent to independent labs for testing, and oil needs to be added to dissolve and preserve the CBD crystals. Each stage increases the cost to manufacture a CBD supplement.

Some companies are selling CBD oil at significantly lower prices than the industry standard. This should be a red flag for most users. Ask yourself… what is this company doing to make the CBD oils so cheap?

These companies are usually cutting corners somewhere, which can severely affect the overall quality of the oil.

I’ve seen companies cut corners on the hemp source — buying hemp from places like China or India instead of the United States. This is a problem because the contamination of hemp from these regions is very common. Many of these contaminants can cause a lot of harm to the user of the oil, especially over long periods of time.

Other companies are advertising CBD oil at a given strength and skipping out on important third-party testing. Some of these manufacturers have been caught selling oils with shockingly low CBD levels in the oil — far lower than what was advertised.

No matter what way you look at it, cutting corners to save costs and bring the price of the oil down almost always cuts down on the quality of the oil. If you want your CBD oil to work and avoid exposure to harmful contaminants, we highly recommend you avoid the temptation of a cheap CBD oil.

2. Look for the “Low THC” Stamp

According to the United States government, CBD oil made from hemp with less than 0.3% is completely legal on a federal level. You don’t need a prescription for it because cannabidiol products are labeled as food supplements and can be sold over the counter.

Marijuana-derived CBD oil, however, is still prohibited in most states because the psychoactive ingredient — THC — remains too high in these products. You need to live in one of the 11 states, such as Oregon or Washington, that have legalized the recreational use of cannabis to buy these oils.

If shopping online, make sure to double-check that the product you’re ordering contains less than 0.3% THC.

3. Check for 3rd Party Tests

Third-party testing is the only way to get real transparency for the product you plan on buying. These tests scan the entire cannabinoid and terpene profile of your CBD oil and search for potential contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides.

You should never take a company’s word when they claim they sell high-quality CBD oil — always check the lab tests to make sure the company is credible. If there are no third-party tests, look for another CBD supplier instead.

Legal Status of CBD Oil State-by-State

Legal States:

Before You Type “Where to Find CBD Oil Near Me…”

Illustration of a cart holding various types of CBD products

CBD oil is now readily available in all 50 states, but there are a lot of misconceptions about the accessibility of CBD oil — it’s easy to get misguided. A lot of people read my articles on using CBD but reach out to ask, “where can I buy CBD oil near me”?

It’s true that you can buy CBD just about anywhere — in health food shops, dispensaries, and supermarkets. But by far, the best place to get these products is online, directly from the manufacturer. The prices are generally much better, and you have advantages like being able to do more research on the product before you buy it.

If you’re not sure where to start, or want a good recommendation, I suggest you look at Royal CBD oils. This is my go-to brand for CBD oils. I love the way this company emphasizes quality over anything else.

What’s your experience with buying CBD oil online? What’s your favorite brand? Drop a comment below and let us know!

Delta 8 Gummies Near Me: Where to Buy THC Edibles For Sale Online?

After tearing down the walls of the mainstream market, CBD has paved the way for other cannabinoids so that they can get their spotlight with the rapid growth of the hemp industry.

Delta 8 THC is a novel cannabinoid making big headlines in the industry press and among consumers. Also known as “diet weed” or “cannabis light,” this compound is a less intoxicating analog of delta-9 THC from marijuana.

As the cannabis market continues to thrive, companies are looking for new ways to introduce new products that are legal on a federal level.

The milder psychoactive potential and lower incidence of side effects such as anxiety and paranoia have created a boom in delta 8 — making it a new target for bold entrepreneurs.

Recent advancements in extraction technologies have enabled manufacturers to produce delta 8 THC from hemp. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and all its derivatives are legal on a federal level — and so is delta 8 THC.

One of the most popular formats of delta 8 is gummies. These fruity treats come in concentrated versions, delivering a healthy dose of delta 8 THC per serving.

But, where do you get high-quality delta 8 THC gummies?

Should you look for them by typing “delta 8 THC near me” or choose the online path and shop in the comfort of your home?

Here we present an all-around guide to buying delta 8 THC gummies.

Delta 8 THC Gummies Near Me: Should You Buy from Online Vendors or Local Stores?

Illustration of Online Store Concept

Delta 8 THC has become an appealing alternative for cannabis users who want to reap similar benefits to the ones provided by delta 9 THC — but without the risk of anxiety and paranoia upon taking higher doses.

Delta 8 products are available pretty much everywhere. You can find them in vape stores, dispensaries, head shops, wellness centers, and even at gas stations.

However, as with any booming space, the delta 8 THC market is unregulated; as a matter of fact, it’s in the same place where the CBD industry was just a few years ago. There are no regulations in place, and the number of fly-by-night companies is close to the number of decent vendors.

Many products sold locally don’t have certificates from independent laboratories. Some of them contain little to no delta 8 THC, while others are contaminated with bleaches, heavy metal reagents, and other toxic compounds

If you want to minimize the risk of buying fake delta 8 THC gummies, we recommend finding a trustworthy online vendor.

Why Online Shops Are Better for Finding Delta 8 Gummies

The lack of regulations when it comes to quality and labeling standards has made many people seek delta 8 THC gummies online. There are several benefits of buying delta 8 THC products from online vendors that you won’t find anywhere near you, including:

More Diverse Product Line Up

Local stores usually stock one or two types of delta 8 THC products; these are usually tinctures and vape carts. Online vendors offer a better product selection, including gummies, concentrates, distillates, delta 8 flower, pre-rolls, and more.

These forms of delta 8 THC are available in different concentrations and flavors, so you can actually tailor the experience to your health needs and lifestyle choices.

Lower Prices

Local vendors need to cover certain operational costs that are usually carried over to the prices of their products. Online shops can cut out the middleman, so they usually have better prices and can offer discounts, gift cards, coupon codes, reward programs, and other ways to save money on high-quality delta 8 gummies. There’s a competitive market due to the availability of online vendors, which encourages companies to fight for customers with better prices.

Convenience

Shopping for high-quality delta 8 THC gummies online is more convenient than doing so in-store. You can browse through different concentrations, flavors, and formulations whenever you want — and you don’t need to leave your house to get your hands on high-quality gummies. With local shopping, people usually bounce between one local store and another; not to mention that you can use a credit card for payment when buying delta 8 THC online; most head shops and dispensaries only accept cash for now.

Safety

When you shop for delta 8 THC gummies somewhere near you, you need to rely on the store owner’s perception of what they consider high-quality. In contrast, shopping for delta 8 online gives you access to way more information about the manufacturer, its farming and extraction practices, as well as its reputation among cannabis users. You can also look into certificates of analysis from third-party laboratories to confirm the product’s quality.

What Are the Risks of Buying Untested, Low-Quality Delta 8 THC Gummies?

Whether you’re shopping for delta 8 THC near you or online, you should be aware of a few pitfalls.

The most apparent risks include the safety and legal status of delta 8 THC gummies.

Delta 8 products are theoretically legal on a federal level, but the truth is that they remain in a legal grey area.

You need to check the source of delta 8 THC before buying; only then can you be sure about its legality.

The only products accepted by the federal authorities are those sourced from hemp. Marijuana-derived delta 8 THC can be found in places where marijuana is legal for recreational use. As of today, 16 states have fully legalized marijuana and its derivatives.

That being said, even hemp-derived products can be dangerous for your health if they aren’t tested in laboratories for quality and safety.

Only a few brands that sell delta 8 THC test their products for the above parameters. Most products sold locally aren’t certified, meaning that they may contain toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, bleaches, heavy metals, mycotoxins, or residual solvents. Some companies use bleaches to make their extracts appear “cleaner,” while in fact, pure delta 8 distillate has a pinkish color.

Proper research and due diligence are paramount if you want to ensure the proper quality of your delta 8 THC gummies. You shouldn’t base your choices on word of mouth; instead, follow the facts and hard data, and if the store owner or the company you’re trying to buy from doesn’t provide certificates of analysis, they’re not worth your money.

Factors Determining the Quality of Delta 8 THC Gummies

Delta 8 THC Gummies with Hemp Buds

Now that you know there’s such a disparity between the quality of different delta 8 THC gummies, let’s elaborate on how you can tell the difference between a high-quality and a poor-quality product.

The Source of Delta 8

As mentioned, delta 8 THC can be extracted from hemp and marijuana. If your state allows marijuana for recreational use, then buying marijuana-derived delta 8 gummies is a good idea because they require less plant material than hemp-based products — making them more cost-efficient.

However, most people in the US can’t try marijuana-derived delta 8 gummies because marijuana is still categorized as a Schedule I substance.

For them, the only option is hemp-derived delta 8 THC.

No matter where you source your gummies from, you should know that cannabis is a dynamic bio-accumulator; in other words, it can absorb every substance from its environment, including the good and the bad compounds.

The goal is to get as many good ones as possible while minimizing the bad ones, which is why farming practices are of the utmost importance for the quality of hemp flowers.

Organically-grown hemp will yield clean flowers with high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes; this is the best type of material to produce delta 8 THC, unlike mass-produced plants that are grown with pesticides, synthetic growth boosters, and in poor soil conditions.

Extraction Method

CO2 extraction is currently the best standard on the cannabis market. This method uses atmospheric carbon dioxide in a supercritical state. The supercritical state causes CO2 to behave like a gas and liquid at the same time — effectively pulling the desired compounds from hemp without adding extra heat or aggressive solvents.

Another important factor to consider is how the delta 8 THC was obtained. The only legal way to make delta 8 THC is by converting CBD into delta 9 THC and then into delta 8. However, this process involves the use of harsh chemicals that can pass into the final product if not removed properly.

Potency

The potency of your gummies will determine the intensity of their psychoactive effects. If you want your cognitive change to involve mental stimulation, focus, and elevated mood, low-potency gummies are a good pick. If, on the other hand, you’re aiming for evening relaxation, then you may need a stronger option.

High-strength gummies are also more cost-efficient for micro-dosers or lightweight users because you can cut one gummy in half or in quarters to divide a single serving into smaller portions.

Just make sure that your gummies contain the advertised amount of delta 8 THC.

This brings us to the next important factor.

Third-party Testing

Reputable manufacturers send samples of their products to independent laboratories to check their delta 8 THC content and purity. These laboratories analyze the potency of the sample as well as its whole cannabinoid and terpene profiles. They also look for potential impurities, such as fungi, mold, heavy metals, residual solvents, bleaches, and pesticides.

When a product passes the test, the laboratory issues a certificate of analysis (COA) so that customers can look into the report. Companies that don’t publish lab reports on their websites or, at least, by email, aren’t worth your trust.

Brand’s Reputation

One of the best methods to find a reputable delta 8 THC vendor is to find out what other people are saying about its products and customer service. We recommend choosing CBD brands that have expanded their collection with delta 8 THC gummies. Such brands usually have a lot of positive reviews on third-party websites and across social media and provide independent lab reports to show proper transparency.

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC means delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s an analog of the normal delta-9 THC that gets you high when you smoke or vape cannabis.

The standard THC version has a slightly different molecular structure than delta 8. For delta 8 THC, the additional bond is at the 8th carbon chain, while delta 9 has this bond at the 9th carbon chain.

This subtle difference makes delta 8 THC about twice as potent as delta 9. People reported the calming and uplifting effects they’ve experienced with D8 gummies. They reported a clear-headed high, smoother euphoria, and a lower risk of side effects such as paranoia, anxiety, or a racing heart.

Delta 8 THC isn’t synthesized naturally by cannabis plants. It’s a byproduct of delta-9 THC’s breakdown. Over time, THC can transform into two compounds: delta 8 and CBN. However, most of the THC converts into CBN; only a trace amount is broken down into delta 8 THC.

Best Delta 8 THC Gummies: Top Brands for 2023

Area 52 (Most Reliable Brand)

image of Area 52 Delta8 THC Gummies product on a white background

Get 15% off all Area 52 products.  Use code “CFAH” at checkout.

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You can count trustworthy delta 8 THC companies on one hand, and we point our first finger at Area 52. This California-based brand offers premium-quality delta 8 THC products from organic hemp, including tinctures, vape carts, and gummies. Area 52’s products are legal and safe because the whole lineup is tested in a third-party laboratory for the potency of delta 8 THC as well as for contaminants.

The Area 52 delta 8 gummies come in three assorted flavors: Green Apple, Pineapple, and Strawberry. Each gummy carries a healthy dose of 25 mg of delta 8 THC that is formulated with organic ingredients, including fruit juices, concentrates, and a vegan gummy base.

Finest Labs (Best for Beginners)

an image of Finest Labs Delta 8 THC Gummies on a white background

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Finest Labs is another new brand that offers a similar product selection to Area 52. However, Finest Labs makes slightly less potent extracts that are supposed to work better with lightweight users and those who haven’t tried delta 8 THC before. Recently, the company has also added a high-strength option, with 25 mg of delta 8 per serving.

The gummies are vegan and come from organic hemp. There aren’t many flavor options to choose from, though; currently, you can only purchase them in a strawberry flavor.

The entire line of Finest Labs products is double-tested in an ISO-certified laboratory for potency and purity.

How Is Delta 8 THC Made?

Delta 8 THC can be obtained from both hemp and marijuana plants.

Marijuana-derived delta 8 THC gummies are legal only in the states where adults can use marijuana recreationally. This type of delta 8 can be directly converted from delta 9 THC.

Companies using hemp for extraction use a special conversion process from CBD to delta 9 THC and then to its delta 8 isomer.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal in the United States?

The legality of delta 8 THC depends on where it’s sourced from — a situation identical to CBD products.

When extracted from marijuana, the final product will carry a significant amount of THC besides delta 8 and other cannabinoids. Such products can be purchased in places that have an established recreational cannabis market.

On the other hand, hemp-derived delta 8 THC gummies are legal on a federal level because their delta 9 THC content is no more than 0.3%.

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp by removing it from the list of controlled substances. Today, hemp is categorized as an agricultural crop just like flax or canola. Hemp-derived delta 8 THC is legal as long as the total amount of delta 8 THC remains below 0.3%.

That being said, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has recently issued a statement where they claim that delta 8 THC should be classified as “tetrahydrocannabinol” and thus labeled by the government as a controlled substance. In other words, the DEA thinks that the production and sale of delta 8 THC is illegal.

However, synthetically derived means that the product was made with synthetic ingredients in a laboratory, which isn’t the case for hemp-derived delta 8 THC.

Hemp-derived delta 8 THC uses a conversion process from naturally occurring cannabinoids, and while there are harsh chemicals involved in it, it is anything but synthetic.

Final Thoughts on Buying Delta 8 THC Gummies Near Me

As delta 8 THC begins to gather more and more enthusiasts around itself, creative entrepreneurs are looking for opportunities to introduce novel products to the already thriving industry.

However, due to the lack of regulations regarding the product’s quality and labeling, many companies are producing cheap, low-quality, and overpriced delta 8 extracts without taking any responsibility for what they’re churning out on the market.

The best way to find high-quality delta 8 THC gummies near you is to look for a reputable online brand. Online stores offer a better product selection, lower prices, and more ways to save money on your favorite products.

If you prefer to buy delta 8 gummies locally, you’ll likely find them in many head shops and vape stores around you. There’s even a chance that your local gas station will offer a humble selection of delta 8 products. Although this may sound convenient at first, such products are often uncertified and can be dangerous to your health.

Always make sure that the company you’re buying from uses organic hemp, CO2 extraction, and tests its products in a third-party lab for quality and safety. For a quick recommendation, check out the products offered by Area 52 and Finest Labs. These two California-based brands make premium-quality delta 8 gummies and offer regular discounts to make these products more affordable for everyone.

Best THC-O Gummies & Edibles of 2023 Reviewed

As THC-O continues to garner the attention of cannabis users, edibles like gummies have become extremely popular recently.

These products can provide an elevating, energizing high unlike anything you’ve experienced yet.

Not feeling like browsing through dozens of formulas to weed out the subpar THC-O gummies?

Don’t worry; we’ve done the hard work for you.

This article lists the top 5 THC-O gummies for an exceptional, long-lasting high.

We spent two weeks testing over 15 popular hemp-derived THC-O gummies, from low-budget options to premium products, to find the most potent edibles with euphoric and calming effects.

5 Best THC-O Gummies in 2023

Having combed through popular options, we selected the best THC-O gummies you can legally purchase online for a potent dose of relaxation and euphoria. THC-O is remarkably psychoactive, so use it responsibly to avoid side effects (more on that later)

Best OverallArea 52$59.99
Best TastingFinest Labs$55
StrongestBinoid$39.99
Best for BeginnersKoi$39.99
Best VeganPremium Jane$48

1. Area 52

Product image of Area52 THC-O gummies

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ProsCons
Wide product selection, Broad-spectrum products, Terpenes from specific cannabis strains, Third-party tested for potency and purityNot available in local stores (yet)

Area 52 entered the hemp scene with its premium delta 8 THC products and is now expanding with more novel cannabinoids, such as THC-O.

For Area 52, it’s all about details. Not only do these gummies pack 25 mg of THC-O per piece, but they’re also rich in terpenes and flavored with natural juices. You’re getting more than just a sweet snack to get you high — it’s a whole package with that chewy texture, juicy fruity flavors, and the lack of a hempy aftertaste.

The high resembles the effects of Sativa-dominant hybrids. I’ve been enjoying them in the morning before my daily workout routine. But be cautious! If that’s your first time with THC-O, I recommend cutting one gummy in half and splitting your dosage accordingly to avoid getting dizzy or anxious.

2. Finest Labs

an image of Finest Labs Delta 8 THC Gummies on a white background

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ProsCons
Premium-grade extracts, Rich in terpenes, High-potency formulas Bath-specific CoAsPremium-grade extracts, Rich in terpenes, High-potency formulas, Bath-specific CoAs

Finest Labs is known for its scientific and no-BS approach to cannabinoids. Every formula this brand releases is well-thought-out and delivers top-shelf ingredients.

The Finest Labs gummies are vegan and gluten-free, making them an all-inclusive product with no limitations regarding dietary or ethical choices.

At 25 mg of THC-O infused with a blend of relaxing terpenes, these gummies are best consumed in the evening or on days when your schedule doesn’t include serious projects or other mind-boggling activities.

All Finest Labs products are rigorously tested for potency and purity; you’ll receive a batch-specific certificate of analysis (CoA) with your order.

3. Binoid

Binoid THC-O Gummies product image
ProsCons
92% pure THC-O 25 mg per gummy Vegan and gluten-free Balanced effectsNo CoAs listed on the website The texture is too soft

Binoid offers fast-acting and potent THC-O gummies made with high-quality ingredients. No wonder the company recommends starting with just half of the gummy; these effects were remarkably strong, but surprisingly, I didn’t experience any anxiety or paranoia. On the contrary, I felt relaxed, energized, and more focused throughout their duration. Once the effects wore off, I could go to bed and fall asleep within minutes.

4. Premium Jane

Premium Jane THC-O Gummies product image
ProsCons
25 mg THC-O Vegan and gluten-free Delicious strawberry banana flavor Free shipping in the US Lab-tested for purity Generous return policyLimited flavor options, only one strength more expensive than competitor brands

Premium Jane THC-O gummies pack a punch, both when it comes to potency and flavors. These delicious gummies are sold in 30-count containers, with 25 mg of THC-O per gummy.

The euphoric effects make you feel more talkative, making them perfect for social settings. The Strawberry Banana flavor only pumps up the experience, making them one of the best THC-O gummies in their segment. If only they cost a bit less; $48 is quite pricey, even for premium-quality edibles.

5. Koi

Koi THC-O Gummies product image
ProsCons
15 mg CBD per gummy, Wide range of flavors, Extensively lab-tested for purity, Long-lasting effect,s Good for first-time users15 mg CBD per gummy, Wide range of flavors, Extensively lab-tested for purity, Long-lasting effect, Good for first-time users

Koi CBD specializes in CBD products, but they also have a good understanding of other cannabinoids. You can tell it by trying their latest addition, THC-O gummies.

This product is less potent than the other options on our list of the best THC-O gummies, offering 15 mg of THC-O per serving. For someone who has never tried THC-O, one gummy can provide euphoric sensations followed by deep relaxation and a creativity boost.

However, they kick in with a slight delay, even for cannabis edibles. You need to wait at least 90 minutes to feel the effects.

How We Chose the Best THC-O Gummies

Multi colored gummies

Because the high from THC-O gummies can be quite potent, we carefully tested different dosages throughout the day. Some of these days were more demanding because of that potency, but research requires sacrifice.

Empirical aspects aside, we focused on the following criteria:

  • Quality of Ingredients – are these products free from artificial additives? Does the company follow the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards? How are the products refined to achieve their final consistency?
  • Flavor – are the gummies flavored with natural juices and concentrates? Does the formula include natural sweeteners, such as xylitol or stevia? What’s the balance between sweet and sour flavors?
  • Effects – do these products meet my medicinal needs? Do I feel well after taking the recommended serving? Are the effects long-lasting, consistent, and not overwhelming?
  • Price/Quality Ratio – Is the price reasonable considering the factors mentioned above? Or does the branding have more impact on the price than the quality of ingredients?
  • Certificates of Analysis (CoA) – Does the product come with a relevant third-party lab report? Is it tested for contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, and mold?

THC-O FAQ

First time buying THC-O gummies? Here you’ll learn everything you need to know about this cannabinoid and how to use it responsibly.

What is THC-O?

THC-O is also known as THC-O Acetate. It’s a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that manufacturers extract from hemp-derived delta 8 THC.

THC-O is quickly making big headlines in the cannabis community, mainly thanks to its high potency.

Research shows that this compound is about three times stronger than THC. If you’re a seasoned cannabis user with high tolerance, THC-O gives you new opportunities to explore the psychoactive side of the herb.

What are the Benefits of THC-O?

We still know little about the benefits of THC-O because research is in its infancy. However, many who have tried THC-O gummies report that they work best for stress relief, pain relief, and mood elevation.

How do THC-O gummies make you feel?

The effects of THC-O depend on individual tolerance, but most consumers report feelings of bliss and euphoria accompanied by feeling lightweight.

But in high doses, it can cause significant visual and auditory changes in people with low tolerance and high sensitivity to THC, on the brink of hallucinations.

If you’re new to THC, remember that a little goes a long way. The effects are way more potent than delta 8 or delta 9 THC.

Always approach THC-O products with caution to ensure you’ll enjoy your experience without unpleasant side effects.

Do THC-O gummies get you high?

Yes, and the high can be pretty intense. As mentioned, THC-O is nearly three times as potent as delta 9 THC and about five times stronger than delta 8. That’s why I recommend this cannabinoid only for experienced cannabis users.

What is THC-O good for?

THC-O is an appealing option if you have a high tolerance to THC and your goal is to achieve deep relaxation and comfort. At lower doses, the effects of THC-O can be more stimulating and uplifting after consumption. For me, THC-O is about finding the balance between the signature euphoria and stress reduction.

Is THC-O safe?

Again, we don’t know much about the safety profile of THC-O, but you can expect it to work similarly to delta 9 THC (save for the higher potency).

Since THC-O is 3 times stronger, the side effects can also be more severe, including anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, problems with coordination, dizziness, and significant changes in the perception of your surroundings.

How long do the effects of THC-O gummies last?

The effects of THC-O gummies last longer than other forms, typically up to 8 hours. The peak effects should be noticeable after 2-3 hours from consumption, gradually losing intensity over time.

Related: How Long Do Edibles Stay in Your System?

How long does it take for THC-O gummies to kick in?

Cannabis edibles generally kick in with a slight delay, between 30–90 minutes. The time THC-O gummies need to produce their effects depends on your metabolism, the potency of your gummies, the dose, and whether you ate them on a full or empty stomach.

From my experience, I can tell you that you may need to wait even 2 hours before some THC-O gummies will get you high.

Is THC-O stronger than delta-9 THC?

THC-O is much stronger than delta-9 THC — 3 times stronger, to be precise.

Because of that, it’s crucial to dose your THC-O gummies carefully. Just because you have a high tolerance to delta 9 THC doesn’t mean you can easily consume high doses of THC-O.

Start with a small dose, slowly working up to the most enjoyable dose.

Final Verdict: What Are the Best THC-O Gummies?

The truth is harsh: shopping for THC-O gummies can be a pain. There are a lot of great companies on the market, but the number of fly-by-night vendors is impressive, too.

Hopefully, we’ve provided you with an honest list of the THC-O gummies from reputable brands that will ensure the best experience, both when it comes to flavor and the psychoactive effects of THC-O.

Just make sure to control your dosage. This semi-synthetic cannabinoid is still under-researched, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Related: Where Can I Buy THC-O Products Near Me?

How to Deal with Depression & Anxiety: List of Top 10 Best Natural Antidepressants

Although everyone can experience sadness from time to time, not everyone will suffer from depression. Chances are that you don’t have a good understanding of what living with this mental illness is like if you’ve never been depressed.

Depression is like a big black dog that feeds on your fear and anxiety. The more you’re depressed, sad, and anxious, the larger the dog grows — until it eats you alive.

The illness affects both our mood and our ability to feel, think, and function. It dampens feelings of pleasure, makes a person less able to bond with other people, limits creativity, and washes away hope in the worst scenario.

Depression is also often accompanied by deep emotional pain, experienced by the person suffering from it, but also its close family and friends.

While you may think that depression is just an excuse for somebody’s laziness or a lack of will for change, it just shows how much depression is misunderstood.

When you’re depressed, you genuinely believe that change isn’t possible for you; that the overwhelming darkness will stick with you forever.

In this article, we leave no stone unturned when it comes to coping with depression. We’ll elaborate on the symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and natural remedies.

How to Cope with Depression: Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Looking for ways to cope with depression? Here we’ve prepared some common questions and answers — from diagnosis to available treatments.

How do I know if I’m depressed?

Common signs of depression in adults include feelings of irritation, inability to focus, sadness, emptiness, anxiety, frustration, anger, and feelings of guilt. Individuals with depression may also experience fluctuation of appetite and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

What causes depression?

Trauma, such as the loss of someone close, as well as changes in life circumstances, relationship problems, and genetics, can all contribute to the development of depression. People who abuse alcohol and drugs are more likely to suffer from depression. The illness can occur spontaneously or run in families.

Is depression a lifelong condition?

Depression doesn’t have to be a lifelong condition. It can be successfully treated with behavioral therapy and available treatments that help reduce symptoms and improve the overall quality of life. That being said, depression can recur, sometimes caused by the same factors that spurred its development in the first place. If a patient feels better, they may want to discontinue the treatment, which can result in a relapse.

How long does it take for antidepressants to work?

Anywhere between two and eight weeks for antidepressants known as SSRIs (e.g., Prozac).

Is alcohol a depressant?

Yes, alcohol can compromise your cognitive performance, cause memory problems, and increase anxiety — although many people drink it to relax and relieve stress.

How Many People Suffer from Depression?

According to statistics, 17.3 million, or 7% of American adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive disorder in the past year, as reported by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Conclusion?

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States (1).

Furthermore, according to a 2021 State of Mental Health in America report, conducted by a non-profit organization, Mental Health America, an additional 460,000 people (0.15%) had suicidal thoughts between the 2016-2017 calendar year and the 2017-2018 calendar year (2).

On a positive note, there are many effective treatment options for depression. If you’re looking for a way to cope with your illness, you’ll need to take a holistic approach, as there’s no magical pill that would cure it right away.

Raising awareness about the need to treat depression is paramount, considering that roughly two-thirds of patients with depression didn’t receive the care they need — that’s the data from the journal Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment (3).

How to Cope with Depression: Identifying the Symptoms

If sadness isn’t the independent cause of depression, then what is? How to tell the difference between a bad period and depression?

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s updated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is a manual for psychiatrists to diagnose mental conditions, the diagnosis of major depressive disorder is based on careful observation of a patient for at least two weeks.

If a person has experienced at least five of the following symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for the said period, they may receive a diagnosis of clinical depression (4):

  • Feelings of being empty and worthless
  • Loss of interest in activities and people that you once enjoyed
  • Dramatic fluctuation in your appetite or weight not related to eating habits
  • Frequent fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Recurring anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Recurrent suicidal thoughts

One of the major symptoms that is used to diagnose MDD is a constant low mood or a loss of interest or pleasure.

The symptoms must also not be caused by substance abuse or an underlying medical condition, such as nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, or brain tumors.

Of course, if these symptoms appear temporarily, you may not have depression at all. However, when they make it difficult to function normally, it’s an indicator that you may be developing a major depressive disorder.

The best way to start coping with depression is to consult your doctor, a psychiatrist, or a psychotherapist. If you don’t feel like visiting a clinic to receive a diagnosis, Google up “clinical depression,” and you’ll find links to a clinically approved depression test known as the PHQ-9 patient health questionnaire.

The test is short and easy to take – you can immediately notice if your score suggests you may have depression.

Please note

If you suspect you have depression, or if your symptoms are severe and you’re having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-723-8255 or the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline at 800-662-4357. Both are available 24/7, 365 days a year, and free of charge.

Different Types of Depression

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)

Also known as dysthymia, PDD is diagnosed in individuals who experience at least two of the symptoms of major depression for a minimum of two years at a time. The symptoms range from less severe to severe and can manifest both as PDD and MDD at the same time, transforming into a condition known as double depression (5). People with PDD are often taken as sullen, pessimistic, fussy, and cranky rather than being recognized as having a treatable condition.

Bipolar disorder

This type of depression was formerly called manic depressive disease. It is characterized by mood swings that range from extreme highs (mania) and episodes of low mood (depression), broken by periods of normal mood in the meantime (6). An estimated 2.8% of U.S. adults, or more than 6 million people, suffer from bipolar disorder (7).

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

People with this type of depression usually suffer from it at the beginning of the fall and throughout the winter. SAD is often linked to changes in sunlight and causes sleepiness, weight gain, and cravings for high-carb foods (8).

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

This is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD usually starts a week or two before a woman’s period and stops two or three days after menstruation starts (9).

Perinatal (or postpartum) depression (PDD)

This condition is diagnosed in mothers who had a major depressive disorder shortly after giving birth (10). PDD is usually caused by a combination of factors, such as a sharp fluctuation in hormone levels following childbirth. Feelings of deep anxiety, sadness, or exhaustion are much intense and last longer than a typical low mood.

How to Tell If You Have Depression

One reason depression can be difficult to diagnose is that the symptoms can vary widely between individuals and sometimes can be accompanied by atypical symptoms.

For example, people with depression may show it by acting aggressively, resentfully, or irritable. These behaviors can be indicative of “hidden” depression, as stated by a 2017 report in Psychiatric Times (11).

This may seem surprising at first, but when you consider several other contributors, such as alcohol or drug abuse, or childhood trauma, you can see the bigger picture.

Individuals with anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for developing depression — it also works the other way round. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, around 60% of people who have anxiety will also experience symptoms of depression; the same applies to people with depression demonstrating symptoms of anxiety (12).

Experts link the above phenomenon to a genetic predisposition (13).

If you have depression, you may also show psychosomatic symptoms, meaning that instead of showing itself as a mood disorder, the prevalent symptoms may be very general things like aches, dizziness, headaches, back pain, or digestive issues (14).

As you can see, it’s often difficult to figure out whether depression is causing the physical symptoms, or if it’s the opposite.

Causes of Depression

It’s not yet understood why some people develop depression and others don’t. The illness can occur spontaneously, without any specific triggers. It’s also backed by science that once you’ve experienced one depressive disorder, you have a higher risk of having another later in life.

In a study published by Psychological Medicine, the authors found that more than 13% of people who recover from their first episode of clinical depression experience another episode within 5 years. 23% have it within 10 years, and 42% within 20 years (15).

To cope with depression, it’s worth taking another look at this condition. Psychiatrists today consider depression a “bio-psycho-social” illness that is most likely caused by overlapping psychological, physiological, and social factors (16).

Here are some of the most common risk factors for depression:

Genetics

Many studies have associated depression with genetic predispositions, including the one involving over 2 million people, and published in the 2019 edition of the journal Neuroscience. The study linked 269 genes to depression (17). However, genes alone aren’t believed to be solely responsible for depression; there are also other risk factors at play.

Neurotransmitters

Depression can stem from low levels of certain neurotransmitters, although scientists tend to stray from this concept nowadays. The current theory is that depression can be caused by impaired nerve cell connections in the brain, nerve cell growth, or abnormal functioning of nerve circuits (18).

Inflammation

Numerous studies suggest that stress-related or disease-related inflammation is the cause of chemical changes in the brain that can cause or deteriorate depression in certain individuals. It can also affect the way a person responds to pharmacological treatment (19).

Life struggles

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that psychological and social factors, such as low socioeconomic status, stressful life, loneliness, or a history of abuse, can play a determining role in the development of depression (20). Adults with clinical depression have a higher rate of childhood trauma compared with people who haven’t experienced abuse, according to a 2016 study published in the journal Translational Psychiatry (21).

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Another common type of depression is a traumatic brain injury. Approximately 3 million people each year seek aid in emergency rooms for TBIs (better known as concussions), following a fall, assault, car accident, blow to the head, bump, and sports- and workplace-related injuries, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (22). Over 50% of those patients meet the criteria for major depression three months following their injury (23).

How Do Men and Women Cope with Depression

There’s a large gender gap when it comes to depression. Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from depression as men, according to the National Center for Health Statistics (24).

This disparity is probably affected by hormonal and biological factors, considering that only women have premenstrual and postpartum depression. The same is true for antepartum (or perinatal depression) — which occurs during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that perinatal depression affects one in seven women (25).

Women also have higher chances of developing seasonal affective depressive disorder, depressive symptoms in polar disorder, and persistent depressive disorder (26). It’s uncertain what causes such rates, but researchers speculate that environmental factors, such as peer pressure and different stressors that the modern world places on women, are the driving factor.

Others hypothesize that men and women have similar depression rates, but women are more willing to seek help than men.

So, how do both genders cope with depression?

Below, we explore some of the most common treatments.

How to Cope with Depression: Conventional Treatments

If you suspect that depression blocks you from living a normal life, talking about how you feel and discussing treatment options with qualified health professionals is the first step to successfully coping with depression.

There’s sound evidence that people with depression who go after treatment will finally find the much-desired relief in cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of all these three factors (27)

Lifestyle Modifications for Depression

Practicing mindfulness and exercising yoga can alleviate depression and stress that heightens it. You can also use journaling, arts, or alternative treatments like acupuncture or light therapy to cope with depression.

Diet modifications can reduce inflammation and help your brain absorb the nutrients it needs to maintain optimal functioning.

In a 2019 randomized controlled study, the authors found that self-reported symptoms of depression diminished significantly in just three weeks in young adults after they ditched highly processed carbohydrates in favor of a Mediterranean diet. In contrast, people who didn’t implement these modifications didn’t notice any changes in their depression scores (28).

Different Types of Psychotherapy in Coping with Depression

There are several types of psychotherapy for depression outlined by the Society of Clinical Psychology: (29)

Behavioral activation therapy

The goal of this treatment is to help you cope with depression by reversing its downward spiral by encouraging you to seek out activities that elevate your mood.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is aimed at changing the specific negative thought pattern so that you can develop a positive response to potentially stressful situations.

Interpersonal therapy

This is a very time-limited and structured treatment that tries to identify and improve problematic relationships and conditions directly linked to your depression.

Problem-solving therapy

It’s a subtype of CBT that teaches you how to be in charge of your life and cope with depression through managing your stressors, both big and small.

Self-control therapy

This is another behavioral therapy that trains you to become more resistant toA negative stressors and reduce your self-punishing thoughts and behaviors.

Conventional Antidepressants

Antidepressants are prescribed to alter the brain chemistry in a way that affects how neurons communicate with each other. The exact mechanism behind their mood-elevating properties is yet to be fully understood, but the fact is that these medications often work for some people (30, 31).

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

This class of drugs helps you cope with depression by targeting serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls mood, sleep, and appetite. Popular SSRIs include Prozac, Celexa, and Zoloft.

SNRIs (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)

These medications block the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine, which is other neurotransmitters responsible for mood control. Popular SNRIs include Cymbalta, Pristiq, and Effexor.

NDRIs (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors)

This group of drugs includes bupropion. They are designed to target dopamine receptors and make it more available for the body, therefore regulating our mood and emotions.

TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants)

TCAs include such medications as Pamelor and Tofranil. These medications are among the oldest antidepressants; these days, doctors rarely use them as the go-to treatment for depression. They’re mostly picked once the other classes of drugs have failed.

MAOIs)

Drugs like Nardil and Marplan were the first antidepressants invented. They’re rarely prescribed today due to their high-risk profile and severe negative interactions with certain foods and other medications.

Are Antidepressants Safe?

Antidepressants are generally considered safe if taken under a doctor’s supervision. The dose and the schedule should be circled in a way that relieves the symptoms without causing any negative reactions.

All antidepressants can have side effects, but some have a higher risk profile than others. Not all of them will be effective against your depression, so you may need to try several different medications, or a combination, prescribed by your doctor, before you can cope with depression.

Most antidepressants don’t act right away. It usually takes at least two weeks before you see results. For some people, the benefits of the drugs may not be experienced until they have taken them for as long as three months (32).

Abrupt cessation of your treatment may lead to a medical condition called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS). ADS is characterized by a wide range of responses, including flu, headaches, weight gain, stomach pain, nausea, and low mood (33).

It’s also worth noting that antidepressants aren’t addictive, unlike other substances that can be abused, such as alcohol, opioids, and barbiturates. People don’t have antidepressant cravings because they don’t get high from them, and they aren’t compulsively abused.

How to Cope with Treatment-Resistant Depression

If you’ve tried at least two types of antidepressants but to no avail, you may suffer from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TRD is a serious illness that has been linked to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.

Nearly one-third of patients with TRD attempt suicide in their lifetime, which is twice the rate of their treatment-responsive counterparts (35).

If you’re diagnosed with TRD, you may want to try some of the following alternative treatment options:

Esketamine

This nasal spray, sold under the name Spravato, has been approved by the FDA as a novel treatment for TRD (36). It contains ketamine, a veterinary anesthetic known as the street drug Special K. This medication must be administered in a medical office and shouldn’t be taken alongside oral antidepressants.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

ECT is the contemporary version of electroshock therapy. It involves a short electrical stimulation of the brain when the patient is sedated. The American Psychiatric Association (ECT) estimates that 80% of patients have recovered from severe, uncomplicated major depression after completing the treatments. However, ECT is also associated with a few side effects, such as short-term memory problems (37).

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

This treatment uses rapidly changing magnetic fields to modulate the activity of specific brain regions. When conducted properly, it can immediately provide relief in patients with clinical depression (38).

Vagus nerve stimulation

This therapy involves connecting a device to the chest that treats it with regular mild electric pulses to the longest nerves that stem from the brain. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry involving 600 patients with TRD concluded that vagus nerve stimulation significantly improved the symptoms of depression for many patients (39)

Psychedelic drugs

Although not approved by the FDA yet, microdosing psychedelic drugs such as MDMA or mushrooms produces a positive mood in chronically depressed people. These drugs have become the focus of a surge of research worldwide. The therapeutic potential of psychedelics appears promising and versatile. For example, a 2019 study released by the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that a synthetic analog of a psychedelic derived from the venom of certain toads provided positive results for depression and anxiety in humans (40).

10 Natural Antidepressants: Can They Help You Cope with Depression?

According to a research paper from 2017, up to 60% of people who take prescription drugs for depression experience an improvement in symptoms within several weeks, but the remaining 40% of people do not respond to such treatments (41).

This is where natural antidepressants may help. However, as with conventional antidepressants, the effects may vary between individuals and are not guaranteed to provide relief from severe depression in everyone.

1. SAM-e

Short for S-adenosylmethionine, SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound in the body. Several studies point to SAM-e as a natural antidepressant. However, research on its effects on people with depression is inconclusive. A 2011 analysis of the scientific literature found that SAM-e improved symptoms of depression in 8 studies. However, all these studies had methodological limitations (42). In another 2009 analysis, SAM-e produced better results than a placebo treatment in six placebo-controlled trials (43). However, SAM-e may not be safe for people with bipolar disorders because it can worsen manic periods.

2. St John’s Wort

St. John’s wort is sourced from a yellow flower that people have used in folk medicine for centuries. Some studies indicate that St. John’s wort can treat depression, but the results of these studies are inconclusive, and some of them have brought conflicting results. Researchers aren’t sure if St. John’s wort is an effective long-term treatment for depression. Some research suggests that St. John’s wort may change the way the brain processes dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin — in a similar way to conventional antidepressants (44). A 2011 review of previous studies found that St. John’s wort improved symptoms of depression in 10 studies (45).

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Some types of high-fat fish, such as salmon or tuna, contain particularly high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. A 2019 analysis of 20 clinical trials concluded that large doses of omega-3 fatty acids may elevate mood and treat depression (46). Researchers don’t know what mechanism makes omega-3s effective. But as mentioned, their antidepressant effects are associated with the aforementioned anti-inflammatory qualities. That being said, you should avoid consuming omega-3s alongside blood thinners because they may also thin the blood (47).

4. Lavender

There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence surrounding the antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects of lavender. As it turns out, these effects are backed by science. In a 2012 systematic review of studies, inhaling lavender aromas helped people improve their sleep quality. However, the studies were done on small samples, and most had methodological issues, so there is a need for more in-depth research to support the initial findings (48). A 2015 randomized controlled trial provides more insight into using lavender as a natural antidepressant. The said study found that wearing a lavender aromatherapy patch can significantly improve the length and depth of sleep (49).

5. 5-HTP

5-hydroxytryptophan can alter serotonin levels in the brain in a similar way to some antidepressants. A few studies suggest that it can reduce the symptoms of depression (50). A 2016 study on mice suggested that it could be a potential remedy for treatment-resistant depression, although there’s not enough research on humans to confirm these findings (51). Some studies suggest that 5-HTP may impair the production of certain neurotransmitters, potentially worsening your mood over time — the longer you take it, the higher the risk of mood swings (52).

6. DHEA

5-Dehydroepiandrosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. There’s limited evidence that points to DHEA as a natural antidepressant that may be effective in treating certain symptoms of health conditions, including PTSD, social anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, DHEA can cause many side effects. It is known to interact with a range of medications, changing blood sugar levels, affecting fertility and menstruation, and increasing the risk of certain types of cancer.

7. CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is the major non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, it won’t get you high, but it still offers a plethora of benefits for mental health. CBD is one of the safest natural antidepressants. The WHO reports that CBD is well-tolerated by humans even in doses as high as 1,500 mg daily taken for several weeks (53).

How Does CBD Work for Depression?

When you take CBD oil — the most popular form of CBD, which is an oily hemp extract — the CBD starts interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), known as the master regulatory network.

The ECS is present in all systems and organs throughout the body; it promotes and helps maintain homeostasis between essential physiological and mental processes — including mood, memory, pain perception, appetite, sleep cycles, emotional processing, immune function, and more.

CBD has a similar structure to the body’s endocannabinoids. Although it doesn’t have an affinity with any of the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), it does affect the way they process endocannabinoids, including anandamide (the bliss molecule).

CBD signals the ECS to produce more endocannabinoids while slowing their breakdown; as a result, these endocannabinoids can circulate in the body for longer, promoting calmness, a sense of balance, elevated mood, and better stress response (54).

On top of that, CBD can:

Inhibit the reuptake of serotonin

CBD uses a similar mechanism to SSRIs, but it doesn’t directly boost serotonin levels in the brain. Instead, it blocks the enzyme that breaks down serotonin so that the body can use it more efficiently (55).

Increase GABA levels in the brain

GABA is a natural inhibitory neurotransmitter that works as a hand brake for the brain. Optimal GABA levels help prevent neuroexcitation and thus keep anxiety and panic attacks at bay. Higher GABA levels are also associated with a calmer state of mind and improved focus (56).

Does CBD Interact with Conventional Antidepressants?

CBD is a potent inhibitor of Cytochrome P450, which is a system of enzymes that metabolize around 60% of pharmaceutical medications, including antidepressants (56).

It’s the same mechanism that’s used by grapefruit — hence a grapefruit warning on certain meds.

In short, CBD can compromise your liver’s ability to metabolize these drugs, resulting in too low or too high concentrations of the drug in your system (depending on the type of interaction). This may lead to either subtherapeutic effects or toxicity, both of which can be bad for your health.

Consulting a holistic doctor experienced in CBD and cannabis use will help you establish the right routine for your CBD oil supplementation and reduce the risk of potential interactions.

Related:

8. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is derived from Ginseng indica and is classified as an adaptogen. This means that the plant can help you deal with stress and improve your overall performance without compromising any of your physiological and psychological processes. It has been used for 3000 years in ancient medicine as a stress reliever and antidepressant. In one clinical placebo-controlled trial that involved 64 participants, 79% of those who took 600 mg of ashwagandha experienced a significant reduction in stress and depression. At the same time, the severity of both symptoms increased by 10% in the placebo group (57).

9. Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms are a term that covers a group of mushrooms that offer a wide range of health benefits for the nervous system, immune system, and heart health. Research has found that medicinal mushrooms allow the user to reconnect with their emotions, unlike conventional antidepressants, which help the user cope with depression by dulling their emotions (58).

10. Vitamin B Complex

There’s strong evidence that a decrease in vitamin B-12 is associated with increased depression. Moreover, individuals with higher levels of vitamin B-12 are more likely to respond to their antidepressant treatment than people with low levels of this vitamin (59). If your blood tests indicate low vitamin B-12 levels, and you’ve recently found yourself depressed for an unknown reason, consider adding vitamin B complex to your supplementation plan.

Final Thoughts on How to Cope with Depression Using Natural Antidepressants

Contrary to a popular misconception, depression reaches far beyond regular sadness and baby blues. It’s a serious mental illness involving a wide range of symptoms, including both physiological and psychological reactions.

Diagnosing depression can be a hard nut to crack, as some individuals may hide it by showing some symptoms that can be interpreted as aggression, irritability, or a stubborn refusal to change their negative behavior.

Fortunately, as more resources are being invested into researching potential treatments for depression, people are receiving more tools to cope with this health condition before it takes over their lives and interferes with their daily functioning.

From psychotherapies to conventional medications and natural remedies — there’s a whole world of treatments that will help you cope with depression long-term rather than just masking the symptoms.

If you’re up for trying alternative depression treatments, we highly recommend CBD oil. CBD uses a multifaceted mechanism to combat the symptoms of depression as well as some of its underlying causes, such as endocannabinoid deficiencies.

Just make sure to consult your options with a doctor who is knowledgeable about using complementary treatments for depression. Doing so will help you figure out the right dosage and avoid potential cross-interactions with other medications.

CBD is becoming more popular. But even low doses may harm some people’s health, researchers warn

In a clinical trial, a few people who took small doses of CBD saw their liver enzyme levels rise to more than three times higher than the normal range.

Cannabidiol gummies, edibles, and other CBD products have taken off in recent years – but even low doses may be enough to hurt people’s health, a new study has found.

CBD – the non-psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that makes people feel relaxed – has become more widely available in the European Union since the bloc’s high court decided in 2020 that it was not a narcotic drug, ruling that CBD “does not appear to have any psychotropic effect or any harmful effect on human health”.

But the new findings from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggest that may not be entirely true. In a randomised controlled trial, even small amounts of CBD can affect some people’s liver function.

The study included 201 healthy people in the United States, including 151 who used CBD twice per day for four weeks. The CBD doses, totalling five milligrams per day, were within the range of typical consumer products such as edibles, drinks, or lotions.

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At the end of four weeks, eight of the CBD users had liver enzyme levels that were more than three times above the normal range, and seven experienced potential drug-induced liver injury.

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That’s compared with zero among people who did not use CBD.

Elevated liver enzymes, which can also be caused by alcohol, obesity, and some prescription medicines, can be a sign of liver inflammation or damage.

It’s not clear why the eight people in the study – 5.6 per cent of those who took CBD – experienced liver problems. They did not have symptoms, and their liver enzyme levels returned to normal within two weeks of stopping CBD.

But the researchers warned that the lack of symptoms could allow liver damage to go undetected, and that people could experience more severe liver issues if they use CBD over longer periods of time or at higher doses.

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Notably, there were also no differences between the two groups on endocrine hormones, for example, testosterone in men.

While the study was small, it was designed so participants were randomly assigned to either take CBD or a placebo without knowing which group they were in. This kind of trial is considered the gold standard for medical research.

Even so, larger studies with more people would help to confirm the results.

The study authors said more research is needed “on the long-term effects of CBD use, its impact on various populations, and the safety of lower doses commonly used by consumers”.

Using cannabis to cope with anxiety or depression? You may be at higher risk of paranoia, study says

People who start using cannabis to self-medicate are more likely to be heavy users than those who use the drug socially or for fun, a study has found.

People who start using cannabis to cope with physical or mental health problems are more likely to experience severe paranoia, a new study has found.

Many of these people also report depression and anxiety symptoms at levels that would normally see them referred to counselling, according to the study, which was published in the BMJ Mental Health journal.

The findings indicate “the reason someone first starts using cannabis can dramatically impact their long-term health,” Dr Edoardo Spinazzola, one of the study’s authors and a researcher studying the link between cannabis and psychosis at King’s College London, said in a statement.

Spinazzola’s team tracked nearly 3,400 UK adults’ average weekly consumption of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that makes people feel “high”.

The average respondent consumed 206 units of THC per week, equivalent to roughly 10 to 17 “joints,” the researchers said. But that level was much higher among people who started using cannabis to help manage anxiety or depression, to about 248 and 255 units, respectively.

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People who used cannabis to self-medicate also reported more paranoia symptoms than people who tried the drug for fun, curiosity, or with their friends.

The findings are the latest to connect cannabis use to poor mental health.

In another recent study using the same dataset, researchers found that people who had experienced physical or emotional abuse as children were more likely to be paranoid as adults – and that cannabis use made that link stronger.

There is “a clear association between trauma and future paranoia,” Dr Giulia Trotta, a psychiatrist and researcher at King’s College London who worked on the study, said in a statement.

The findings indicate “cannabis use can further exacerbate the effects of this, depending on what form the trauma takes,” Trotta added.

Related

Earlier this week, a separate study in the United States found that using highly potent cannabis products – such as edibles or concentrates for vapes – raises the risk of serious mental health conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, and addiction.

The researchers behind the latest study said that doctors should ask their patients why they started using cannabis as a way to identify whether they could benefit from additional support. That could help prevent people from sliding into “potentially disabling” paranoia or mental health problems, they said.

Dr Emily Finch, chair of the UK’s Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Addiction Faculty, said the findings underscore that “cannabis can have significant adverse effects on users’ mental health”. 

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“Society must be more aware of the substantial evidence on cannabis harms, and correct the widespread misapprehension that cannabis is not an addictive substance,” Finch, who was not involved with the study, said in a statement.

How Did COVID Change Weed Smoking? Tokers Share Their Stories

The official number of coronavirus cases worldwide as of April 15, 2020, 10:46 GMT had just hit over 2 million (2,014,009). With the USA being the epicenter of COVID-19 cases (614,246), lives have changed.

AmericanMarijuana.org asked 1,017 U.S. cannabis consumers to share their experience on how COVID-19 has changed their weed-smoking habits, as well as how their families and friends feel about the fact that they’re still smoking weed these days.

Do you think smoking weed will make you more susceptible to coronavirus?

Participants were asked if smoking weed would make them more susceptible to coronavirus. Out of 1017 survey takers, 144 revealed that they have lung problems, while the other 873 said they don’t.

Major Takeaways:

  1. 54.35% of participants with lung problems agreed that smoking weed would make them more susceptible to coronavirus, whereas only 34.47% of participants without lung problems think so.
  2. 45.65% of participants with lung problems and 65.53% of participants without lung problems don’t think smoking weed will make them more susceptible to coronavirus.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, have you smoked more weed?

Major Takeaways:

  1. It’s natural to see that 29.28% of the participants have smoked more weed since the COVID-19 outbreak due to the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, but it’s even more surprising to see 5.70% quit smoking weed.
  2. While the majority (38.52%) of the 1017 U.S. weed smokers consumed the same amount even after the COVID-19 outbreak, only 26.50% had smoked less weed.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, have you switched to other marijuana consuming methods besides smoking? (e.g, eating edibles, consuming oils, etc.)

Major Takeaways:

  • Due to the fact that smoking could make you more susceptible to COVID-19, some would likely try or even switch to other marijuana consuming methods besides smoking/vaping. However, only 28.04% of them did so, while the remaining 71.96% didn’t change.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, have you consumed any anxiety relief supplements? If YES, compared with weed, which is more effective for you in terms of therapeutic effects?

Major Takeaways:

  1. It’s normal to be anxious enough to try out other relief supplements amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. However, 65.49% of the 1,017 participants are fine with weed and haven’t used any anxiety relief supplements.
  2. 34.51% used other anxiety relief supplements since the pandemic outbreak, but only 24% of them felt that weed is less effective, while 76% felt that weed is more effective.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, have you kept sharing joints, bongs, bowls, pipes, spliffs, vape pens, etc.?

Major Takeaways:

  1. The coronavirus can be spread through droplets from the nose or mouth of an infected individual to another by either inhaling the droplets or touching objects that were sneezed or coughed on. This is why 71.65% of the participants stopped sharing joints, bongs, bowls, pipes, spliffs, vape pens, etc.
  2. However, 28.35% of the participants decided to continue sharing joints, bongs, bowls, pipes, spliffs, vape pens, and similar items despite the risk of getting coronavirus.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, why do you continue sharing joints, bongs, bowls, pipes, spliffs, vape pens, etc.?

Major Takeaways:

  1. Of the 288 participants who chose to share smoking/vaping devices even after the coronavirus outbreak, 29.89% don’t see why they should stop sharing them.
  2. 32.07% of them just want to have some fun with their friends and relieve some stress, while the remaining 38.04% just can’t get rid of the habit of sharing, even though they’re aware of the risks of being infected with the coronavirus.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, why did you stop sharing joints, bongs, bowls, pipes, spliffs, vape pens, etc.?

Major Takeaways:

  1. Of the 729 participants who chose not to share joints, bongs, bowls, pipes, spliffs, vape pens, etc., after the coronavirus outbreak, 21.29% wanted to practice social distancing.
  2. 15.70% of them wanted to lower the risk of getting infected with coronavirus via vaping/smoking devices while the remaining 63.01% did so for both purposes: to practice social distancing, and to lower the risk of getting infected with the coronavirus via weed sharing activities.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, are you worried about not being able to pay for your cannabis?

Major Takeaways:

  1. Since many people are not making money anymore due to the lockdown policy, 36.67% of the 1017 participants are worried about not being able to pay for their cannabis.
  2. 63.33% of the 1017 participants are not worried at all.

Compared to before the COVID-19 outbreak, how do your friends and family members react towards your weed-smoking activities?

Major Takeaways:

  1. Although 69.18% felt like nothing had changed at all, 4.01% of the 1,017 participants admitted that they were discriminated against for smoking weed during the pandemic.
  2. Family and friends of 13.25% of the participants are against smoking weed during the pandemic, whereas 13.56% had negative attitudes, but not seriously.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, do your stoner friends still share weed with you?

Major Takeaways:

  1. Even though it’s risky, 34.82% of the participants still have stoner friends who have continued sharing weed with them since the coronavirus outbreak.
  2. According to 65.18% of the 1,017 participants, since the outbreak, their weed buddies have stopped sharing weed with them to avoid spreading the virus.

Methodology

We launched the survey on MTurk. To make sure the participants are U.S weed smokers, we do two things:

  1. Set the qualification for the participant location as U.S only.
  2. Set a qualifying question at the beginning of the survey. In this case, the qualifying question is “Do you smoke weed?” Those who answered “No” will be disqualified and can not complete the survey.

We also have an attention-check question in the middle of the survey to ensure participants do not randomly answer the survey.

Because the survey relies on self-reporting, issues such as telescoping and exaggeration can influence responses. Please also be advised that this survey’s results do not reflect our opinions.

Fair Use Statement

If you know someone who could benefit from our findings, feel free to share this project with them. The graphics and content are available for noncommercial reuse. All we ask is that you link back to this page so that readers get all the necessary information and we receive proper credit.

Anxiety Statistics & Facts: How Many People Have Anxiety?

Report Highlights:

  • 27.3% of American adults have anxiety problems [3].
  • Anxiety disorders affect 3.94% of the worldwide population [14].
  • 41.7% of young adults (18 to 29 years) suffer from anxiety [3].
  • 9.4% of children in the US have anxiety [12].
  • 36% of teens experienced higher anxiety levels during the pandemic [22].
  • 31% of college students have an anxiety diagnosis [20].
  • The prevalence of anxiety disorders in the US is higher in women at 30.8% than in men at 23.5% [3].
  • 7.1% of the US population has social anxiety disorder [6].
  • 94% of the workers feel stressed out at work [18].
  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 25% increase in anxiety prevalence [9].
  • 60.76% of healthcare workers felt higher fear and anxiety levels due to COVID-19 virus exposure [27].
  • Only 36.9% seek treatment for anxiety disorders [6].

Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental health disorders. Unlike normal anxiety, the symptoms of anxiety disorders don’t go away easily. They even grow worse as time passes that small triggers can easily prompt an anxiety attack.

Similar to other mental health disorders, people suffering from anxiety disorder need treatment. These include medications and behavioral therapy to help manage their symptoms.

Many factors can put you at a higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder [5].

  • Family history of anxiety disorders
  • Traumatic events, some of which can result in post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Health problems like thyroid disorders
  • Environmental factors like illicit drug use

Read on to discover the current anxiety statistics in the US, especially during the pandemic.

Anxiety Statistics — How Many People Have Anxiety?

27.3% of Americans aged 18 and over have symptoms of an anxiety disorder. The data comes from the 2022 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [3].

3.94% of the global population has symptoms of anxiety disorder [14].

How Many People Have Anxiety in the United States?

27.3% or more than a quarter of the US adult population aged 18 and over have anxiety disorder symptoms. This percentage increased from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey of 8.1% [3].

The state that had the highest anxiety indicators is Louisiana at 35.2%. Hawaii with 20.7% is the state with the lowest anxiety indicators [3]. The anxiety indicators are based on the reported frequency of symptoms.

How Many People Have Anxiety in the World?

Anxiety affects 3.94% of the global population or 301.39 million individuals in 2019. The worldwide prevalence of mental health problems like anxiety disorder has increased from 2017’s 293.55 million [26].

187.54 million women have anxiety in 2019, up from 2017’s 182.73 million. The number of men with anxiety also increased from 110.82 million in 2017 to 113.85 million adults in 2019 [25].

What Causes the Most Anxiety in the World?

35% of the respondents in a survey say that the COVID-19 pandemic is the top worrying concern in January 2022. This data comes from Ipsos’ survey “What Worries the World 2022” [36].

Poverty and social inequality land second place at 31%, followed by unemployment at 28% [36].

The least worrying concern is climate change. 15% of the respondents cited this as a major concern in 2022 [36].

Which Country Has the Highest Stress and Anxiety Levels?

74% of Afghanistan and Lebanon’s population report high stress and anxiety levels. This data is from the 2021 Gallup report on the most stressed countries [35].

The United States comes in ninth place. More than half of its population (52%) report high levels of stress and anxiety [35].

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Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, on the other hand, are the least stressed countries. Only 12% of both their populations experience high stress and anxiety levels [35].

How Common is Anxiety?

27.3% of Americans over 18 years have anxiety, says the CDC [3].

This means that more than a quarter of the adult population in the US suffers from anxiety symptoms [3].

Anxiety Prevalence Among Adults

41.7% or more than 2 in 5 young adults (18 to 29 years) suffer from this mental health problem. Of the different age groups, it affects those above the 80 years age group the least at 16% [3].

Its prevalence is higher in women at 30.8% than in men at 23.5%. It also affects bisexual people more, at 56.7%, than straight people at 24.8% [3].

Anxiety affects 37.2% of those who identify with multiple races. The second most affected group is the Hispanics and Latinos. 29.2% of their population deal with anxiety. Non-Hispanic Asian people deal with anxiety the least at 19.0% [3].

Anxiety affects people with disability more at 55.7%. It affects those without disabilities the least at 22.8% [3].

Anxiety Prevalence Among Children

9.4% or about 5.8 million children deal with anxiety symptoms, says the CDC [12].

The prevalence of anxiety in children increased from 5.5% in 2007 to 6.4% in 2011 to 2012 [12].

Anxiety is most commonly seen in children between the ages of 12 and 17 years at 10.5%. It affects the youngest children the least at 1.3% [16].

Anxiety in children can also come with other mental health issues and vice versa.

32.3% or 1 in 3 children with anxiety have a depressive disorder. 37.9% or 1 in 3 children with anxiety also have behavioral problems [12].

Of these percentages, 59.3% or 6 in 10 children receive treatment for anxiety [12].

Anxiety Among High School Students

Anxiety and depression among teenagers are increasing, 7 in 10 teenagers see these mental health issues as major issues.

70% of high school students consider anxiety and depression as major problems, says a 2018 Pew survey [21].

26% of them think they’re just minor problems, while 4% say they’re not a problem at all [21].

61% of the students say the primary pressure they face is academics and getting good grades. Pressure to look good and fit in with peers come in second and third places at 29% and 28% [21]. Pressure to look good and fit in with peers comes in second and third places at 29% and 28% [21].

Anxiety Among College Students

31% of college students have a lifetime diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. Their diagnoses were made by a healthcare professional. The data comes from a 2021 Healthy Minds Network survey [20].

34% of the respondents tested positive for generalized anxiety disorder [20].

  • 18% of them have moderate anxiety.
  • 16% have severe anxiety.

12% of those with positive anxiety screens took anti-anxiety medications. These include medications like lorazepam and alprazolam [20].

40% (the past year) and 59% (lifetime) of those with positive anxiety screens received mental health counseling and therapy [20].

Anxiety Statistics by Educational Level

31.4% of people with some college and associate’s degree deal with anxiety the most. Anxiety affects those with a college education the least at 23.2% [3].

One reason for the disparity may be that people with higher educational levels are more likely to seek help. They’re also more likely to get treated than people with a lower educational level.

The educational level also plays a role in how likely a person is going to seek treatment for mental health problems, including anxiety.

For each additional educational level, a person is more likely to see mental health services like [31]:

  • Psychiatrists by 15%
  • Family doctors by 12%
  • Psychologists by 16%
  • Social workers by 16%

Anxiety and Workplace Mental Health Statistics

95% of American workers admitted to feeling stressed out at work. Only 5% reported no stress [18].

The majority of American workers (39%) report moderate stress. 6% of them report unsustainably high stress [18].

76% said that work-related stress negatively affected their personal lives and relationships [37].

66% say stress caused them to lose sleep, while 16% had to quit their job [37].

Issues affecting the country (including the pandemic) also affected workplace engagement. Fluctuations occurred the most during the summer months as tension rise. By July and September 2020, engagement levels went back to their pre-pandemic levels.

51% or more than half of American workers are not engaged with their company. They’re psychologically unattached not only to their company but to their work as well.

Only 36% of the workers are highly engaged, committed, and enthusiastic in the workplace [19].

The most stressed industry in 2021 is the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry at 63.4%. The healthcare industry follows in second place at 60.7% [13].

The COVID-19 pandemic affected both industries the most. The former received less government support. They also had very high restrictions. The healthcare industry, on the other hand, directly deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anxiety Statistics During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 25% increase in the number of people with anxiety. The World Health Organization released the report last March 2022 [9].

Factors That Increased Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic

According to the World Health Organization, factors that contributed to the rapid rise of anxiety during the pandemic include [9]:

  • Social isolation and loneliness can worsen mental disorders
  • Limitations and restrictions in one’s ability to work
  • Limitations in seeking help and support for mental disorders
  • Fear of infection for oneself and a loved one
  • Suffering or death of a loved one
  • Financial worries

Anxiety Among the General US Population

From 8.1% in 2019 to 25.5% in 2020, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms in the US increased three-fold. This data came from the 2020 MMWR report conducted by the CDC from April to June 2020 and compared to 2019’s data [11].

It affected women more, with 26.3% of their population dealing with higher anxiety levels. Of the male population, anxiety prevalence was 24.7% [11].

The age group that this mental illness affected the most was the younger adults. 49.1% or about half of the young adult population between 18 and 24 reported anxiety symptoms [11].

The least affected age group, on the other hand, was those above and equal to 65 years old. 6.2% of them reported anxiety symptoms [11].

Anxiety affected Hispanic people more at 35.5% than Asian, non-Hispanic individuals at 14.1% [11].

The most affected region in the US was the Southern region. 27.9% of the population reported anxiety symptoms. The least affected region was the Midwestern region at 22.7% [11].

Education, income, and type of work also affected people’s anxiety levels differently.

44.5% of people who have less than a high school diploma were more affected by anxiety. Those with a professional degree were affected the least at 20.9% [11].

30.6% of those earning less than $25,000 experienced more anxiety than 17.4% of those earning more than $200,000 [11].

35.5% of essential workers suffered from anxiety-related problems. Of those retired, only 9.6% of their population reported anxiety symptoms [11].

Anxiety Among Teens During the COVID-19 Pandemic

46% of teens (13 to 18 years old) developed new or worsened mental health conditions during the pandemic [22].

36% or more than 1 in 3 teen girls showed anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. In boys, 19% or nearly 1 in 5 teen boys showed symptoms of anxiety. This data comes from the 2021 Mott Poll Report [22].

3 in 4 parents say the pandemic significantly affected their teens’ mental health [22].

Anxiety Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

37.73% of them reported anxiety symptoms. This data came from a survey conducted by the American Medical Association in 2020 [27].

Anxiety affected 39.3% of female and 26.4% of male healthcare workers [27].

60.76% of healthcare respondents felt high fear levels of COVID-19 exposure [27].

Anxiety and the War in Ukraine Statistics

87% of American adults say inflation and rise in commodity prices related to the war in Ukraine cause the most stress and anxiety in 2022 [32].

87% of adults also feel that the past two years have been nothing but a series of world crises. 69% think we’re on the brink of World War III. 69% also think the war between Ukraine and Russia can result in a nuclear war [32].

Anxiety about money increased from 57% in 2021 to 65% in 2022. Anxiety about the economy also increased from 58% in 2021 to 65% in 2022 [32].

Anxiety Disorders and Comorbid Mental Health Disorders

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, common anxiety disorders can come hand-in-hand with substance use disorders [24].

20% of people with mental health disorders like anxiety and mood problems have substance use disorders. Similarly, 20% of people with substance use disorders have mental health disorders [33].

Panic disorder is also very common in people with post-traumatic stress disorder [7].

  • Diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder gives you a 60% higher risk of developing it.
  • 69% of people seeking post-traumatic stress disorder treatment have panic attacks.

Other mental health disorders associated with anxiety disorders include depression and eating disorders.

  • 50% of those suffering from depression also have an anxiety disorder [6].
  • 56% of people dealing with eating disorders also suffer from anxiety [4].

Social Anxiety Disorder Statistics

7.1% of the American population has a social anxiety disorder (SAD). The condition affects 15 million adults [6].

It’s more common in women, with 5.67% of their population suffering from social anxiety disorder. In men, SAD affects 4.2% of the population [1].

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The median age of onset of social anxiety symptoms among youths is 13 years old [15].

SAD is also closely related to other mood problems. 70% to 80% of people with SAD have co-existing mental health issues. These include anxiety disorders and substance use disorders [34].

Less than 5% of people with this type of mental health disorder seek treatment for their condition [30].

More than a third of the people seek help only after 10 years or more of dealing with the symptoms [30].

Anxiety Relief Statistics

Only 36.9% seek help from a healthcare provider and receive treatment [6].

Mental health disorders like anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Anxiety treatment can include anxiolytic drugs as well as complementary and alternative medications. Some people also include CBD and cannabis in their anxiety treatment regimen.

Anti-Anxiety Drugs

The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications for common anxiety disorders include:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs (Prozac, Celexa, or Zoloft)
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs (Effexor, Pristiq, or Cymbalta)
  • Benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, or Xanax)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (Pamelor, Norpramin, or Tofranil)

There had been an increase in the use of anti-anxiety medications as the pandemic began to spread in the US.

Prescriptions for anti-anxiety drugs increased by 34.1%, up from about 2.3%. The use of anti-anxiety medications also increased by 18% by March 15, 2020 [2].

Using anti-anxiety medications was higher in women at 39.6%, compared to men at 22.7% [2].

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Of those taking anxiolytics, 50% also take antidepressant drugs for major depressive disorder. 16.1% take anti-insomnia medications [2].

Complementary and Alternative Medications or CAM

Other anxiety treatments include complementary and alternative medicine. These teach people how to manage their anxiety symptoms.

29.2% of people practice meditation to relieve anxiety and 21% use it to relieve stress, says a study [10].

Exercise and an active lifestyle can lower the risk factors for anxiety disorder by 60% [17].

73% found improvement with lifestyle changes. These include eating healthier foods, getting more restful sleep, or exercising [29].

Relaxation techniques and acupuncture may also help. These reduce mental health issues like anxiety and major depressive symptoms [28] [38].

CBD for Anxiety

50% of survey respondents say they use CBD to relieve anxiety and stress, while 45% use it to improve sleep [23].

55% or more than half of the respondents say they use CBD to relax [23].

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10% of men use CBD regularly, compared to 4% of women [23].

12% of those who are 35 to 44 years use CBD the most, compared to 2% of those who are 65 years and above [23].

Cannabis for Anxiety

65.49% of a survey’s respondents say weed alone is okay for anxiety relief during the COVID-19 pandemic [8].

34.51% of them used cannabis with other anti-anxiety supplements [8]. Of this percentage,

  • 76% felt cannabis for anxiety is more effective for this mental health disorder.
  • 24% felt cannabis for anxiety isn’t that effective at relieving the symptoms.

29.28% reported using more cannabis for anxiety and stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 5.70% said they quit smoking cannabis. The data comes from a 2020 survey of 1,017 cannabis users [8].

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Anxiety Support

Anxiety disorders affect 27.3% of Americans and 3.94% of the global population. It’s a highly treatable mental health issue, but only 36.9% of them seek treatment.

If you have a family history of anxiety disorder or a closely related family member is suffering from mental health disorders, please reach out and seek help from a healthcare professional. This is especially important if have additional symptoms like suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Hotline numbers that you can call are SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

References

  1. Ambusaidi, A., Al-Huseini, S., Alshaqsi, H., AlGhafri, M., Chan, M. F., Al-Sibani, N., Al-Adawi, S., & Qoronfleh, M. W. (2022). The Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Social Anxiety Disorder: A Focused National Survey. Chronic Stress, 6, 247054702210812. [1]
  2. America’s State of Mind U.S. trends in medication use for depression, anxiety, and insomnia. (2020). Express Scripts. [2]
  3. Anxiety and Depression. (2022). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [3]
  4. Anxiety, Depression, & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. (2018). National Eating Disorders Association. [4]
  5. Anxiety disorders. (2018). Mayo Clinic. [5]
  6. Anxiety Disorders – Facts & Statistics. (2021). Anxiety and Depression Association of America. [6]
  7. Berenz, E. C., York, T. P., Bing-Canar, H., Amstadter, A. B., Mezuk, B., Gardner, C. O., & Roberson-Nay, R. (2018). Time course of panic disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder onsets. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 54(5), 639–647. [7]
  8. Blake, D. K. (2020). COVID-19 Impacts on Weed-smoking Habits and Attitude towards It. AmericanMarijuana.org. [8]
  9. COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. (2022). World Health Organization. [9]
  10. Cramer, H., Hall, H., Leach, M., Frawley, J., Zhang, Y., Leung, B., Adams, J., & Lauche, R. (2016). Prevalence, patterns, and predictors of meditation use among US adults: A nationally representative survey. Scientific Reports, 6, 36760. [10]
  11. Czeisler, M., Lane, R. I., Petrosky, E., Wiley, J. F., Christensen, A., Njai, R., Weaver, M. D., Robbins, R., Facer-Childs, E. R., Barger, L. K., Czeisler, C. A., Howard, M. E., & Rajaratnam, S. M. (2020). Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 24–30, 2020. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(32), 1049–1057. [11]
  12. Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health. (2022). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [12]
  13. Dodge, M. (2021). The Most Stressful Jobs in 2021. Jobillico. [13]
  14. Elflein, J. (2022). Share of the population worldwide who suffered from anxiety disorders from 1990 to 2019. Statista. [14]
  15. Freidl, E. K., Stroeh, O. M., Elkins, R. M., Steinberg, E., Albano, A. M., & Rynn, M. (2017). Assessment and Treatment of Anxiety Among Children and Adolescents. Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), 15(2), 144–156. [15]
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What Is CBD Oil? What Does Cannabidiol Stand For?

Everyone’s talking about CBD and its benefits.

Whether you’ve seen it mentioned on television, heard something on the news, or been told about it by a friend, CBD has likely garnered your attention.

However, finding clear, decent information on what CBD is, what it does, and whether you can legally buy it in the first place has probably proven a challenge.

Don’t worry — been there, done that.

That’s why I’ve prepared a guide for all the new users who’d like to learn about CBD but don’t have the time to seek answers sifting through the internet — not knowing what’s true and which claims are exaggerated.

Continue reading to find information on what CBD is, how you can benefit from it, and whether it might be a good fit for your lifestyle.

What is CBD?

CBD — short for cannabidiol — is one of the two most abundant cannabinoids naturally found in cannabis plants.

These cannabinoids are the active compounds responsible for an array of benefits from cannabis.

This is where the first concerns may start to arise.

Before I give you a detailed look into CBD, it’s important to stress that while CBD comes from cannabis, CBD can’t get you high — because it’s not psychoactive.

The high is caused by the other cannabinoid — THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

Where Does CBD Come From?

Illustration of a magnifying glass on the roots of a cannabis plant

Cannabis plants contain over 400 different compounds, 113 of which have been identified as cannabinoids and are unique to the cannabis family of plants.

The concern about getting high from cannabis products that contain CBD comes from the fact that CBD oil can be sourced from two different cannabis plants — hemp and marijuana.

Hemp vs. Marijuana

Hemp and marijuana are the two members of the Cannabis sativa species. Although they’re the same species, they comprise totally different chemotypes (chemical profiles).

Both varieties can be used to harvest CBD with similar health benefits.

However, the source of your CBD oil determines whether the product is psychoactive and, above all, legal in a given state.

CBD can come from the flowers of hemp or marijuana, depending on the source. Many consumers claim that CBD derived from marijuana is more potent because of the way THC and CBD work together in the body.

But in fact, hemp-derived CBD demonstrates a wealth of documented health benefits as well.

Have a look at the table below to understand the exact differences between these two plants:

QualitiesHEMPMARIJUANA
Is it Cannabis?YesYes
Chemical MakeupHigh CBD / Low THC (< 0.3%)High THC (5%–35%) / Med-Low CBD (<1%)
Psychoactive?NoYes
Growing conditionsAdaptable to thrive in most climates requires minimal careCultivated under carefully controlled conditions
ApplicationsFood, supplements, clothing, ropes, housing, automobilesMedical and recreational use

How CBD Works

To understand how you can benefit from CBD, you’ll need to understand the way it interacts with the body and brain.

The key term in this section is “The Endocannabinoid System” (ECS).

Not familiar with the ECS?

I’ll try to explain everything as clearly as possible.

The Endocannabinoid System

Illustration of the human endocannabinoid system CB1 and CB2

In essence, the endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters located throughout the entire body, with the highest concentrations in the nervous and immune systems. Its role is to maintain homeostasis of various organs in the body.

Researchers argue that ECS is the imperative system and the bridge between the two above networks.

This system is regulated by two chemicals produced in the human body — anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG). These are the two most well-studied endocannabinoids.

The endocannabinoid system controls major biological functions in the body, including:

  • The immune response
  • Cognitive function
  • Pain transmission
  • Memory
  • Mood
  • Fertility and pregnancy
  • Appetite
  • Body temperature

ECS involves two main types of receptors, each with slightly different properties. They’re called CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1 Receptors

CB1 receptors appear in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), as well as some areas of the peripheral nervous system (the body).

The highest concentrations of these receptors can be found in 3 key brain sections:

  • The Cortex (controls all higher brain functions)
  • The basal ganglia (produces dopamine)
  • The hippocampus (plays a key role in cognitive performance)

CB1 receptors play an important role in regulating mood, memory, appetite, sleep, reproduction, pain transmission, and cardiovascular function.

Does any of this sound familiar with the many effects of cannabis?

That’s because chemicals like THC are very similar in their chemical structure to anandamide and thus can mimic its actions on CB1 receptors.

CB2 Receptors

CB2 receptors are mostly found in blood and immune cells. The immune cells are responsible for identifying and destroying viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells. It’s through this system that CBD offers the vast majority of its health benefits.

But why exactly does CBD have so many positive effects on the body?

CBD is a CB1 and CB2 modulator, making them more sensitive to anandamide. This helps to maintain the chemical stability in the body, turning UP hypoactivity, and turning DOWN hyperactivity.

CBD interacts with other receptors as well.

For example, it can ease pain by stimulating vanilloid receptors and opioid receptors. Both of these regulate the transmission of pain from the body to the brain. Each time these receptors are activated, they mitigate the pain signaling, so the brain filters that sensation out.

However, CBD can also interact with the body through several receptor-independent routes. As a matter of fact, it operates on more than 60 molecular pathways.

Explaining the Difference Between CBD vs THC

CBD and THC chemical structure written on a board

As mentioned above, THC and CBD are both cannabinoids, chemicals occurring naturally in the cannabis plant. Moreover, each has unique and similar effects and benefits commonly sought after for a range of therapeutic purposes.

The main difference between THC and CBD is that the latter is non-psychoactive. In other words, it can’t get you high. CBD is actually thought to have more effect on the body, while THC shows greater activity in the brain.

Interestingly, CBD can alter the psychoactive effects of THC when taken simultaneously. This is partly the reason why high-CBD strains are typically believed to be “low-quality weed” by people who are unaware of the benefits of CBD.

Although very closely related, CBD and THC have several significant differences:

CBDTHC
Non-psychoactivePsychoactive
CB1 and CB2 modulatorCB1 and CB2 stimulant
Blocks painEases pain
Mild appetite suppressantStrong appetite booster
AntiepilepticIt can boost the antiepileptic effects of CBD
Best for anxiety, inflammation, pain, and common sleeping disordersBest for euphoric effects, focus, and appetite stimulation
“Body high”“Cerebral high”
Side effects may include drowsiness and dry mouthSide effects may include anxiety, dizziness, and a physical “couch-lock” effect

What Does CBD Do?

The science behind the effects of CBD is very exciting, something you probably never heard of at school.

Since the endocannabinoid system maintains chemical balance in the body (affecting a variety of key functions), and CBD is the modulator to its receptors, consistent supplementation with CBD helps regulate important bodily processes, leading to optimal health and a range of benefits.

Health Benefits of CBD

A glass dropper dropping CBD oil into multiple glass vials in a lab

CBD is not a cure-it-all compound. I rather think of it as a tool that, when used wisely, may greatly improve your well-being, and if your inner balance falls out of whack, you might be surprised at how effective it is in reaching the roots of the problem and relieving its symptoms.

The most notable benefits of CBD include:

  • Reduced inflammation
  • Protection against free radical damage
  • Support for nerve function
  • Reduced anxiety
  • Elevated mood
  • Blocked pain transmission
  • Reduced tumor growth
  • Greater resistance to stress

Potential Medical Applications of CBD

People use CBD for a wide range of health conditions. As mentioned, this is caused by the fact that CBD fixes a system that is used to regulate an array of important processes in the human body. By interacting with this complex network, you can effectively control these other processes as well.

CBD is used for:

Below I cover the most common medical applications of CBD.

CBD For Anxiety

CBD lowers anxiety by regulating several key neurotransmitters associated with this condition. It modulates serotonin, epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. In addition, it acts on the GABA receptors to turn down our inner volume when we get aroused. This results in feelings of relaxation and calmness.

CBD For Epilepsy

CBD oil is widely used due to its potential to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures without the negative impact of more commonly prescribed treatments. A 2016 study reported significant improvements in the number of seizures in children with Dravet Syndrome — a rare form of epilepsy. In 2018, the first CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, was approved by the FDA.

CBD For Pain

CBD has several unique properties that make it effective for alleviating pain. CBD acts on a special type of receptor known as the vanilloid receptor (TRPV1). This receptor is used in the body to control pain and regulate body temperature. In addition, CBD modulates the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which play a key role in pain transmission in the spinal cord and the brain.

CBD For Inflammation

Short-term inflammation is nothing bad, but chronic inflammation may often lead to a number of serious autoimmune diseases. CBD has been shown by many studies to provide potent anti-inflammatory effects on different types of inflammatory diseases. The list includes inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune conditions, vascular inflammation, and neuroinflammation.

CBD For Nausea

CBD has been recognized for some time for its potential to reduce nausea in those suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The key function of CBD, in this case, is its ability to inhibit the breakdown of anandamide in the brain; higher anandamide levels in the body can reduce the sensation of nausea, block vomiting, and increase appetite in patients.

CBD And Addiction

Withdrawal symptoms from opioid or smoking addiction are serious roadblocks on our way to moving forward. Recent studies have suggested that CBD may help relieve withdrawal symptoms by reducing anxiety and cravings in those who have gone cold turkey, leading to more successful cessation and treatment.

CBD And Acne

CBD oil is a rich source of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory compounds, all of which can contribute to reduced acne and improved skin health. CBD reduces inflammation in the skin, speeds up regeneration processes, and regulates the production of sebum in the body.

CBD For Type 1 Diabetes

In essence, Type 1 Diabetes is an immune disorder triggered by an individual immune system’s attack on the pancreas. CBD may help with the management of this condition by reducing inflammation of the pancreas and thus helping your body to regulate insulin and blood sugar levels.

CBD As a Neuroprotective

One of the most remarkable qualities of CBD is its neuroprotective effects. Using CBD on a regular basis has been shown to improve the formation of myelin, a compound that forms a protective layer around the nerve cells, allowing for faster nerve transmission. When this function gets compromised, it may result in a range of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s Dementia, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

CBD And Cancer

CBD has been shown to promote programmed cancer cell death (apoptosis) in certain types of cancer. The compound can also prevent the spread of cancer between organs by blocking the adhesion of tumor cells to new types of tissues.

What are the Side Effects of CBD?

Two medical professional studying the side effects of hemp CBD

One of the reasons why CBD has become so popular as a natural alternative to many prescription medicines is the lack of severe adverse effects.

CBD has a considerable safety profile, which makes it suitable for both children and adults alike. Studies report that CBD is safe and free from unwanted reactions in doses as high as 1500mg — which is 5 to 6 times the high end of the dosage scope.

In some rare cases, individuals may experience the following side effects:

  • Dry mouth
  • Low blood pressure
  • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness

How to Use CBD?

CBD is available in many different formats. Current extraction technology allows for incorporating this cannabinoid into a range of products, such as:

  • Oil drops
  • Tinctures
  • E-liquid (for vaping)
  • Sublingual spray
  • Gummies & Edibles
  • Capsules
  • Body care products
  • Crystalline powder (pure CBD aka isolate)

You can find CBD in more concentrated forms — these are called CBD dabs — which are useful for conditions that call for higher doses of cannabidiol. This includes cases like cancer and epilepsy.

They are made similar to marijuana dabs such as wax, budder, crumble, or shatter, save for the lack of THC.

The majority of CBD products are full-spectrum extracts, meaning they also contain other cannabis compounds, including some THC. Nevertheless, when you buy hemp-derived CBD oil, you only get 0.3% of THC per volume, which isn’t enough to get you high. Hemp-derived CBD is also legal in all 50 states, unlike its marijuana-derived counterpart.

How Much CBD Should I Take? Adjusting CBD Dosage to Your Needs

Illustration of a person dosing CBD oil out from a glass dropper

There aren’t specific dosage guidelines for CBD because the dosage depends on too many factors.

Your age, sex, weight, metabolism rate, lifestyle choices, the purpose you want to use CBD for — they all come into play.

Depending on the above, CBD dosages can range from 1 mg to 200 mg at a time, so new users may find it difficult to decide on the appropriate dose.

The general rule of thumb is to start low and slow, and gradually build up to a dose that gives you satisfying effects. Many people use 1 mg as their starting point and double this over time until they begin to feel the difference.

For example, you can start with 1 mg and take this dose for a few days, then increase to 2 mg, then 4 mg, 16 mg, etc. until you notice the effects.

If you experience any side effects, simply cut down on the dosage for a bit during the next dose.

Below I share a more general dosage guideline based on the individual’s weight. I divided the effects into three categories:

  1. Mild
  2. Moderate
  3. Strong

You can use this to get a decent point of reference for your future supplementation.

CBD Dosage Chart for Beginners:

WeightDosage for mild effectsDosage for moderate effectsDosage for strong effects
Less than 130 lbs.11 mg or less12 mg – 14 mg15 mg – 17 mg
130 – 230 lbs.18 mg or less19 mg – 23 mg24 mg – 27 mg
More than 230 lbs.23 mg or less24 mg – 30 mg31 mg to 45 mg

Remember that in cases of epilepsy or cancer, the dosage requirements will be significantly higher. Epilepsy patients usually take 200 mg – 300 mg of CBD daily.

Is CBD Legal?

The legal status of CBD is very clear thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.

All CBD products derived from hemp are federally legal.

If you’re looking for marijuana CBD oil, then it’s up to your state’s laws. Currently, 11 states allow for the recreational use of marijuana, while 37 states employ a medical marijuana treatment program in some form.

If you live in Canada or Uruguay, you can freely use every form of CBD, as these countries have entirely legalized cannabis.

Where Can I Buy CBD Oil?

CBD is an amazing compound, a natural way to alleviate a variety of conditions and improve your daily functioning.

However, as with all good things in life, quality is paramount.

You need to make sure your oil comes from high-quality (preferably organic) hemp plants and a reputable provider that can deliver top-notch standards while meeting the regulations of federal law and your state.

CBD is sold both online and locally, but since a large share of local vendors have their own quality standards and often sell CBD products for leveraged prices, I recommend buying CBD oil online.

Just make sure you research potential vendors, read reviews, and take time to understand the laboratory testing practices before deciding on any particular product.

It’s your health that is at stake; there’s no room for using half-measures.

Summing it All Up: What is CBD?

CBD is a powerful and versatile compound that modulates the human endocannabinoid system.

By operating on so many pathways — both receptor-based and receptor-independent pathways — it can produce a wide range of positive effects on the body and brain.

CBD is by no means a miracle maker, nor is it an overnight fix for your problems. Instead, you should think of it as an excellent tool for enhancing your quality of life, along with a healthy lifestyle and a well-balanced diet.

I hope this guide has helped you get a better understanding of the basic science behind the effects and benefits of CBD.

References:

  1. Sales, A.J., Crestani, C.C., Guimaraes, F.S., & Joca S.R.L. (2018). Antidepressant-like Effect Induced by Cannabidiol is Dependent on Brain Serotonin Levels. Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 30(86), 255–261.
  2. Pretzsch, C.M. et al. (2019). Effects of Cannabidiol on Brain Excitation and Inhibition Systems: A Randomised Placebo-controlled Single Dose Trial During Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Adults With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology, 44(8), 1398–1405.
  3. Michal Tazdok, et al. (2016). CBD-enriched Medical Cannabis for Intractable Pediatric Epilepsy: The Current Israeli Experience. Seizure, 35, 41–44.
  4. Costa, B., Giagnoni, G., Franke, C., Trovato, A. E., & Colleoni, M. (2004). Vanilloid Trpv1 Receptor Mediates the Antihyperalgesic Effect of the Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoid, Cannabidiol, in a Rat Model of Acute Inflammation. British Journal of Pharmacology, 143(2), 247–250.
  5. Manzanares, J., Julián, M., & Carrascosa, A. (2006). Role of the Cannabinoid System in Pain Control and Therapeutic Implications for the Management of Acute and Chronic Pain Episodes. Current Neuropharmacology, 4(3), 239–257.
  6. Booz, G.W. (2011). Cannabidiol as an Emergent Therapeutic Strategy for Lessening the Impact of Inflammation on Oxidative Stress. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 51(5) 1054–1061.
  7. Parker, L. A., Rock, E. M., & Limebeer, C. L. (2011). Regulation of Nausea and Vomiting by Cannabinoids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1411–1422.
  8. Lee, J.L.C., Bertoglio, L.J., Guimaraes, F.S., Stevenson, C.W. (2017). Cannabidiol Regulation of Emotion and Emotional Memory Processing: Relevance for Treating Anxiety-related and Substance Abuse Disorders. British Journal of Pharmacology, 174(19), 3242–3256.
  9. Oláh, A., Tóth, B. I., Borbíró, I., Sugawara, K., Szöllõsi, A. G., Czifra, G., … Bíró, T. (2014). Cannabidiol Exerts Sebostatic and Antiinflammatory Effects on Human Sebocytes. the Journal of Clinical Investigation, 124(9), 3713–3724.
  10. Lehman, C., Fisher, N.B., Tugwell, B., Szczesniak, A., Kelly, M,. & ,Zo u, J. (2016). Experimental Cannabidiol Treatment Reduces Early Pancreatic Inflammation in Type 1 Diabetes. Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, 64(4), 655–662.
  11. Arévalo-martín, A., García-ovejero, D., Gómez, O., Rubio-araiz, A., Navarro-galve, B., Guaza, C., … Molina-holgado, F. (2008). CB2 Cannabinoid Receptors as an Emerging Target for Demyelinating Diseases: from Neuroimmune Interactions to Cell Replacement Strategies. British Journal of Pharmacology, 153(2), 216–225.
  12. Sultan, A.S., Marie, M.A. & Sheweita, S.A. (2018). Novel Mechanism of Cannabidiol-induced Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland), 41, 34–41.

Duvet covers are used to bag up suspected cannabis

Police officers had to resort to bagging up evidence in duvet covers after coming across a suspected cannabis factory, Gloucestershire Police said.

The force said officers discovered an industrial unit in Tetbury while out on patrol on Wednesday night.

In a bid to dismantle “the grow”, officers ran out of “extra large evidence bags” and had to “borrow the suspects’ duvet covers” to recover all of the 225 plants, police said in a social media post.

Gloucestershire Police confirmed no arrests had been made and the force added: “We’ll be happy to return the bedding if the owners would like to get in touch with us at Cirencester.”

The officers had been patrolling some industrial units in the town when they challenged “suspicious men who fled through one of the buildings”, the social media post said.

When they searched the units, they not only found a suspected cannabis factory but the suspects’ living quarters as well, it added.

Unable to bag up all the evidence alone, police said they had to get the help of nearby colleagues in Dursley.

“We nearly didn’t get all the evidence in our van,” they said.

“It’s been quite the night,” the police added.