Please note: This post was originally published March 2019.
It’s a great question because many in our military community battle anxiety or some form of social disorder. But before we dive into whether CBD could help, we’d like to say there’s absolutely no shame in having anxiety.
There are many of us who want to avoid large crowds, have our backs to the door, and need to constantly scan the perimeter for threats. Whether we’ve been in combat or trained for it, there are going to be wellness issues to navigate and overcome.
Anxiety gets the best of us and we need to be honest about it.
Recognizing we get stressed or nervous isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Mental health challenges don’t discriminate and millions of Americans are trying to embrace the suck every single day. Being open and honest about our conditions can be healing for ourselves and for others.
How does CBD work?
Cannabidiol is just one cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. There are hundreds of cannabinoids, each with potential medical and beneficial properties.
The simplified explanation is that CBD essentially “binds” to your CB1 and CB2 receptors in your Endocannabinoid System and sends positive signals instead of negative ones. This restores balance or homeostasis in your body. When your body is balanced, you are happier and healthier.
While science and research is still being conducted, the discoveries of how cannabinoids improve our lives are amazing. And if you want a more scientific explanation about how cannabidiol works, read this article.
Essentially CBD and other cannabinoids just seem to help.
Will CBD help your anxiety issues?
I’ll start with my personal experience first; CBD and cannabis saved my life.
Several years ago my anxiety, depression, and chronic pain were off the charts. There were days I couldn’t function and moments where putting the pistol in my mouth seemed like the best solution. Doctors prescribed me the “typical” medications to combat my issues. They didn’t work. Many times they even made life worse. Then I discovered CBD and THC.
My first experience with a CBD tincture was enlightening.
I remember within minutes of taking the oil how I felt calmer and happier. My body relaxed and my mind was at ease — all while attending a conference with hundreds of people around me!
When I returned home I started using full spectrum cannabidiol daily. Not only did it benefit my mental wellness, my sciatica and back pain diminished greatly over time. CBD was a game changer for me. I’ve also incorporated medical cannabis into my wellness regiment to help with the really bad days.
Your CBD experience could be different.
Cannabis and CBD affects each person differently. It’s an individual experience. This means what works for me might not work for you. This is why finding proper relief can be a challenge or might not happen at all.
You will have to experiment with different CBD products to see how it works for you.
CBD helped my anxiety and depression almost immediately, but it took six months of trial and error to find relief for my chronic pain. Plus each type of product has different benefits or effectiveness.
Using CBD to help anxiety for veterans can work, but don’t be discouraged if relief isn’t immediate. It can take time to dial in the proper dosage and products to get yourself in a better frame of mind or well being.
Best CBD products for anxiety.
There are cannabidiol products that are best for fighting anxiety. I’ll give you the two best solutions here.
Smoking or vaping high CBD flower.
Inhaling CBD into your lungs is the most efficient and fastest method for fighting anxiety. The cannabidiol enters your bloodstream immediately and offers the best absorption rate. Not only will you get your money’s worth, you’ll likely feel better in minutes.
Taking CBD oils under the tongue.
Using a CBD tincture or oil is the second best way to battle anxiety. Because you have mucus membranes under your tongue, the CBD will absorb quickly into your bloodstream. While it can take longer to feel the effects, it’s also going to last longer than vaping or smoking.
My recommendation is at least 1000mg tincture. Besides having incredible quality, these tinctures are the best tasting on the planet.
A final word.
While Happy Joe can’t definitively tell you CBD will cure or treat any condition or disease, we can say anecdotal evidence strongly suggests CBD will help anxiety for veterans.