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Cannabidiol (CBD) has a multitude of potential health and wellness benefits. One of the most popular reasons that people use CBD is to relieve stress and anxiety. Sweaty palms, a pounding heart, racing thoughts; for those who live with anxiety, these unwelcome symptoms can have a debilitating effect on everyday life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in thirteen people around the world is living with an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental health disorder worldwide. For those of us who deal with anxiety, CBD edibles may hold the key to less worrying, improved sleep, and an overall better quality of life.

As you probably already know, CBD products come in a variety of forms, shapes, and sizes. From oils, tinctures, and balms to CBD gummies, chocolate, sweets, and even CBD-infused teas and coffees. But, nothing has gained more popularity than CBD edibles that are terpy and strong. We mean, who wouldn’t want to take their “medication” in the form of a delicious gummy bear or piece of cake?

So can CBD edibles help with anxiety? Should you buy CBD edibles UK products? Let’s take a closer look below.

CBD and Anxiety

Research suggests that CBD may relieve anxiety through two main mechanisms:

  • Supporting the endocannabinoid system (ECS)
  • Interacting with certain parts of the brain

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that break down these compounds. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy state of balance in the body, known as homeostasis. In essence, the ECS regulates several processes that are crucial to our health and wellness, including mood and cognitive function.

Research has even suggested that the ECS is involved in mental disorders such as depression and anxiety and that targeting the system with plant-derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) may provide relief.

CBD is one of these cannabinoids, and has been found to interact with the ECS in the following ways:

  • Increase the level of anandamide, the main cannabinoid produced by the human body, and has an impact on anxiety. Low levels of anandamide often result in anxiety. CBD blocks the enzyme that degrades anandamide and therefore helps to increase the levels within the body.
  • Interact with GPR55 and TRPV1, two receptors that are thought to be novel cannabinoid receptors

Other Effects CBD Has on the Brain

Aside from interacting with the ECS, CBD has also been found to affect neurotransmitter systems involved in depression, anxiety, and other parts of cognitive function. Most notable is that CBD interacts with the receptor for serotonin, which regulates stress, mood, anxiety, and other major cognitive processes.

Furthermore, CBD seems to interact with the receptors of GABA, the primary calming neurotransmitter found in the brain that helps to reduce anxiety by slowing down neuron activity.

CBD Edibles and Anxiety

Although not as popular as your typical CBD oil, many people buy CBD edibles to relieve anxiety. In fact, CBD edibles UK products even have some advantages over CBD oil, as well as other forms of CBD.

Firstly, it’s important to understand how the body absorbs CBD edibles. While CBD oil is placed under the tongue and absorbed directly into the capillaries, edibles pass through the digestive system.

CBD edibles are subject to something that is known as the first-pass metabolism – the breakdown of compounds in the liver and digestive tract before reaching the bloodstream. This has both advantages and disadvantages.

Disadvantages of CBD Edibles

The main issue with CBD edibles is that a significant portion of the CBD is lost before it even reaches systemic circulation and has a therapeutic effect. This means that users need to consume larger doses to experience the same relief that they would with a CBD oil.

Furthermore, edibles tend to take longer to start working. It can take a few hours for the effects of edibles to kick in, depending on when last you ate. As a result, CBD edibles aren’t the best option if you’re looking for rapid anxiety relief.

Advantages of CBD Edibles

The most significant advantage of CBD edibles is that their effects last longer than any other form of CBD. Typically, the effects of edibles will be felt for hours or longer, which is great if you need long-lasting anxiety-relief.

For instance, you can consume a few CBD gummies early morning to ease the stress and anxiety you experience at work. Another benefit of CBD edibles is the ease of use. There’s no need to follow any instructions or count drops. You also know exactly how much CBD is in the product, allowing for precise dosing.

If you’re looking to buy CBD edibles UK products, be sure to check out Provacan – one of the best brands in the country.

Final Thoughts on CBD Edibles

CBD edibles may very well help with relieving anxiety. However, it’s probably not the most effective method. Because the CBD has to pass through the digestive tract first, it could take hours before the effects set in. So if you need quick results, CBD edibles aren’t going to give you the help you need.