Nature’s Chill Pill: Unlocking CBD and Cannabis For Stress Relief

Cannabis sativa, also known simply as cannabis, is a plant that contains cannabinoid compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has found itself in many products over the years to treat seizures and a number of other health conditions, but how do you unlock its secrets for stress relief?

CBD vs. THC: Navigating the Calming Compounds Spectrum

CBD and THC both appear in cannabis plants, but they interact with the body differently. The primary difference is that THC produces a high, and CBD does not. That means there are key differences in how they’re used.

CBD Effects

In studies, scientists have identified certain molecular “targets” that CBD can affect in your body, but we’re a long way from saying exactly how it works. Researchers believe it slows down brain signals, changes the amount of calcium in your brain cells, and reduces inflammation, all of which influence communication among cells.

THC Effects

THC in cannabis releases dopamine, the body’s “feel good” hormone, to produce a euphoric, pleasurable feeling. The amount of THC a cannabis plant might have varies, but the higher the amount, the more potent it is and the more effects your body may feel. On average, cannabis in medical and recreational dispensaries contains about 15% THC.

Microdosing Magic: Fine-Tuning Your Stress Relief Strategy

CBD dosing is a highly personal matter, but the evidence is clear; different benefits from different amounts of CBD, even if they seem to be similar.

So what’s the right dose? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to take. This can also be based on the size of the individual, just as with alcohol or regular medicine of just how much a person should be prescribed or take. In fact, growing evidence suggests microdosing can heighten the effects of CBD. Some people who think they need more CBD find they actually need to increase the frequency rather than the amount. Microdosing means taking very small amounts consistently throughout the day:

• If you normally take 5 milligrams of CBD per day, try two 2.5mg doses.
• If you take 10 milligrams, try four 2.5mg doses.
• If you take 50 milligrams, try ten 5mg doses.

Small doses are generally best, but those who require higher doses can increase the amount to their needs rather than worrying about taking CBD dozens of times a day.

Beyond Consumption: Holistic Approaches to Cannabis-Aided Relaxation

Everyone’s body responds differently to cannabis, so finding the right balance between CBD, THC, and other daily activities, such as meditation and yoga, may require some trial and error. Keep track of your ratios, the forms that you consume cannabis in, other stress-relief practices you try, and how you feel each day, and then you can adjust what you need to as you need to.

The Bottom Line

Though scientific research into how CBD and cannabis impact stress is limited, recent studies do suggest that it can be beneficial for those who take it for that. You can choose from between all kinds of CBD products that may suit your liking, including gummies, capsules, oils, and topical varieties.