This Is How CBD Helps Relieve Stress (2021)

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant (aka hemp plant), known for its high therapeutic potential. Although CBD has many health benefits, it’s best known for its ability to relieve  stress and anxiety, and improve sleep and mood. Unlike THC (traditional marijuana) , however, which causes a “high” feeling in users, CBD is known for its non-intoxicating effects. This, coupled with its immense mood enhancing properties, is why CBD has become so incredibly popular amongst users who are looking to manage their stress and anxiety. In this post we will dive into some root causes of stress, and different ways that cannabidiol can help you relax.

The information in this article has helped many Venterra Farms customers manage their stress and anxiety in a time where mental health issues are more prevalent than ever. Let’s dive right in and review why CBD is so beneficial when it comes to stress management. 

Stress - The Root of So Many Big Problems

The six top causes of death could be related to stress. According to the American Medical Association, studies indicate that stress may be linked to as much as 60 percent of all illness and disease, such as heart disease, cancer, and even accidental injuries. Not to mention the fact that feeling stressed can lead to sleep disruptions, anxiety, depression, and a number of other health problems. While most people openly admit that they feel stressed out more than they feel calm, cool, and collected, many have no idea how to soothe those negative feelings. In the United States alone, 77 percent of people say they experience physical symptoms of stress. Another 73 percent say that they have experienced psychological repercussions due to stress. Almost half of the people who feel stressed claim the issue affects them both personally and professionally. That being said, if you’re stressed out and see the difference in your life, you’re definitely not alone in your struggles.

A Closer Look at The Stressed-Out Mind And Body

Stress has a healthy place in human physiology—feeling stressed can actually push you to perform better and tap into strength and resources you didn’t realize you had. However, living in a persistent state of stress because of finances, work, relationships, physical ailments, or otherwise can have dangerous effects on the body and mind. Some of the physical effects of chronic stress include: high blood pressure, increased risk for heart disease and stroke, respiratory problems like asthma and sleep apnea, gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers and lowered immune function, making you more susceptible to colds and flus.

Effects of Stress

When you are experiencing stress, the nervous system within your body kicks into overdrive. A flood of hormones enters the bloodstream, such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones heighten your blood pressure, make your heart beat faster, and even cause your muscles to tense. In a survival situation, this would help you. However, stress on a consistent, everyday basis means your system is constantly overloaded with stress hormones and straining physical responses. You can feel discomfort, psychological strain, and a number of other symptoms, including:

  • Muscle tension, headaches and migraines, stomachaches or other digestive issues (like irritable bowel syndrome), depression
  • Cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure or arrhythmia as a result of too much stress on the heart.
  • Anxiety/panic attacks that can be triggered by being in public places

How CBD Can Help

The key to getting beyond this physiological and emotional state of fight or flight is encouraging the mind to relax so the body can follow suit. CBD (cannabidiol) derived from hemp, may be an option to help.  CBD can help to reduce pain and inflammation, relieve anxiety and depression, stimulate appetite-suppressants that target the gut, lower blood pressure or even stop a panic attack. It’s not addictive like some drugs (like benzodiazepines) but is non-toxic. Additionally, it won’t affect your memory or ability to function.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which includes the receptors, endogenous cannabinoids like anandamide –  enzymes that synthesize and break down these substances in order to regulate their effects on cells, organs, and bodily systems. CBDA receptors are found throughout the brain but  are more concentrated in the endocapillary system, where they help regulate blood flow and other functions

The Research Behind CBD and Alleviating Stress

While the initial research into CBD and stress is just getting started, the bulk of professionals agree that the anxiolytic effects of CBD may prove valuable for helping people achieve a calmer state. In research efforts published by the Journal of Psychopharmacology, CBD was shown to lower serum cortisol levels in study participants who were taking part in a public speaking engagement. The participants reported changes in anxiety levels and feelings of stress associated with having to speak in public.

Another study performed in 2006 by the University of Haifa found that CBD can alleviate symptoms of generalized social anxiety disorder. The study showed how participants were given a public speaking assignment and then randomly assigned to receive either CBD or placebo prior to their presentation. People who received the CBD experienced less anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort than those who had not.

How to Use CBD Gummies to Relax

CBD edibles are a popular form of relief for people who suffer from stress. If stress in your life has led to discomfort and unwelcome effects, working CBD gummies into your regimen may help you find a state of calm. While there is no formal dose of CBD to use for stress, most people find calming actions in slightly higher doses of CBD. To get started, however, be sure to start with a lower dose, such as one RELAX CBD gummy, and then work your way up from there depending on your own personal experience. To shop Venterra Farm gummies, click here.

Ready to chill and relieve some inner tension?

At Venterra Farms, we believe that CBD is a part of wellness and should be available to everyone. Dealing with stress is never easy, but CBD may be a way to soothe your inner-self and support an overall healthier lifestyle. Be sure to take a look at RELAX CBD Gummies from Venterra Farms. Each CBD gummy is crafted from ingredients meant to support an overall calmer state, including full-spectrum hemp oil with CBD. 

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