Anxiety is thought to affect over 40 million adults in the United States alone.  Anxiety comes in many forms such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Researchers have shown growing interest in the use of cannabidiol as a possible treatment therapy for those suffering from anxiety-related disorders.  Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the main non-psychoactive constituents of the cannabis sativa plant.  Several studies have shown CBD to be an effective treatment, with little to no side effects, which have patients and physicians alike hopeful for alternative treatments to pharmaceuticals currently being prescribed.

Scientists at the University of São Paulo, Brazil conducted a double-blind placebo study to determine the effects of CBD on people with social anxiety disorder, or SAD.  Of the 24 subjects, half were given 600mg of CBD 90 minutes prior to testing, with the other half receiving a placebo.  Subjects were then tested, while public speaking, to induce anxiety-related symptoms. Six separate physical and mental measurements were taken six times throughout their public speaking test. The 12 participants who received CBD therapy showed reduced anxiety symptoms in multiple ways.  The study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology in 2011, stated that “pre-treatment of SAD patients with CBD significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort in their speech performance and significantly decreased alert in their anticipatory speech.”

The study referenced above is just one of many studies researchers are conducting to determine the effectiveness of CBD at treating anxiety-related disorders.  Further study and research will shed more light onto the benefits of CBD on anxiety.  To read about the aforementioned study further, please see the link here.