CBD or cannabidiol is one of the more than a hundred compounds present in the cannabis plant. In the recent decade, CBD has garnered massive popularity because of its therapeutic properties but today, we will have a look at its effects on social life.
You can extract CBD from both hemp and marijuana. However, extraction from marijuana is illegal in many states under the provisions of the Farm bill of 2018. This is because marijuana contains high concentrations of THC. Unlike CBD, THC is psychoactive and thought to cause negative psychological symptoms, such as hallucinations and delirium.
CBD interacts with the human endocannabinoid system to show its effects. It influences the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors that regulate the body’s homeostasis or internal environment.
CB1 and CB2 receptors are prevalent throughout the human body but are most concentrated in the central and peripheral nervous systems. They control important functions, such as pain, stress, mood, and inflammation.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabidiol may be the key to improving a deteriorating social life and overcoming social anxiety disorder. However, concrete scientific data on cannabidiol and social anxiety disorders are lacking. This is because CBD science is still in its infancy. Most of the studies we have are based on animal models, and therefore inapplicable in large human populations.
Here’s a complete overview of how CBD plays a role in impacting social dynamics and changing social perceptions.
CBD and Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders today. It causes a string of overwhelming anxious feelings in social settings. These unsettling emotions can be triggered by various factors, such as the pressure to appear to join a big family dinner or sit through a difficult test. Sometimes, even prolonged eye contact enough is enough to offset social anxiety.
At the most fundamental level, socially anxious individuals are apprehensive of social situations.
This Happens Due To:
- Fearful of being judged
- Fear of being embarrassed or humiliated
- Accidentally being offensive
- The symptoms of social anxiety can range from:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Tension in muscles
- Dizziness
- Troubled stomach
- Trouble breathing
Often, the impact of social settings is immediate on affected individuals. In most cases, as soon as a person comes in contact with a social environment, social anxiety comes hurtling down like an 18-wheel truck.
CBD Science and Social Life Settings
Many studies indicate that CBD can help with social anxiety disorders. It’s also touted as a great alternative to conventional medications because of its excellent safety profile and nonexistent substance abuse potential.
Before we dig into how cannabidiol improves social control, we have to understand the r0ole of serotonin in regulating our mood. People who have low levels of serotonin generally have a hippy mood, while those who don’t live with depression and other mood disorders. However, low levels of serotonin in certain cases can be conducive to social anxiety.
The common treatment for low serotonin is SSRI or selective reuptake inhibitor drugs. These include two popular choices — Zoloft and Prozac — among others. One huge problem with these medications is that they have serious side effects that can last for years. They are also extremely addictive and therefore really hard to wean off.
This Is Where CBD Steps In and Provides A Huge Boost
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, cannabidiol decreases stress in animals. In one study, rats demonstrated significantly reduced levels of anxiety after taking CBD. Specifically, the heart rate and overall anxiety significantly lowered in the rats after consuming the compound in controlled doses.
Another 2011 study also displayed similar results. In the research, people living with social anxiety disorder curbed their symptoms with regular CBD use. Every individual took 400mg of CBD or a placebo. Those who took the CBD reported a positive response, whereas those who didn’t record little to no change.
One study conducted by the Japanese Cannabis Research center also showed how CBD positively impacts social anxiety. In the study, 12 participants took 600mg of the compound and were subsequently exposed to public speaking environments. After ingesting the compound, the researchers reported a significant decrease in anxiety in several individuals.
CBD Dosage for Social Anxiety Disorders
There are some things that you need to take into account before using CBD. These include:
Tolerance: A veteran CBD user will likely have a high tolerance to cannabis, whereas someone new in the world of cannabis will only require a small dosage to feel the effects kicking in. Depending on your plant experience, you might have to increase or lower your dosage to find your sweet spot.
Concentration: Make sure you’re buying the right oil or tincture. A 50ml oil with 1500mg of CBD at 2ml and a 40ml oil tincture with 300mg of CBD dosed at 1ml will affect your body quite differently.
Body Weight: This is a no-brainer. Someone who’s 80lbs will require more CBD than someone whose 200lbs.
CBD works best when titrated. Titration involves starting with a low dosage and then climbing your way up. Keep in mind that reaping CBD’s benefits may require some trial and error. For some people, it only takes a couple of weeks for the results to show, while for others, it may take several months. To improve your social life and reduce social anxiety, it’s best to stay on the CBD train before giving up.
Final Thoughts
CBD is different from THC and other cannabinoids. While cannabis is associated with high levels of social anxiety disorders, CBD is not. Also, there’s a difference between cannabidiol sourced from hemp and marijuana.
CBD taken from hemp is safe because it has trace amounts of THC. This is especially useful for people who don’t want the intoxicating effects of the cannabis plant. The best way to take CBD without having to worry about THC’s psychoactive effects is via CBD isolates.
CBD isolates are pure 99.5% CBD. However, they are not as potent or beneficial as full-spectrum CBD oils. Full Spectrum oils contain a powerful blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other chemicals that produce a concerted effect known as the entourage effect. Before incorporating CBD in your health regimen to social life, make sure you consult a holistic CBD doctor.
