Is THC or CBD Better for Anxiety and Depression?

person Oksana Ostrovsky
calendar_today Sep 13, 2022

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting 40 million adults in the US aged 18 and older. These disorders can be debilitating, causing intense fear and anxiety that can interfere with a person's ability to lead a normal life. There are many different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own set of symptoms.

1. Types of Anxiety Disorders
2. CBD Vs. THC: What's The Difference?
2.1 How are CBD and THC Different?
2.2 Is CBD Legal?
2.3 How do CBD and THC Interact with Our Bodies?
3. The Benefits of CBD Oil
4. The Benefits of THC
5. CBD Vs. THC for Anxiety
6. How to Choose the Right Hemp-Derived CBD Products for You
7. The Best CBD Oil Products for Anxiety
8. One Very Important Factor
9. Lastly, A Note on CBD Safety and Side Effects
10. In Conclusion

1. Types of Anxiety Disorders

The most common types of anxiety disorders are:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Panic disorder
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Specific phobias
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life events. Stressful life events, such as a death in the family, job loss, or divorce, can trigger anxiety.

What are the benefits of CBD oil and THC when it comes to anxiety?

So, which cannabinoid is best for anxiety? CBD or THC? Let’s take a closer look.

2. CBD vs. THC: What's the Difference?

2.1 How are CBD and THC Different?

CBD and THC are two of the most well-known cannabinoids.

CBD is short for cannabidiol and is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not get you "high." CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the Cannabis sativa plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil. [1][5]

CBD products come in many forms, including CBD oils, CBD edibles, CBD topicals, and CBD vapes.

THC is short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. [1][5]

THC is what gets you "high." THC oil is made by extracting THC from the plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil.

THC products come in many forms, including THC oils, THC edibles, THC topicals, and THC vapes.

2.2 Is CBD Legal?

CBD is legal in the United States as long as it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC.

RELATED: Is CBD Oil Legal?

CBD products made from marijuana, which is a type of Cannabis sativa plant that contains higher levels of THC, are not legal in all 50 states.

2.3 How do CBD and THC Interact with Our Bodies?

CBD binds to receptors in a neurotransmitter system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The ECS is involved in maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body. [2]

THC binds to receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are responsible for the feeling of being high. [2]

Both CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates things like sleep, mood, appetite, pain, inflammation, and memory.

Both CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

So, what are the benefits of CBD oil and THC when it comes to anxiety?

Let’s take a look.

3. The Benefits of CBD Oil

CBD has been shown to have several benefits when it comes to relieving anxiety along with other health conditions:

CBD products can help to reduce anxiety levels, as well as the severity of symptoms in anxiety-related disorders. [7]
CBD has also been shown to help alleviate other conditions that can worsen anxiety, such as depression.
CBD may help to increase levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation.
CBD may also help to improve sleep quality and duration in people with anxiety.
CBD has also been shown to be helpful in soothing other conditions, such as pain, inflammation, and seizures that can have a negative impact on anxiety levels. [5]
CBD is non-addictive and does not have the same side effects as some of the anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, commonly used to treat anxiety.
Non-prescription CBD products are legal in most states and can be easily purchased online.

CBD oil products have been shown to have several benefits when it comes to relieving anxiety along with other health conditions.

RELATED: Beat Pandemic Anxiety with CBD

4. The Benefits of THC

THC is well known for its psychoactive properties.

However, THC has also been shown to be helpful in reducing anxiety levels and alleviating other conditions that can worsen anxiety:

THC can help to reduce anxiety levels, as well as the severity of symptoms.
THC has also been shown to help alleviate other conditions that can worsen anxiety, such as depression and chronic pain.
THC may help to increase levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation.
THC may also help to improve sleep quality and duration in people with anxiety disorders.
THC can help with appetite stimulation.

5. CBD Vs. THC for Anxiety

CBD Vs. THC for Anxiety

If you’re considering using CBD or THC for anxiety, it’s important to choose the right cannabinoid for you. Research emphasizes the potential value of CBD in the treatment of anxiety disorders. [4][6] (Click to tweet)

In our opinion, CBD is the better choice for anxiety, as it has been shown to reduce anxiety levels and the severity of symptoms while THC can actually increase anxiety levels in some people. (Click to tweet)

6. How to Choose the Right Hemp-Derived CBD Products for You

When choosing a CBD product, it’s important to look for a quality product from a reputable company.

Here are a few things to look for:

When choosing a CBD oil product, it’s important to look for a quality product from a reputable company.

6.1 Is the CBD extracted from organic hemp?

As hemp pulls toxins from the ground it is important to know that it has been organically produced and free from any harmful chemicals or heavy metals.

6.2 Is the CBD third-party lab tested for purity and potency?

This ensures that you are getting a quality product that contains the amount of CBD oil that is advertised on the label and also, that it contains no contaminants.

CBD is not FDA approved so finding a CBD product that is independently lab tested gives you peace of mind that the product you are taking is safe. (Click to tweet)

6.3 Is the CBD oil full-spectrum?

Firstly, you need to understand that there are different types of CBD on the market:

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the hemp plant. This includes a trace amount of THC, 0.3% or less.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the hemp plant except for THC.

CBD isolate is pure CBD and does not contain any other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids.

Full spectrum CBD oil is more effective than a CBD isolate or Broad-spectrum CBD oil as it takes advantage of the “entourage effect”. (Click to tweet)

The “entourage effect” is when all of the cannabinoids, including the legal amount of THC, work together to maximize benefits.

6.4 Is the CBD oil CO₂ extracted?

CO₂ extraction is a safe and clean method to extract CBD that preserves the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds in the cannabis plant.

Heat extraction methods are cheaper and often CBD companies opt for it, as it increases their bottom line, but it can damage these beneficial compounds and produce harmful toxins, so it is not recommended to go for CBD that has been extracted using heat extraction.

6.5 Is the amount of CBD (mg of CBD) clearly stated?

Always look for how much mg of CBD is contained per bottle and per serving. If someone is pushing percentage, it's a clear sign to avoid that product as they are likely trying to push less effective CBD isolates. (Click to tweet)

6.6 Does the company have a good reputation?

A good way to gauge a company’s reputation is to look for reviews online and check the "About Us" page on their website.

Since CBD is not regulated as much as other supplements you want to make sure you are dealing with a company that really cares about your well-being rather than the amount of money in your bank account.

7. The Best CBD Oil Products for Anxiety

Full spectrum CBD products are available in a variety of forms, such as oils, tinctures, capsules, and topicals. You can choose the form that best suits your lifestyle. (Click to tweet)

CBD Tinctures

CBD Tinctures are one of the most popular ways to take CBD as they are easy to use, and the effects can be felt relatively quickly. To take a CBD tincture, simply place a few drops under your tongue and hold for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. This gives CBD time to be absorbed into your bloodstream.

CBD Capsules

CBD Capsules are also a popular way to take CBD, especially if you don’t like the taste of CBD oil. CBD capsules are easy to take with you on the go and can be taken conveniently at any time of day or night. To take a CBD capsule, simply swallow it with water like you would any other pill.

Liposomal CBD

Liposomal CBD is a newer form of CBD that is becoming increasingly popular as it is backed by clinical data that shows it to be more effective than other forms of CBD.

In liposomal CBD the CBD molecules are encapsulated in liposomes, which are tiny spheres made from fats. This method of CBD delivery allows the CBD to be absorbed directly into your cells for maximum effectiveness. (Click to tweet)

Topical CBD

Topical CBD can be used to help with localized anxiety or tension. CBD topical products come in the form of creams, lotions, and salves. To use a CBD topical, simply apply it to the area of your body that is feeling tense or painful and rub it in until it is absorbed.

CBD Use Tip: When taking hemp-derived CBD products for anxiety, it’s important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. (Click to tweet)

8. One Very Important Factor

While CBD is a powerful natural remedy with many potential health benefits that can play an essential role in reducing your anxiety, the journey to optimal wellness takes effort and lifestyle adjustments.

To be truly healthy, we must take responsibility for understanding what has created an imbalance in our biology.

We (Oksana and Larry, founders of SOL CBD) have spent more than 10 years researching ways to help aid in a balanced healthy life, and here are some of the best practices you might want to look into to help reduce your anxiety further:

Ayurveda

We're big believers in this ancient healing style. A 21-day Panchakarma can work wonders for you.

Functional Medicine

Your unique biology will be the mainstay of your health care. A competent functional medicine physician will have a thorough understanding of your biochemistry.

Meditation

It is only by learning to regulate one's own emotions that we can effectively manage stress, allowing repressed feelings to come forth.

Floatation

Floating is a meditative experience that is created by entering a sensory deprivation tank for an extended period. We recommend 1.5 hours. The physical and emotional benefits are numerous.

One of the best practices you might want to look into to help reduce your anxiety further: floatation.

Yoga

One of the most essential activities we can do regularly is to move our bodies. It not only releases the body but also the mind and spirit.

Nutrition

A healthy diet can be found in Ayurveda and functional medicine. Try eliminating processed sugar and foods from your diet, as well as any other containing pesticides or chemicals.

9. Lastly, A Note on CBD Safety and Side Effects

CBD is generally considered safe. However, some people may experience side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and fatigue.

CBD can also interact with certain medications. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking CBD if you are taking any medication.

10. In Conclusion

CBD has been shown to be an effective non-addictive, natural remedy for anxiety with fewer side effects than standard prescription drugs. (Click to tweet)

Both CBD and THC have their advantages and, in our opinion, using a full spectrum product is the best way to go. Have a look at some of our reviews to see how CBD has helped others, just like you.