It’s no secret that stress levels are at an all-time high. Many Americans report staggering stress levels that simply continue to rise. According to 2022 results of the American Psychological Association’s “Stress in America” survey, a large majority of U.S. adults “feel like there has been a constant stream of crises without a break over the last two years” and that the general population is experiencing more stress than ever before.
At Bentgrass Premium CBD, we’ve discovered more people than ever are looking for natural solutions to ease stress and that CBD has become one of the most popular alternatives for stress support. Did you know that stress happens to be one of the top three reasons people use CBD? If you’re one of countless individuals who could use a bit of stress support, CBD could be the natural stress solution you need.
CBD For Stress Support
While we can’t make any health claims and research is still ongoing, there is a large body of preclinical evidence to suggest that CBD is excellent for stress. Take the groundbreaking 2015 review that discovered the efficacy for CBD as a potential treatment for anxiety, for instance.
In the review of almost 50 preclinical, clinical and epidemiological studies, researchers found that “existing preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for”:
• General anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
In a 2019 case series, researchers aimed to determine if CBD could help with sleep and anxiety. They discovered that in the first month, anxiety scores decreased for 79.2% of participants and remained decreased during the entire time of the length of the study.
While CBD hasn’t been approved as a treatment for anything expect in the form of Epidiolex for two forms of rare and intractable epilepsy, more people than ever are turning to CBD to support their stress levels.
We’ve heard from several Bentgrass CBD customers that the compound simply seems to take things down a level. Almost like it blankets everything with an increased sense of calm that helps override stress, whether at the office, at home or anywhere else stress might strike. We’ve personally found it to be amazing in easing the stress we sometimes feel on the course, helping to ease the frustration, tension or performance anxiety that can get in the way of playing our best.
The efficacy of CBD for stress support seems to be outstanding, but how does it work? What is it about this hemp compound that helps support human stress?
Here’s How CBD Can Work For Stress
The way CBD works is intricately connected to the way it impacts the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and other receptors in the brain. Responsible for supporting mood, sleep, appetite, immunity and more, there’s suggestion that the ECS is the most important physiological system that exists.
It’s primary function is to maintain homeostasis throughout the body and mind, after all, serving to help us keep our mental, emotional and physical health balanced.
At the most basic level the ECS consists of three primary components:
• Two endocannabinoids naturally produced by the body: anandamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
• Two endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors
• Two enzymes responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids: fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL)
When ECS function becomes imbalanced, we become imbalanced, ultimately experiencing upset in the very things the ECS helps support. CBD and other cannabinoids are very similar to the body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoids, and it’s suggested that supplementing with CBD can help support ECS function and the processes connected to it.
When it comes to specifically to stress, CBD shows to work indirectly with the ECS. It doesn’t bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, CBD increases AEA levels by inhibiting FAAH enzymes from breaking it down. What does this have to do with stress? AEA is commonly referred to the “bliss molecule” because of its influence on feelings of happiness and wellbeing. Research shows that FAAH inhibition could help with stress-related disorders.
Another way CBD may support stress is the way it works with the serotonin. Serotonin is one of the body’s feel-good chemicals, responsible for regulating mood and increasing feelings of happiness and wellbeing. It’s no surprise then that serotonin displays powerful influence on stress and anxiety.
While CBD doesn’t bind to CB1 or CB2 cannabinoid receptors, it does bind directly to 5-HT1A receptors, which modulate the stress response. When activated, 5-HT receptors show to improve the stress response and are suggested to be a potential approach for stress disorders like anxiety and depression.
Should You Try CBD For Stress?
If you’re seeking natural solutions to ease stress and increase feelings of calm (both on and off the course), CBD could be the solution you’re looking for. There’s a growing body of both preclinical and anecdotal evidence to suggest CBD’s potential for stress support.
Most people find taking CBD products daily is the most effective for keeping stress levels low. Taking it twice a day is most common, but many find that using it throughout the day also has a beneficial effect for stress.
If you’re interested in taking CBD for stress support, you might think about using a CBD tincture once in the morning and again in the evening a couple hours before bed. If you feel stress levels rise during the during the day, consider consuming a few CBD gummies. Bentgrass Premium CBD Gummies are made with custom-created flavors designed to elevate your CBD experience, while soothing stress as they support the ECS.
CBD tends to work best when taken over time, as it gives the compound time to build up in the body and address any ECS imbalances. This isn’t to say that taking CBD as needed won’t work. If you know you’re apt to be nervous when you hit the first tee, for example, consider taking a Bentgrass Premium CBD Tincture a couple hours before you get to the course.
Last Thoughts On CBD For Stress Support
Stress is more prevalent than ever, and CBD is one of the most popular natural products for stress support. While more research is needed, there’s a burgeoning body of evidence that supports the potential of CBD for stress. Bentgrass Premium CBD was created with the golfer in mind, but is perfect for anyone interested in the naturally soothing effects of CBD. Whether you’re looking for something to help with life’s everyday stressors or could use a little help on the course, you might consider giving CBD a go.