It's no secret that the holiday season brings a lot of stress with it. From your company holiday party to family gatherings to the cooking and wrapping and driving from place to place, your mental health may take a hit, despite the joy of the celebrations.
When that happens, you are likely looking for relief, and cannabidiol (CBD), one of the compounds in marijuana, may be just the thing you've been looking for. But, you shouldn't use it without understanding the product and what it can do to ease your seasonal stress. Use this guide to help you.
Knowing what might lead to symptoms of stress will help you decide when to take your CBD product with you, just in case you need to use it. Being prepared goes a long way toward helping you manage the anxiety that often goes along with preparing for and planning events for the holidays. The following are common stressors that go along with the holiday experience.
If you're struggling with any of these things, your stress levels may be through the roof and you're wondering what you can do to find a sense of calm during the holidays. Fortunately, in addition to the other methods you've tried, using CBD can be a natural remedy that you hadn't thought to try.
CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is one of many compounds present in the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive compound and won't create the altered perception that is associated with using marijuana. THC is the other most well-known compound associated with marijuana use and is the one that will produce euphoria in users. CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors in your brain, which can help ease stress and holiday anxiety.
As cannabis is increasingly legalized in states across the country, research has proven its potential benefits for stress management. As well as being a short-term solution to stress in the moment, CBD has been linked to effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. That's why many people use it during the holidays to control symptoms and produce calm during what is supposed to be a time of joy.
Research studies find that approximately 70 percent of CBD users report satisfaction with the effects, while nearly 80 percent of CBD users find an improvement in anxiety symptoms after two months of use.
Proper use of CBD is the biggest influence on whether it provides the stress relief you're looking for. It's a good idea to discuss use with your doctor before trying it, particularly if you use any prescription or over-the-counter medications for anxiety or any other medical condition. Most people experience relief with a dosage of 300 to 600 milligrams. There are several methods of using CBD, so you may need to experiment a bit to find the precise dosage and delivery technique that works for you.
Oral CBD products, such as oils, capsules and edibles typically produce effects within 30 minutes to 2 hours. This is a viable option when you know stress will rear its ugly head, such as when you're going to a family dinner or preparing for holiday travel. Add it to your personal stash of holiday cookies or sip an infused tea as you get ready to go.
Smoking or vaping CBD tends to produce faster results, making it a great option when you're standing at the mall trying to choose meaningful gifts or your holiday spirits are flagging because your mother-in-law criticized your cooking abilities. Keep in mind that there are laws in most places about public use, so be sure you are adhering to them appropriately.
No matter how you use it, the reason CBD works is because it activates your serotonin receptors and calms the panic reflex. So, when you are on a hectic holiday shopping spree or stuck in the airport with a delayed flight, CBD can help quell the emotional and physical symptoms that go with being anxious. That includes the flight or fight response, as well as shaking, sweating and irritability.
CBD can be a wonderful addition to a holistic approach to your holiday wellness routine. It can help provide the calm you need during the busy holiday schedule to produce a more enjoyable holiday experience. CBD is ideal for individuals who suffer from an anxiety disorder, but can also provide relief for stress that occurs specifically due to the holidays.
In either case, it's best to buy your CBD products from a licensed and reputable source so you can be sure you're getting what you expect. Look for a dealer that has the following qualifications:
There are some potential negative side effects that you should be aware of if you want to try CBD for your holiday stress. While CBD is generally considered safe for most people, it can interfere with certain medications and may be counter-indicated for some health conditions. Consider the following:
Being aware of the downsides of CBD will also help you avoid suffering potential side effects when you're trying to enjoy your company holiday party or you're on your way to see your favorite family members. Watch for the following:
If you experience any of these, stop using CBD and consult your doctor. It could be that you need to modify your dose or choose a different strain or delivery method to get the results you want.
If creating the perfect holiday experience for yourself and your family is making you stressed and anxious, it makes sense that you're seeking out the ideal solution to quell the symptoms and allow you to enjoy a wonderful time with your loved ones.
CBD provides relief for many users, and you could be one of them. Talk to your doctor about using CBD, then do your research to find the product that best suits your needs, whether it's reducing stress due to family drama or trying to manage the jam-packed schedule of holiday season parties and shopping. In any case, you could find that CBD is exactly what you need to add to your wish list this year.
DC Collective has a range of CBD products to treat holiday anxiety. Visit to purchase in-store or arrange for our home delivery service.
⚠️WARNING: Products sold on this site can expose you to chemicals including marijuana smoke, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to http://www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
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