My Experience with CBD Oil
[I recently had the opportunity to experiment with some CBD oil that was sent to me by Green Mountain CBD. This isn’t a paid post, I’m simply sharing my experience in case it helps anyone else thinking about using CBD oil!]
I’ve been pretty open about my struggle with anxiety. Something I’ve noticed is that every time I talk about it, I get a lot of response from others who deal with anxiety also!
It’s not a great thing that more and more of us are dealing with anxious feelings and thoughts, but it is somehow comforting to know we’re not alone.
Over the years I’ve tried EVERYTHING to find relief from my anxiety – from alcohol and pharmaceuticals years ago, to yoga and natural remedies today.
(The yoga and natural remedies are WAY more effective than the alcohol and pharmaceuticals ever were, by the way!)
But I’ve been reading a lot about CBD oil (Cannabidiol oil) and how it can be helpful for insomnia and anxiety (among many other things) so I was excited to give it a try!
What is CBD oil?
CBD or Cannabidiol oil is oil that’s derived from cannabis. It’s a type of cannabinoid, which are the chemicals naturally found in marijuana/hemp plants. Even though it comes from the marijuana/hemp plant, CBD doesn’t create a “high” effect or any form of intoxication — that’s caused by another cannabinoid, known as THC.
Cannabinoids such as CBD interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system. This system’s responsibility is to maintain the body’s homeostasis for things like sleep, mood, anxiety, pain, appetite, and immune response.
Researched benefits of CBD oil include:
- Relief from Pain and Inflammation
- Reduction of Anxiety
- Relief from Nausea
- Reduction in Seizures
- Lowers Incidence of Diabetes
- Promotes Cardiovascular Health
- Improves Insomnia
Is CBD a miracle cure?
Supplements definitely go through trends, and right now CBD oil is having a moment. I’m hesitant to think that any one supplement is a cure-all, or even right for everyone!
BUT when something comes from nature and might benefit me (with little to no negative side effects), I’m willing to give it a try.
So I tried CBD oil for a little while, and this is what I found….
Initial Reactions Opening the Product
Wow. The smell took me right back to parking lots in high school 😉
Hemp and marijuana are technically the same plant (they just have differing levels of THC) so the oil definitely smells like a stash of herb. 🌿
The taste is similar too. It’s definitely “earthy” and not unpleasant, if you ask me. I tried Green Mountain’s edible salve (which is CBD oil in coconut oil – shown in the first picture) and the liquid drops (CBD oil in MCT oil and flavored with mint – shown in the second picture).
Taking the CBD Oil
You can mix the oil into food (I have a recipe for fudge here) or simply put a little underneath your tongue. The liquid drops were definitely my favorite, as they were easier to take and tasted better to me.
Apparently you can also “vape” CBD oil – but for that method you should not use CBD oil that’s in a coconut oil carrier.
How I Felt When I took the CBD Oil
Not to be dramatic, but I could tell a HUGE decrease in my anxiety within the first 15 minutes of taking the oil for the first time. It was kind of incredible.
I also slept a little better that night, which is big for me because I struggle terribly with insomnia.
The first few days of taking the oil I did feel a little “foggy” or a little less sharp in the morning. (I was taking the oil at night).
My brother also tried the CBD oil and said he felt the same thing, but it lifted for both of us after a few days.
I gave some oil to another friend to try, and she also experienced an immediate decrease in anxiety. For all of us, it seemed to take that “anxious” edge off and help us relax, without making us feel groggy.
One Month of Using CBD Oil
So, this was a little strange, but after about a week of taking the oil I felt like it was actually starting to make my insomnia flare up.
Here’s the thing, though: my insomnia issues are severe and not typical.
For example, a couple of years ago I had to have a medical procedure done that required anesthesia and when they woke me up the doctor joked about how I’d sleep well that night. I was up all night with insomnia 🤷🏻. And when my insomnia was at it’s worst, I could take 6 (SIX) Z-quils and literally not sleep a wink.
I’m mentioning that because I don’t think CBD oil would cause most people to experience a flare in insomnia, but it seemed to do so for me. I reduced my dose and moved it to the morning and that seemed to help.
My Overall Opinion on CBD
I think that CBD oil is a really exciting natural alternative to treat anxiety, insomnia, and any of the other health issues I mentioned before. I’m glad I tried it and I’m continuing to use it–not every day but when I feel my anxiety flare up or when I know I have something on my schedule that typically makes me very anxious.
There are a TON of brands selling CBD oil and they can range in price from pretty inexpensive to upwards of $200 a bottle! To me, Green Mountain is a good option if you’re first starting out with CBD and want to see if you like it because it balances quality and affordability.
I might experiment with other brands in the future, and if I do I’ll definitely update you guys on how that goes!
Have you experimented with CBD oil? Let me know!
PS- based on my research, CBD oil is safe for most everyone (even pets!) but isn’t recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers. As always, do your own research and make the right decision for yourself! I’ve provided a few links to articles below if you’d like to explore more!
Additional Resources on CBD Oil
Get the recipe for this Chocolate Mint CBD Fudge here!
34 responses to “My Experience with CBD Oil”
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The bio-individuality of each person is so fascinating to me! I take mine at night too and haven’t noticed a flare up in my insomnia BUT I have noticed that I sleep for less hours than I used to. I wake up pretty alert about 2-3 hours earlier than I normally would. Not sure if that’s because I’m getting better quality sleep or if it’s triggering that same alertness that you seem to be experiencing.
And girl, I can SO relate to that awful feeling of no amount of ZzQuil / melatonin being able to take me down off a fierce insomnia bender. It’s like my brain and body chemistry just override anything you can put in me. Cheers to keeping our minds open to new remedies and thanks for being so candid with your experience!!
-Lauren-
Yes! I think the same thing all the time – which is one reason there’s no great blanket remedy for everyone! I’m glad to hear the CBD was helpful for you too, and very interesting about sleeping less (but feeling rested) maybe you are just getting deeper, more restful sleep like you mentioned. That would be great if so!
I too have experienced anxiety..some depression.
High sensitivity to meds,1/2 to 1/4 pills taken as the effects are quickly felt. …For anxiety take 1/4 colonopin. .so now I have the CBD spray…3% suppose to spray 2x…2x a day….1x once a day seems to enough..Trying to figure out how much and how often. .Can I go a couple of days without taking it? When is the best time to take it? Are there particular side effects experienced when you you begin to take the CBD?..and will the symptoms subside? Can this be taken with other med..i.e.beta blockers, small colonopin ..I have noticed..greater focus, less anxiety. but also a little brain foggyness and feels like a a serotonin uplift..almost too much..Comments please.
Hi Leslie! I definitely am not a doctor so can’t give medical advice 🤓 but I originally began taking CBD at night since I also wanted it to help with my sleep. I switched to taking it in the morning, and now I just take it on an “as needed basis” if I’m feeling extra anxiety or I know I have an event or meeting that I’m nervous about. I felt the brain fog for a few days and then it let up and my brother has the same experience. Hope this helps! I also have found yoga and meditation to be extremely helpful for relieving my anxiety as well!
Hi I have anxiety and I dont know which one to pick. Help. Has to be spray free.
Hi Carrie 👋🏼 so sorry to hear you’re dealing with anxiety, I know how awful it can be. Have you tried things like yoga, breathwork, or meditation? Those help me a lot. I recently experimented with Green Mountain CBD (I liked the liquid chocolate mint CBD drops) and that seemed to help as well. Just remember that we shouldn’t look for a quick fix to relieve anxiety – even if it’s natural! I think the most sustainable way to overcome anxiety is to get to the root of where it’s coming from and make lifestyle choices that help us avoid the anxious feelings in the first place. ❤️
First of all I am glad (although I kind of knew) that I am not the only one that suffers with anxiety and have found nothing that will help. By reading your post I think I have made the decision to try the CBD oil and see if it helps, thanks to you experiences in the article.
Hi Jerry 👋🏼 I know anxiety is awful and unfortunately I think it’s something a lot if people deal with, so you’re definitely not alone!
Thank you for sharing straight off, I currently suffer with insomnia only because my mind is racing with thoughts of the day and what I have to sort out the next. I keep telling myself to stop thinking and worrying but of course that doesnt help. I wonder if the CBD Oil may help with this? You said it helped with your insomnia maybe it will help mine.
Am just starting the hemp oil tonight and hoping to get some relief for my anxiety which gets pretty severe at times, not really wanting xnax or that route but something more natural that will actually work. not sure of the dosage either but will try a couple of drops on tongue first. here is hoping !
Hi Suzy, I hope the CBD helps! Do you have CBD oil or hemp oil? Hemp oil is great for eating (it’s very nutritious) but it doesn’t contain much if any cannabidiol, which is what would give the anti-anxiety effects. I’ve found yoga and meditation to be extremely helpful for my anxiety, as well as passionflower extract and lemon balm extract. Hope you find some relief!
its hemp oil and no effects at all that I can tell so far
it is NuRyse and advertised for anxiety relief and other things as well
this was a big costly mistake on my part. there was no effects at all from this oil, might as well have been swallowing cooking oil but it tore my stomach up so bad I havent been able to sleep but maybe 4 hrs.I did not know there was this kind of effect . I am very disapointed as I needed some help with my anxiety.
Hi Suzy – I’m sorry the brand you tried didn’t help. Have you tried meditation or yoga? Both are free (you can learn about them both in YouTube). Also, if you’re looking for a less expensive option you could try passionflower extract. It’s hugely helpful for me with anxiety. Just remember not to rely too much on a supplement (even if it’s natural) to be a quick fix. It’s important to get to the root cause of why you’re experiencing anxiety in the first place. Talking it out with a friend or therapist helps, as does journaling. ❤️
Thanks Allyson, I have tried so many herbs etc and none have helped writing it down does help release some of the tension I think.
Hi, I just googled NuRyse. It says it is hemp oil not cbd oil.
Interesting blog! My other half and I tried CBD oil. It did help with pain somewhat, however we both experienced insomnia the night that we took it, we actually both took it in the afternoon. Has anyone else experienced this?
Hi Joe, I experienced a flare up with insomnia after a few days of taking as I mentioned in the post, but I haven’t heard that feedback from anyone else. Most people say it helps with sleep. I think our bodies are so complex and of course we’re all so different so it could be from a number of things. I think reducing the dosage and taking it earlier in the day will probably help! Also, CBD does have a local topical effect, so that might be something to experiment with (putting some of the oil on directly where you’re having pain) hopefully that helps!
I find Himalaya Ashvaghanda twice a day (250mg capsules) to work better against Anxiety. CBD oil wasn’t as affective long term
Hi thanks so much for the comment! I have also been experimenting with ashwagandha myself 😊 glad to hear it’s helping out!
What’s the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil
Hi Gerr,
Hemp oil is extracted from hemp plants by pressing the seeds they produce. This method of extraction is similar to how olive and coconut oil is obtained. It typically contains very little CBD (or none at all), but has other health benefits including: high level of vitamins E, B, B1, and B2; source of potassium, magnesium, and fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega- 6; rich in protein and antioxidants.
CBD oil refers to oil that contains a concentration of CBD, or cannabidiol. It is most easily extracted from hemp specifically cultivated to be high in CBD. CBD helps to stimulate your body’s natural cannabinoid production to maintain the efficiency of the receptors and optimal function of the endocannabinoid system.
I am on blood pressure medication and felt that cbd oil would help with anxiety. Thing is my doctor says she would not recommend I use it (not because of other medication) just that it isn’t proven. I am in a little conflict about this because I hear its can help anxiety but my doctor wants to discuss other prescribed medications to treat it. Would love some one else opinion
Similar to Paul I am on blood pressure tablets and read somewhere that it may low my blood pressure even more and so cause dizziness, is that the case? Allyson, I would appreciate it if you had any more info on this or have heard of other peoples experiences that you could share. Thanks.
I was lead to understand (and correct me if I am wrong) that cbd oil would help with mental and body internal organ issues where as hemp oil would help with skin and those type of issues. Maybe I am wrong.
Wow! I experienced severe flareups in my insomnia! I thought I was the only one. I tried it at different dosages, different beds, etc. I was alert all night long. I will have to try using it in the morning. I wonder if it would be good for my afternoon headaches that are hitting usually around 3pm every day. I am doing work to reset the wired & tired/too high morning and night cortisol levels, so I know symptoms are going to work through.
This is a wonderful, informative post! I have often been questioned about whether hemp products I use such as hemp seed oil and hemp milk are safe and how they relate to the marijuana plant. I never knew the answer to these questions except to say that they are a different part of the plant that doesn’t contain THC. Now I truly understand the difference! Thank you
It was really informative but i am still confused between hemp oil and CBD oil??? can you please help me find which one is more effective.
It is confusing, especially since there aren’t a lot of regulations in terms of labeling, etc. I would look for CBD oil if you are seeking medicinal benefits.
HI Allison! How much CBD oil did you take for your anxiety ? What was the Strength and how many drops did you TaKe daily ? Does it work for extreme anxiety ?? I know someone who’s so anxious she can’t leave the house without feeling anxious.
Does it work better if you take it twice a day or even more?? I know everybody is different but just wanted to know what worked for you
Hi Sofia! I think it’s best to start with a very low dose and work your way up! Every body is different so better to see how you react to a low dose to begin 🙂
thanks for sharing the honest experience of you with cbd oil.
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