Coronavirus and CBD
Coronavuirus and CBD: Sales are increasing as the pandemic spreads
Coronavirus and the apocalyptic global response have sent stress and anxiety levels soaring – and is it any wonder?
Europe’s streets are eerily empty, international borders are closing, the aviation industry is grounded, mass gatherings are banned, we’re told to avoid “non-essential” contact and leaders are pleading with manufacturers to produce more ventilators to support the shortage of life-saving equipment around the world.
Mental health experts say that feeling overwhelmed, fearful, sad, angry and helpless are expected responses to the unprecedented pandemic. The World Health Organisation has responded by advising people to avoid news reports – although some compulsive anxiety sufferers will feel compelled to return to them over and over again – while other mental health professionals suggest that being comfortable with uncertainty and paying attention to the positive stories will help alleviate some Coronavirus-related angst.
Many are also turning to cannabis, notably CBD, the non-psychoactive compound typically ingested as an oil that has been proven to relieve a range of anxiety disorders. One 2019 study took place in a mental health clinic in Colorado and, in addition to treatment, dispensed 25mg of CBD over three months to 47 patients suffering from anxiety. After one month, 79.2% of patients experienced an improvement.
In California, one of the most left-leaning states in America, local dispensary businesses, which sell edibles, cannabis lotions, tinctures and buds, have reported a spike in demand for cannabis deliveries – one company reports month-over-month sales surging 20-50 % – while others say that regular users are stockpiling enough to last their 14-day quarantines. If you want to make your own CBD or cannabis oil, please read our post.
In the Colorado study, although the majority felt vast improvements, a comparatively small 15.3% felt their anxiety exacerbated after the first month, so seeking expert advice is always recommended first.
These periods of imposed isolation are expected to have a huge psychological impact on many people says The Lancet medical journal, which has warned that the potential benefits of mandatory mass quarantine need to be weighed carefully against the possible psychological costs. OCD is also accelerating says Ashley Fulwood, of OCD UK, which has received an increase in calls and emails from people with obsessive-compulsive disorder who are developing a new fixation with Coronavirus. “I’m seeing for some of those people their OCD is intensifying, there is lots of avoidance going on and lots more washing than is recommended by the government – for some people their OCD is being triggered to the point where they’re washing for 20 minutes or longer,” he told The Guardian newspaper. Research into cannabis says that cannabinoids, the chemicals found in cannabis, are also being considered as a potential treatment for the management of OCD symptoms, which include anxiety, fear and repetitive behaviours.
Meanwhile, those suffering cabin fever during isolation should stay as healthy as possible. Exercise – yoga or any sequence will distract your mind – meditate, keep a regular routine for sleeping and waking, and eat nutrient-rich meals. Incidentally, the British Hemp Alliance has suggested that sales of CBD could also increase thanks to its immune system benefits, which include anti-inflammatory properties that help inhibit infections. Finally, staying in touch with family, friends and colleagues will help combat loneliness but experts have also advised that it’s more than OK to avoid contact with individuals who are only adding to your anxiety. Sage advice indeed.
Stay safe.
Further Reading
Introduction to Medical Cannabis
How and where to safely buy RSO medical cannabis oil online
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Disclaimer: Please note that whilst we consider ourselves subject matter experts regarding medical cannabis, we are not medical professionals. We are an information resource and there is still limited evidence that medical cannabis can cure all of the illnesses we discuss here. We recommend you do as much research as possible, and where practical seek professional medical advice before proceeding with cannabis oil.