Compare The Best CBD for Paranoia for 2022

How CBD May Help With Paranoia

Paranoia is characterized by extreme fear or anxious feelings or thoughts. Individuals with paranoia often have delusions that people plan to cause them harm. This condition is often linked to mental disorders like psychotic disorders⁽¹⁾.

Cannabidiol, more popularly known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant⁽²⁾. This compound may possess therapeutic effects for reducing symptoms linked to mental health disorders⁽³⁾.

These illnesses consist of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

OCD is one of the mental disorders that may present symptoms of depression, anxiety⁽⁴⁾, and psychosis, such as paranoia and intrusive thoughts⁽⁵⁾. 

Meanwhile, research shows that CBD may induce potential antipsychotic effects⁽⁶⁾.  

CBD interacts with the body’s ECS (endocannabinoid system) and cannabinoid receptors⁽⁷⁾. 5-TH1A receptors or serotonin receptors are one of the ECS receptors activated by CBD⁽⁸⁾. 

Serotonin, also called the “happy hormone,” is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and produces feelings of happiness. 

Antidepressants are medications prescribed to manage mental issues like paranoia⁽⁹⁾. These medications target these serotonin receptors to help with mood and emotion⁽¹⁰⁾. 

There are limited studies on CBD and whether it can potentially stop paranoia. Thus, the efficacy of CBD on paranoia cannot be determined at present. 

The compound may provide a promising effect on the symptoms of the condition. Still, it is best to consult your psychiatrist or a medical professional before using CBD to help with paranoia or related mental illnesses. 

Benefits of Using CBD for Paranoia

A 2020 case study investigated an individual experiencing depression, narcissistic personality disorder, social phobia, and substance addiction. The participant was given CBD capsules with 100mg to 600mg of CBD for eight weeks⁽¹¹⁾. 

Results indicated that the individual may have experienced improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms and issues with dissociation and paranoia⁽¹²⁾.

A paranoid personality disorder is a mental illness characterized by symptoms such as paranoia and severe and illogical mistrust or suspicion towards others. Individuals with this mental disorder are usually prescribed antidepressants, anxiolytics (antianxiety drugs), or antipsychotics⁽¹³⁾.

A 2018 systematic review published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease stated that antipsychotics may induce adverse side effects, such as insomnia, weight gain, palpitation, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction⁽¹⁴⁾.  

Meanwhile, according to research in 2020, CBD may possess anxiolytic (antianxiety), antipsychotic, and antidepressant properties⁽¹⁵⁾. 

However, the compound may cause mild side effects such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, fatigue, diarrhea, and drowsiness⁽¹⁶⁾. 

Moreover, a small-scale clinical study on CBD discussed the potential antipsychotic benefits of the compound and how it is safe and well tolerated by individuals⁽¹⁷⁾.

How to Use CBD Oil for Paranoia

There are various ways for individuals to take CBD products that may help manage mental health conditions. 

Some CBD oil product administration methods include:

• Sublingual administration  
• Oral ingestion
• Inhalation
• Topical application

Sublingual administration involves applying CBD oil tinctures under the tongue using a dropper or oromucosal spray. 

CBD directly enters the bloodstream and bypasses the digestive tract, which gives this method a quicker onset time. 

CBD oil tinctures come in flavored or unflavored variants and are usually mixed with carrier oils like medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil, coconut oil, or hempseed oil. 

Orally ingested CBD products include edibles, gummies, and capsules. CBD passes through the gastrointestinal tract before the compound is absorbed into the bloodstream. 

CBD oil can also be taken through smoking or inhalation. Vaping is considered the quickest way to feel the benefits of CBD, as the lungs absorb the compound before spreading it into the bloodstream⁽¹⁸⁾.

However, vapes may pose potential health risks such as chemical irritation or lung disease, so caution should be exercised with this method⁽¹⁹⁾. 

Other methods of administering CBD include topical CBD products such as creams, balms, and salves. These topical products are directly applied to the skin for localized relief from mild to chronic pain⁽²⁰⁾.

Consulting with a psychiatrist or doctor about your medical condition before using CBD is highly suggested.

What Is the Best Dosing for CBD for Paranoia?

Presently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized no precise dosage for mental health issues.  

Generally, it is recommended to begin with lower doses if you are using CBD for the first time⁽²¹⁾.

A study on the safety and side effects of CBD indicated that individuals may be able to tolerate up to 1,500mg of CBD per day⁽²²⁾.

CBD intake may also differ between individuals. Health conditions, exercise, stress levels, and genetics are some factors that may determine the amount of CBD intake⁽²³⁾.

Before taking CBD oil, it is best to inform your psychiatrist or doctor about your mental health condition.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Paranoia?

There are no clinical studies on how long CBD takes to help with paranoia. 

Generally, the effects of orally ingested CBD may take around 30 to 90 minutes. Meanwhile, CBD taken through sublingual and topical methods may take 15 to 30 minutes. 

CBD inhalation may take 2 to 15 minutes before the compound takes effect⁽²⁴⁾. However, vaping and smoking are associated with health risks, so caution is advised⁽²⁵⁾.

How Long Will CBD Help With Paranoia?

There are no official studies that determine the duration of CBD’s effects in the system to help with paranoia. 

Generally, the compound’s effects may stay in the body depending on factors like CBD administration method, form, and potency. The user’s diet, metabolism, and weight may also affect the duration of effects⁽²⁶⁾.

Criteria for Choosing CBD Oil for Paranoia

Various CBD brands in the market aim to provide the best CBD product for different mental health issues like paranoia. 

Below are some important criteria to consider before choosing the best CBD oil for anxiety or paranoia. 

CBD Extracts

CBD extracts are categorized as CBD isolates, broad-spectrum CBD oil, and full-spectrum CBD oil⁽²⁷⁾.  

CBD isolates are pure CBD⁽²⁸⁾. These extracts do not contain other cannabinoids or compounds. 

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids and compounds found in the cannabis plant, except for THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)⁽²⁹⁾. 

THC is a component found in the cannabis plant that has psychoactive properties. This compound can induce a euphoric high⁽³⁰⁾. 

Lastly, full-spectrum CBD oil has all the compounds and cannabinoids, including flavonoids, terpenes, and a less than 0.3% THC concentration.  

Flavonoids are plant chemicals that may contain anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties⁽³¹⁾. Terpenes produce the cannabis plants’ unique fragrance⁽³²⁾. 

For individuals who want to feel the therapeutic benefits of CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC, you may choose broad-spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolates. 

Hemp Source

It is vital to determine the hemp source of CBD products. High-quality products may use hemp extracts derived from non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) and organic hemp plants. 

You may opt for CBD brands that outsource high-quality hemp plants from states with distinguished CBD industries like Colorado, Texas, and California. 

Extraction Method 

Natural solvent, ethanol, and carbon dioxide extraction (CO2 extraction) are preferred extraction methods to produce safe CBD products⁽³³⁾.

Using hexane or butane as extraction techniques may potentially leave behind heavy metals or pesticides, which are dangerous for consumers’ health. 

Carrier Oils

After the extraction of cannabidiol from the hemp plant, the compound is infused with carrier oils like coconut oil, MCT oil, and hempseed oil⁽³⁴⁾. 

It is vital to note that hempseed oil and hemp oil have substantial differences.   

Hempseed oil is made by pressing the seeds of hemp. This oil is also rich in nutrients and fatty acids but does not have CBD⁽³⁵⁾.

On the other hand, hemp oil is another term for CBD oil. It is an essential oil from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant.

Third-Party Lab Testing

To ensure that the CBD products you are purchasing contain ingredients as advertised, examine the certificates of analysis (COAs).

COAs are third-party lab reports indicating the CBD product’s actual cannabinoid content. 

Confirm whether the COA matches the CBD product label before buying any CBD products. 

Safety of CBD for Paranoia

There are no studies on CBD indicating that it can worsen an individual’s paranoia.

Meanwhile, research that examined CBD’s effects on individuals with schizophrenia stated that the compound was well tolerated by the users and did not exacerbate their mood⁽³⁶⁾.  

Additionally, according to a review from the WHO (World Health Organization), CBD possesses a good safety profile, is well tolerated by humans, and is non-addictive⁽³⁷⁾.  

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Paranoia

Using CBD may induce minor side effects such as⁽³⁸⁾: 

• Fatigue 
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea

Moreover, individuals with paranoia may be given prescription medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics⁽³⁹⁾. 

When taken alongside CBD, these medications may cause side effects like fatigue, drowsiness, accidental falls, and possible hazards when driving⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

Antipsychotics are medications that utilize the cytochrome P450 enzyme system⁽⁴¹⁾. These enzymes are liver enzymes that metabolize approximately 60% of the pharmaceutical drugs individuals consume⁽⁴²⁾.

Antipsychotics, if taken with CBD, may cause drug-to-drug interactions⁽⁴³⁾. Therefore, before taking any CBD products, you should first inform your psychiatrist or doctor of your mental health condition and the drugs you are taking. 

These medical experts can determine any possible drug interactions that may arise from using CBD products. 

Legality of CBD

Epidiolex is currently the only CBD-derived product authorized by the FDA. This antiseizure medication is prescribed to treat tubular sclerosis and seizures caused by two rare forms of epilepsy in children⁽⁴⁴⁾.

The Farm Bill, legislated in 2018, has federally legalized CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC in the United States⁽⁴⁵⁾.

Still, it is best to check your CBD product’s THC content and verify your state’s laws to ensure that your CBD product is legal in your area.