Fear of flying, or aviophobia, is a relatively common phobia. According to ABC News, the National Institute of Mental Health says this fear affects 6.5 percent of the population — that’s 20 million people. The ADAA also estimates that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older, or 18.1 percent of the population.
In the past, many people have turned to prescription medications to ease their in-flight anxiety. The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs were Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. However, a new wave of people are reaching for a natural alternative in the form of cannabidiol or CBD.
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CDB is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis and can provide relief for a host of issues including chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, depression and many other conditions.
The growing legalization of cannibis and CBD is making it an easier option for travelers to obtain and consume. Some states, such as New Mexico, have not even legalized marijuana but sell CBD derivatives under certain circumstances.
Though there are still mixed thoughts on the effectiveness of CDB to ease anxiety, many have seen and felt the benefits, especially when preparing for a long-haul flight. Here’s the science behind it: CBD is thought to ease anxiety by helping the body process serotonin, a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating emotions. The process by which this occurs is thought to be similar to that of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), a class of anxiety and depression medications.
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Be sure to know the laws around traveling with cannibis before entering any airport. Technically, it is still illegal to fly with cannibis and in some instances with CBD, so it’s important to brush up on the rules before boarding that flight.