*Personal opinion/experience disclaimer* -- Results may very

I always view "studies" as not giving up until they find something negative about the subject matter, which in most cases will always happen. CBD falls perfectly into that category. There are a few CBD shops where I live and the employees are always very knowledgable. I have been upfront with them about my anxiety and panic disorder, as well as my klonopin taper. The first CBD oil/vape pen I tried, I didn't think was beneficial and made me feel a little off. So that's when I discovered not all CBD oil is created equal. I decided not to swear it off from one type I tried, that didn't work for me. So I recently went to a different (more reputable) place and found some that has been working extremely well. From my discussion with the employee, there is still a stigma amongst a lot of the general public and those in the medical community, however the tide is shifting and it is becoming a more legitimate/accepted source of "medicine".

Of course, it may not work for everyone or may cause different effects, however the general consensus has been that it has drastically helped in relieving anxiety for many people. If you do further reading on it (there is plenty) the its benefits of stopping seizures, inflammation, physical aches and pains, etc. is amazing. My personal opinion is of course many medical professionals will be skeptical or advise against it because it will directly interfere with their prescription writing..aka money. However, my doctor had the attitude of "why not" - give it a try and if you notice it helping then great. If not, stop. She said she has noticed it being a more growing, popular aid in many going through the same situation as me.

As I am approaching the end of my taper, the "jump off" point is something kind of scary to me. Having CBD as an aid to transition is rather comforting. No that does not mean its a dependency. Trust me, benzos are obviously a dependency. CBD is more of a tool for me in my "coping kit." I do not always take it, I have absolutely no cravings or itching for it. It is not like nicotine. Personally, it is a natural, beautiful alternative to the last thing I want to be on...pills. Of course, depending on your situation and medications, this varies for everyone. Again, for me, it works wonderfully for my anxiety, panic, mood stabilization, and sleep.

I have a tincture of oil that I take orally (under the tongue) and a vape pen I can carry around in times of sudden panic/anxiety. I hate to compare it, but you can say it's like a xanax (fast acting/not long lasting...typically an hour) -- but without the hellish qualities of a benzo. I went into CBD with an open mind after hearing all the success stories. I was excited for a natural alternative, that didn't require a doctor's slip. I'm very, very glad I did.