Anger is an emotion that stems from the feeling that someone or something has done you wrong. Left unchecked -anger will lead to increased anxiety and circulatory problems, including hypertension. You may also experience headaches, and some may act out their anger leading to broken relationships or something worse. 

Can CBD help you manage anger and rage?

Anecdotal evidence overwhelmingly says yes. But CBD consumption must be combined with a willingness to let go. How does anger work? And how can CBD, a non-psychoactive constituent of hemp or cannabis help you manage it? Below is what you need to know, including CBD’s effect on rage. 

Quick take: Is cannabidiol good for anger management? 

• Anger is not a disease, but it can be a symptom of an underlying condition that CBD can help manage or prevent. 
• Research shows that early treatment of mental disorders using CBD may prevent escalation.
• CBD is non-psychoactive -it will not cause a high, and there is zero risk of addiction or dependence.
• Pain may cause anger.
• CBD can help manage pain anywhere in the body when taken orally or applied topically. 

What is anger, and why does it need to be managed?

Ranging from mild irritation to intense violent fury -anger is an emotion that increases your blood pressure, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and energy hormones. Anger may originate from within, or the emotion could be triggered by external factors.

Humans express anger in several ways -some curse, some yell, some argue, and some use sarcasm. What is important to remember is that you can suppress, convert, or redirect anger. That way, you may turn anger into constructive instead of destructive behavior. 

What medical conditions cause anger?

According to medical studies, conditions including intermittent explosive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder may cause unexplained anger.

If you have an underlying condition or if the source of your anger is unexplained. Below is what you need to know.

CBD for bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects sufferers in two ways. (1) it causes depression leading to a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, sadness, feelings of loneliness, and hopelessness. (2) hypomania, a condition that causes euphoric energy, irritability, and anger. 

The mood shifts can affect your ability to think rationally. 

Is there a cure for bipolar disorder?

No. But CBD can help sufferers manage it. How?

Medical studies have found that CBD has anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, antipsychotic, and sedative effects. 

When taken sublingually or applied topically, the compound can help manage pain, anxiety, and mood swings caused by bipolar disorder. A study published in the National Library of Medicine that looked into the potential of CBD as a treatment for psychosis and addiction found that, quote:

“The majority of the results suggest that CBD may be more effective in the early stage of psychotic disorders. This is in line with previous studies suggesting that immune dysregulation (i.e., microglial activation) is mainly involved in the early stage of psychotic disorders…  CBD treatment is a promising and novel tool with several potential applications in the treatment of psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and their comorbidity. Large-scale trials are needed to establish its clinical utility.”

What are the signs of a mental disorder?

If you suspect that the source of your anger is an underlying mental condition, possible indicators that your assumption is right, may include

• Suicidal thoughts
• Changes in sex drive and eating habits.
• Increased drug and substance abuse.
• Trouble connecting or relating with people.
• Delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations.
• Extreme mood changes.
• Fatigue and insomnia.
• Sadness

You may also experience unexplained aches and pains throughout your body and headaches. 

We recommend consulting with a mental health professional immediately. 

Also, beginning CBD treatment early -may prevent the problem from escalating.

How does CBD help users against aggression and anger?

According to research, CBD interacts with the human endocannabinoid system to help in mood regulation. The compound aids homeostasis and promotes healthy sleep cycles, stress management, reduces inflammation, and creates a sense of calm.

There is also the issue of pain.

When you are in pain, you are at higher risk of developing irritability -which may escalate into anger. 

CBD’s anti-pain properties mean that it can treat pain anywhere in the body. The key benefit is that the chemical poses no risk of dependence or addiction, unlike opioid-based painkillers. 

CBD for anxiety, depression, and sadness-related anger

Anxiety, depression, and sadness may cause anger, if it lasts for long enough. The question is:

Why do I get so angry so easily?

Your interpretation of a situation, past experiences, lack of trust, and personality determine how you react. Anger usually stems from feelings of being threatened, powerless, attacked, or frustrated. Consequently, it is vital to learn to identify the triggers.

CBD for anger and aggression: what you need to know

• Long-term anger may be a consequence of catecholamine imbalance (adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine). 
• Imbalances in the stress hormones above impact the way one reacts to a particular situation.
• The human endocannabinoid system helps to regulate mood. 
• When the ECS gets out of balance, CBD may aid homeostasis
• Animal studies claim that CBD decreases adrenaline and aggression, meaning users are less likely to react aggressively. In rodents, CBD reduces attacks on newcomers.

What happens if you hold on to anger for too long?

Long-term anger affects you both physically and emotionally. If you hold on to it for too long, anger will manifest itself physically as:

• Lower back pain.
• Hypertension, increased heart rate, and may cause a heart attack. 
• Muscle tension.
• Wrinkly skin
• Hiatal hernia
• Skin problems, including hives, and psoriasis
• Migraines and problems concentrating. 
• Ulcers 
• Asthma

There is also evidence that anger may shorten your life expectancy. 

Psychologically, anger will lead to issues including depression, eating disorders, phobias, and loneliness, and some may develop OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).

Should you act out your anger?

It depends. The thing is, anger can be useful in some situations, and it can be detrimental in others. Consequently, you must learn how to use it.

What is vital to remember is that there is nothing wrong with getting angry when faced with danger, disrespect, injustice, or emotional harm.  but holding on to that emotion for too long serves you no benefit. In other words, use it when you must and let go of it. Do not obsess or torture yourself with what you could have done differently. 

How to use CBD in anger management

For anger, CBD should be used as a complementary treatment. You need it to manage pain, keep you calm, and regulate your mood. Regular intake combined with the following should help keep emotions in check. 

Do not act without thinking.

When anger blinds you, avoid saying or doing anything that you will regret or obsess over later. You should also avoid pushing the person too hard. 

Express your concerns in a calm thought out manner

Words and actions can hurt. Consequently, make the other person understand your position in a calm friendly manner. They do not need to agree with you, the point is to get your concerns heard. 

Get some air or exercise

The environment you are in may contribute to anger, it could be an occupant, a thing, or a situation. Meaning sometimes all you need is a change of environment. 

Search for solutions

Arguments seldom solve problems. So instead of arguing, look for solutions and explain them to the other person if you must. 

Humor is a good way of cutting the tension. 

Avoid holding grudges

Holding on to actions or thoughts is detrimental to your health. It will lead to the physical and emotional issues explained above, and it can escalate into a mental disorder.

What is the best CBD for anger management?

CBD comes in a variety of options. You may use pills, tinctures, gummies, or other consumables of your choosing.

Apply topically to get rid of pain, and ingest or inhale to help you stay calm in stressful situations.