Social Anxiety in Malta: Can CBD Help? | 2026 Guide
Feeling overwhelmed by Malta's crowded events? Learn how CBD oil can help manage social anxiety disorder (SAD) naturally without sedation.
From busy networking events in St. Julian's to crowded family gatherings, social anxiety is a common challenge in Malta's close-knit society. For those who find these situations paralyzing, CBD offers a non-intoxicating way to "take the edge off" without the sedation associated with traditional anxiolytics.
The Public Speaking Study
One of the most famous studies on CBD and anxiety involved a simulated public speaking test (the SPST). Researchers gave participants either a placebo or a dose of CBD before they had to give a speech.
🎤 The Results (Bergamaschi et al., 2011)
The study found that pretreatment with CBD significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort in their speech performance compared to the placebo group. The CBD group performed similarly to healthy controls who did not suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder.
How to Use CBD for Social Events
Timing is everything. Depending on the product, the onset time varies:
- CBD Oil (Sublingual): Takes 15-30 minutes to work. Best taken right before leaving the house.
- CBD Capsules: Take 1-2 hours. Take these well in advance of the event.
Start with a moderate dose (e.g., 20-40mg) to gauge how you feel. The goal is to feel calm and present, not sleepy.
📚 Scientific References
- Social Anxiety: Bergamaschi, M. M., et al. (2011). Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology, 36(6), 1219–1226.
- Anxiety Mechanisms: Blessing, E. M., et al. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836.
Recommended by Dr. Vella
About Dr. Marija Vella
Dr. Marija Vella is a Ph.D. Pharmacologist and our Head of Quality Assurance. She ensures all CBD Malta products meet rigorous pharmaceutical standards and provides evidence-based guidance on cannabinoid wellness.
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