Living With Anxiety – Cannabis Is An Option
Cannabis has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for
anxiety. With the legalization of cannabis in many states, more people are
turning to cannabis for anxiety as a way to manage their anxiety symptoms.
While the research on cannabis and anxiety is still in its early stages, many
patients report significant improvements in their anxiety levels after using
cannabis. In this article, we’ll explore how cannabis helps with anxiety and
what the research says.
How
Does Cannabis Help With Anxiety?
Cannabis
contains compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s
endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors and
chemicals that helps regulate many physiological processes, including anxiety.
The two primary cannabinoids found in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC
is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and it is responsible for the
“high” that users experience. THC can help with anxiety by producing a sense of
relaxation and euphoria. One note of caution: as each body reacts differently
to THC, it is best to “microdose” (take ¼-1/2 of the recommended dose for any
product) when first starting to consume cannabis for anxiety. Higher doses of
THC may increase anxiety in certain individuals.
CBD,
on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive compound that does not produce a high.
CBD can help with anxiety by reducing the activity in the amygdala, a part of
the brain that is responsible for processing fear and anxiety. CBD can also
improve mood and reduce stress, which are common causes of anxiety.
Together,
THC and CBD work synergistically to produce a wide range of therapeutic
effects, including anxiety relief.
What
Does The Research Say About Cannabis for Anxiety?
While
the research on cannabis and anxiety is still in its early stages, there is a
growing body of scientific evidence to support the use of cannabis as an
anxiety treatment. Studies have shown that cannabis can be effective for
reducing anxiety symptoms in a variety of conditions, including generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD).
A
study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2010 found that CBD can
reduce symptoms of social anxiety in patients with social anxiety disorder. The
study found that CBD reduced anxiety levels, cognitive impairment, and
discomfort in speech performance, and also reduced the amount of anxiety
experienced in anticipation of the speech.
Another
study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2019, found that
cannabis use was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression in
patients with bipolar disorder. The study also found that cannabis use was
well-tolerated and did not cause significant side effects.
Research has also shown that cannabis can be effective for reducing anxiety
symptoms in patients with PTSD. A study published in the Journal of Clinical
Psychology in 2019 found that cannabis use was associated with significant
reductions in PTSD symptoms, including anxiety, hyperarousal, and avoidance.
How Is
Cannabis Used For Anxiety?
Cannabis
can be consumed in a variety of forms, including smoking, vaping, edibles,
tinctures, and topicals. Each method of consumption has its own advantages and
disadvantages, and patients should work with their healthcare providers to
determine the best method for their individual needs.
Smoking
and vaping are the most common methods of consuming cannabis for anxiety. These
methods allow for rapid onset of effects and precise dosing. However, smoking
and vaping can irritate the lungs and may not be appropriate for patients with
respiratory conditions.
Edibles
and tinctures are another popular way to consume cannabis for anxiety. These
products are ingested orally and can provide longer-lasting effects than
smoking or vaping. However, it can be difficult to accurately dose edibles, and
the effects can take longer to onset.
What
Cannabis Might Be Beneficial?
Cannabis
research is in its early years of shedding light on scientific studies that are
still too recent to be conclusive. Most cannabis therapeutic benefits are
reported directly from patients who have consumed cannabis in various forms. As
each patient’s body reacts differently to cannabis, most consumption may be
trial-and-error starting with low doses to gauge its effectiveness and to
identify any adverse reaction.
As
stated previously, THC and CBD work synergistically to produce a wide range of
therapeutic effects, including anxiety relief. Therefore, a 1:1 ratio of both
might be the most beneficial for personal consumption.
Many
patients have found success with short-term effect tincture products (lasting
1-3 hours with faster onset) such as Care By Design’s 1:1 Tincture or Mary’s Medicinals “The Remedy”
Tincture (THC/CBD). First-timers might want to try Papa & Barkley’s CBD 30:1
Tincture which contains only a very low dose of THC (just
enough to activate the beneficial CBD compound).
For
anxiety patients who feel they need longer lasting relief, flavorful gummies
can offer calming effects from 4-6 hours – especially beneficial when relaxing
in the evening and before bedtime. A beginner’s favorite is Wyld Strawberry Fruit Chews CBD 20:1.
For a more standard 3:1 CBD/THC option, try Camino Sparkling Pear 3:1 CBD Gummies.
Watch this short video for a quick insight on the potential benefits of cannabis use to help ease the negative effects of anxiety