Feeling anxious lately? You’re not alone. Whether we use it medically or as an adult-use product, many of us turn to cannabis for its distinctive and relaxing effects. But not everyone. Some find that using cannabis makes them feel more anxious, even paranoid. How can one plant produce such different effects on different people and—more to the point—what can you do about it?
In today’s article, we’ll take a deep dive into the topic of cannabis for anxiety, explaining the mechanics of how marijuana works with our bodies to produce specific effects. Ideally, by the end of this post you’ll be better prepared to select the right products and strains to tame anxiety, relax, and get on the road to feeling great!
Cannabis for Anxiety: The Cannabinoids
Anyone who’s tried cannabis likely knows about its delightful euphoric effect. That unmistakable “high” comes courtesy of the cannabinoid known as THC, sometimes described as the major “active ingredient” in marijuana. The second most common cannabinoid is called CBD. We’ve written about it before, and the many ways it affects our bodies without THC’s intoxicating psychoactivity.
All the cannabis products we grow and sell are labeled with their specific THC and CBD contents. Why is that important? Because if you’re one of those people who find that cannabis aggravates the sensation of anxiety, there’s a good chance that it’s due to the plant’s THC content. This is one of the main reasons CBD has received so much attention of late. A number of studies show that it helps people reduce anxiety and stress without any noticeable intoxicating effects. For instance:
- A comparative assessment examined the effects of CBD on several different types of anxiety, including that produced by stress and that associated with compulsive behavior. It found that CBD: “…has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders, with need for further study of chronic and therapeutic effects in relevant clinical populations.”
- Another retroactive case series found that CBD reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality in nearly 80% of test subjects. In summing up, the authors state: “In our study, we saw no evidence of a safety issue that would limit future studies…CBD displays promise as a tool for reducing anxiety in clinical populations.”
Cannabis for Anxiety: Don’t Give Up on THC Yet!
All this talk about CBD isn’t meant to overshadow THC. For one thing, beyond delivering marijuana’s distinctive high, THC imparts many benefits, including helping to reduce inflammation and stimulating the appetites of those undergoing treatment for cancer and other serious diseases. And at lower doses, THC has even been shown to provide relief from anxiety as well.
Deciding to Try Cannabis for Stress is a Personal Choice
If you tolerate the effects of THC well, we recommend you use a small to moderate amount to tame the symptoms of anxiety. And if you’re one of those people who find that THC aggravates your anxiety, the science indicates that high-CBD cannabis products have the potential to help you reduce it.
An all-natural medicine that helps our bodies and minds to feel more relaxed and less anxious? Now that’s the kind of plant we can get behind!
