Key Takeaways:

• Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that can be treated with cannabis in certain cases.
• THC and CBD, the two main components of cannabis, have different effects on anxiety symptoms.
• With proper guidance from a healthcare professional and adequate knowledge of cannabis products, it is possible to use them safely and effectively for anxiety relief.
• Research on the topic is still lacking due to legal restrictions, so more scientific evidence needs to be gathered over time to see how it can be used to treat anxiety.

There are a lot of questions surrounding the way in which cannabis works for anxiety, and while research shows it can be beneficial, this might not always be the case.

Care needs to be taken if you want to use medical marijuana to ease anxiety symptoms.

Cannabis can be very effective for treating anxiety, but you have to ensure that you are using CBD instead of THC.

While THC doesn’t always trigger anxiety, it can cause it to become worse or trigger it because of the psychoactive effects that THC can have.

In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about how cannabis works with anxiety.

This includes the ways it can benefit you, the potential downsides, and other potential remedies if you don’t feel like weed is the right choice for you.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is when your body reacts to STRESS or fear, typically in the form of physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate or difficulty sleeping [3].

It can be triggered by DIFFERENT things, ranging from social situations to work-related tasks.

Additionally, anxiety can be a SYMPTOM of a mental health disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you feel like your anxiety is out of control and causing you DISTRESS.

Pro Tip: An anxiety disorder can accompany a range of different conditions, and this is why it is important to get diagnosed before trying medical cannabis.

Typically, it is treated with psychotherapy or medications and MAY include lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise or RELAXATION techniques, in addition to therapy.

Does Cannabis Help with Anxiety?

Yes, research shows that cannabis can be EFFECTIVE in treating anxiety [1]. While more research is needed to understand the exact way in which it works, SEVERAL studies have found that it may act on SPECIFIC areas of the brain to help regulate emotions and reduce stress levels.

However, it’s IMPORTANT to note that not all forms of cannabis have the same effects.

In particular, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) may NOT be suitable for treating anxiety as it can cause psychoactive effects that can WORSEN symptoms of anxiety.

Pro Tip: Typical anxiety treatments aren’t always going to work, especially for more serious versions such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Panic Disorder. Marijuana use can help to relax the mind in ways that standard medicine can’t. Make sure to obtain cannabis from high quality dispensaries, like Mission Organic.

On the other hand, CBD (cannabidiol) has been found to have anti-anxiety properties and does NOT produce any psychoactive effects.

Therefore, it may be more suitable for those looking to use cannabis to MANAGE their anxiety symptoms.

Can Cannabis Cause Anxiety?

Yes, cannabis CAN cause anxiety in some people. This is because of the psychoactive effects that THC can have on your body and mind [2].

Additionally, if you are using a strain that has an excessive amount of THC or using more than the recommended dose, it could WORSEN symptoms of anxiety and make you feel more anxious.

Pro Tip: THC can make anxiety symptoms worse, but not every strain of cannabis is going to contain it. Anxiety-friendly strains have more CBD.

Therefore, it is important to ensure that you are using the RIGHT strain of cannabis and taking the correct dosage if you want to USE cannabis for anxiety relief.

Are There Other Anxiety Remedies?

Yes, several other REMEDIES for anxiety can be more suitable than cannabis. These include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and RELAXATION techniques, and medications.

Additionally, complementary THERAPIES such as mindfulness meditation or yoga may also be beneficial in REDUCING symptoms of anxiety and avoiding the potential effects of THC.

Pro Tip: There are herbal remedies that can treat a panic attack that doesn’t contain weed. This can be useful for medical cannabis users as well as those who aren’t sure about what to take.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with anxiety is DIFFERENT, so it’s important to speak to your doctor if you are CONSIDERING using cannabis or any other form of treatment for your anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is THC Ever Good for Anxiety?

No, THC is not typically recommended for treating anxiety. In fact, it can worsen symptoms of anxiety and cause additional physical and mental side effects due to its psychoactive properties.

What Type of Cannabis Is Best for Anxiety?

CBD has been found to have anti-anxiety properties and does not produce any psychoactive effects. Therefore, it may be more suitable for those looking to use cannabis to manage their anxiety symptoms.

Can I Take CBD and THC Together?

Yes, taking both CBD and THC together can produce a synergistic effect that can provide additional relief from anxiety. However, it is important to note that this should only be done if recommended by a doctor or healthcare professional.

Can I Take Too Much Cannabis for Anxiety?

Yes, it is possible to smoke weed too much for anxiety. If you are using more than the recommended dose, it could worsen symptoms of anxiety and make you feel more anxious.

Is Medical Marijuana Prescribed for Anxiety?

Yes, in some states, medical marijuana can be prescribed for anxiety. However, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor before using cannabis for anxiety relief.

Can Cannabis be Used for Social Anxiety Disorder?

Yes, research shows that cannabis can be effective in treating social anxiety. However, it is important to ensure that the strain of cannabis you are using does not have excessive amounts of THC, as this may worsen symptoms of anxiety.

To Conclude

Cannabis may have POTENTIAL benefits for those suffering from anxiety. However, it is important to understand the differences between CBD and THC, as well as the risks associated with cannabis use.

Additionally, other forms of treatment, such as psychotherapy or lifestyle CHANGES, may be more SUITABLE options. It is important to speak to your doctor if you are considering using cannabis for anxiety relief.

We hope this guide has been HELPFUL in teaching you more about the link between anxiety and cannabis and the ways in which weed might be able to help ALLEVIATE your symptoms.

Sources:

[1] Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1

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[2] Koppel BS, Brust JCM, Fife T, et al. Systematic review: Efficacy and safety of medical marijuana in selected neurologic disorders: Report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2014;82(17):1556-1563. doi:10.1212/wnl.0000000000000363

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[3] Anxiety disorders | Office on Women’s Health. Womenshealth.gov. Published 2015. Accessed February 3, 2023. https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-disorders‌