Marijuana and anxiety have a distinct relationship. Many people consider that turning to cannabis during stressful moments can help reduce levels of anxiety and discomfort. But how does it happen?
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. Usually, anxiety comes with feelings of fear and uncertainty. While stress and anxiety are common conditions, those with anxiety disorders usually experience magnified symptoms that dramatically impact their quality of life. Interestingly, anxiety is a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in many states. Anxiety disorders are a very prevalent emotional disorder and tend to affect more women than men.
Anxiety is a severe mental condition that can influence the quality of life and prevent you from doing your daily activities. Apart from preventing you from leaving the house, anxiety also holds down a job. Anxiety can also affect how you act around your family and friends. Some individuals experience very intense anxiety symptoms that make it difficult to attend a backyard barbecue or visit a friend’s house.
Does Marijuana Help with Anxiety?
Over the last couple of years, the notion that cannabis aids anxiety sufferers have grown exponentially. As researchers continue to take a deep dive into the connections between cannabis’s anti-anxiety properties and our bodies’ endocannabinoid system, it is now clear that there is some potential benefit here.
It’s essential to understand that cannabis will affect everyone differently when used for symptoms like anxiety. While cannabis may help reduce anxiety in some people, it may exacerbate anxiety in others.
How Medical Marijuana Affects Anxiety?
According to research, cannabis’ interaction with our endocannabinoid system can tremendously work in reducing anxiety. The activation of the endocannabinoid receptors in our brain may help regulate stress and anxiety. Apart from moderating our stress levels, cannabis also interacts with the endocannabinoid system to provide behavioral benefits and an overall reduction in stress levels when reacting to external stimulus.
The Potential Benefits
Cannabidiol (CBD) which is the primary compound in cannabis contains several anti-anxiety properties. Due to this, most consumers use CBD products to help reduce irrational thoughts and prevent unnecessary anxiety. The natural properties of CBD can help those plagued with constant stress and worries.
When CBD enters the body, it works to regulate the production of the body’s primary stress hormone, cortisol. CBD is also beneficial for symptoms of PTSD. This compound can help prevent nightmares and reduce the stress response.
Here are the potential benefits of using cannabis for anxiety.
- Improved sense of calm
- Better sleep
- Enhanced relaxation
- Reduces stress
- Reduces physical pain
- Lowers physical tremors
- Temporarily reduce depression
Bottom line
So, can medical marijuana help with anxiety? Yes. Cannabis has great potential as a cure for anxiety. However, you must be cautious when it comes to dosing cannabis. The best way to gain relief from anxiety using cannabis is by using high-CBD strains free from any psychoactive effects.
If you want to use cannabis for anxiety, then consult your local physician to get guides on how to dose cannabis.