Marijuana and its potential to work for medical conditions is a hotly debated topic. Due to the controversy surrounding marijuana some people see it as a dangerous illicit drug. However, research has paved the way for its potential therapeutic use.
The popularity of cannabis grows each day. The legalization of cannabis in different states has opened the door for more research as scientists can freely conduct studies on the plant. While many studies have been performed, we are still yet to fully discover how cannabis affects the brain.
Many people are now considering cannabis for its potential therapeutic effects when it comes to treating anxiety, pain, and other ailments. Many Americans suffer from anxiety with about 40 million adults experiencing anxiety each year. Could marijuana be a successful remedy for anxiety? This article will provide basic information about cannabis to help those who want to us it as an alternative treatment.
Cannabis and Anxiety
Cannabis has many reported benefits, including relieve from nausea, pain, and inflammation. Cannabis is a well-known treatment for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can result to nausea, pain, and loss of appetite, and marijuana has can help to alleviate discomfort.
Marijuana may also a great remedy for those suffering from neuropathic pain. The reason why marijuana is popular is because it relieves pain without the side effects that come from traditional painkillers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is yet to approve cannabis for medical use, but it has approved a few CBD based drugs like epidiolex. However, depending on the laws of your state, you can get marijuana-based medications from dispensaries to help with your condition. However before using cannabis for anxiety, its recommended to contact your local physician to receive guidance on how to use the drug.
Research on cannabis and anxiety
Marijuana interacts with the body to provide relaxation, calmness and improve sleep. This happens due to the body’s endocannabinoid system which binds with cannabis compounds. When you consume cannabis, these receptors bind with cannabis to provide relief from anxiety.
Other symptoms related to anxiety that cannabis can relieve includes agoraphobia, PTSD, panic disorders, and anxiety-related sleep disorders. Nonetheless, the effects of cannabis on anxiety are complicated because while it helps some people, it tends to worsen other people. However, the reason for the negative effects of cannabis on some people is because of higher doses of THC and low doses of CBD.
In fact, CBD may be single handedly handle anxiety without any external treatments. A 2015 review notes that CBD may is highly therapeutic when it comes to anxiety, though there’s a need for more studies. According to the review from The American Society for Experimental Neuro Therapeutics, current evidence shows CBD’s potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders.
Bottom line: cannabis and anxiety
Cannabis research shows its potential for treating anxiety but there’s need for more in-depth research. However, if you want to use cannabis for anxiety, keep in mind that what works for you may not work for other. So, while it may relieve your symptoms, it might worsen the symptoms of others.