It is no secret that anxiety can be an exhausting condition to live with. However, new research shows medical marijuana may offer some relief for those who suffer from this mental illness and others like it – including chronic pain or discomfort caused by arthritis among other things.
The Anti-Anxiety Benefits Of Marijuana
Anxiety is a terrible feeling. It can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts, but luckily there are treatments available for it. One type of treatment that works well with people who suffer from GAD or other forms like PTSD in order relieve their symptoms quickly without any side effects this includes medication if necessary.
While some studies have shown that cannabis use is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders such as PTSD, OCD and panic disorder. But it’s not clear if this applies to social phobia or just generalized anxiety which affects millions around the world.
1. PTSD
One of the reasons that medical marijuana helps people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is because it can be used as an effective treatment. PTSD sufferers have trouble regulating their emotions, and cannabis works to help mediate symptoms by calming down intense feelings experienced in response to scary or traumatic situations.
The endocannabinoid anandamide, or “pleasure neurotransmitter” is missing in PTSD sufferers. THC corresponding with this compound has been found to give relief for Runner’s High symptoms when used as medicine.
The main reason why these individuals lack the production of their natural pleasure transmitter means they experience less joy from activities like running because it doesn’t feel quite right without its presence.
2. OCD
New research published in 2021 has shown that cannabis may be beneficial for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A study conducted by the University of Sydney’s Brain and Behavior Research Institute found patients with OCD who inhaled marijuana had 50% fewer symptoms when compared to those taking placebo.
Researchers have found that CBD assisted patients with OCD, but it wasn’t as effective when taken without THC. A case study from 2020 also suggests the potential benefits of cannabis on this mental health condition.
3. Panic Disorder
It has been found that CBD oil is a promising treatment for people who experience panic attacks. A clinical trial at UT Austin will explore its effects on those suffering from this mental disorder, with enrolling 90 participants currently underway.
4. Social Anxiety Disorder
Medical marijuana is being used increasingly to help those dealing with social anxieties. Studies show that CBD, one of the main active ingredients in cannabis plants has been found effective at reducing anxiety when given publicly speaking tasks by people suffering from SADs or any other type proving hard for them to manage their condition effectively without medication.
Common Ways People Use CBD
Topical marijuana is a great place to start if you’re new to the plant. People generally have fewer adverse reactions when using topical products than they would from ingestion methods such as smoking or eating an extract.
Topicals also provide significant relief in many cases by providing quick hits of happiness that last just long enough before disappearing into thin air or getting absorbed into your bloodstream.
After smoking cannabis, the effects tend to wear off in a few hours. This means that if you’re having an unpleasant experience with THC it will be over soon and your side effects won’t last as long.
Edibles are not the best option for people with anxiety. They have powerful effects that last all day, and THC edibles can be challenging to dose because of their unpredictable nature- which makes this type even worse than smoking pot.
The Top Cannabis Strains to Help Ease Anxiety
In order to find the perfect balance of effects, it is best not only to try a strain with high THC but also one that has plenty of CBD. For beginners (and even many experts) an ideal 1:1 ratio may be Cannatonic and ACDC since they are both indica- sativa hybrids meaning you will experience cannabis’s euphoric state as well as its pain relieving properties without feeling too relaxed or sleepy after consuming them.
Indicas are the perfect choice for combating social anxiety because they have enough indica in them to “smooth out” any overwhelming effects of THC. Strains like GDP, Gorilla Glue and Blueberry-based strains also tend terpenes such as humulene.
That boasts an anxiolytic effect along with other beneficial properties including sedative qualities which can be helpful when you’re feeling stressed or anxious due to their calming nature against physical pain/stress.
How To Take The Medication?
Dosing with very small amounts of THC can help patients manage their anxiety without experiencing any associated negative effects like irritability or increased heart rate.
Starting at extremely low concentrations, microdoses may also decrease the user’s chances for pleasant side effects from smoking marijuana which is often stimulating in nature but not always helpful when it comes to dealing specifically with mental health issues such as PTSD.
Specific amounts of medical marijuana should be determined in conjunction with your physician. A card and prescriptions are necessary for treating anxiety while minimizing side effects, but it’s important that you speak about how much to take so there aren’t any unpleasant surprises.
Dangers of Alleviating Anxiety Disorders with Marijuana
There are risks to using marijuana for anxiety disorders, but with careful dosing and preparation you can reduce the chances of a bad experience. The foremost risk factor is youthfulness since young people have not yet been habituated into cannabis use.
Experts Opinion
According to this reputed MMJ clinic at West Palm Beach, many people in Florida visit cannabis doctors that have problems with anxiety and depression. But, they get the approval for a medical card as per their qualifying conditions. Marijuana helps stressed patients who have symptoms of depression and anxiety, but it may not be suitable for everyone. So, only a doctor can recommend it after checking a patient’s history.
Medical marijuana has become a growing option for those dealing with anxiety. Research has shown marijuana can reduce tension and fear and increase relaxation and social interaction. Marijuana is used quickly by inhalation to help prevent stress from escalating and becoming debilitating. With medical marijuana, individuals can find relief from the physical symptoms of anxiety that result in chest tightness, racing heart, increased perspiration, and nausea. Patients considering marijuana must speak to their doctor to determine if they’re a suitable candidate after understanding the potential risks involved.
