Introduction

Anxiety disorders are often misdiagnosed and undertreated because of the societal stigma that surrounds them. Stigma prevents the proper diagnosis of anxiety disorders even though they impact 31% of the US population.

Furthermore, anxiety is often ignored, which makes it worse because everyone experiences stress and anxiety to varying degrees as part of their everyday lives. 

Many people find that cannabis is a reliable solution for anxiety. More than eighty-one percent of the nine thousand Americans surveyed in 2017 thought cannabis had some kind of health benefit. Among these possible advantages, "anxiety, stress, and depression relief" was mentioned by nearly half of the respondents.

According to the research, some people report feeling less anxious after consuming small amounts of medical cannabis for anxiety. Although there may be some positive mental health uses for cannabis, it is important to be aware of the potential harmful side effects of using cannabis to treat anxiety.

That is exactly what we will discuss in this post!

Learn more about the benefits and risks of using cannabis for anxiety, the scientific evidence behind it, legal and ethical considerations, expert tips for the best results, and safe alternatives.

Let’s get into this!

Understanding Cannabis and Its Components

Many people who suffer from anxiety turn to cannabis as a remedy because of its many medical uses. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiety-reducing effects of cannabidiol (CBD), a primary component of cannabis, have recently attracted a lot of attention. 

Here are just a few of the numerous conditions that can be treated with CBD:

• Epilepsy
• Anxiety
• Sleeplessness
• Chronic pain
• Hunger issues

Another major cannabinoid in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has euphoric effects and shows promise as a pain reliever, nausea suppressant, and muscle relaxant.

Many compounds found in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, are responsible for its medical effects. The synergistic effects of these compounds on cannabis can be described by the term "entourage effect" when grouped.

Many studies have been working on how synergistic effects can be beneficial for medical cannabis patients.

Scientific Evidence on Cannabis for Anxiety

The University of Washington recently published a study that provides a brief overview of the research on cannabis's efficacy in treating anxiety. The paper talks about a lot of positive effects of cannabis on anxiety, along with some limitations.

Firstly, it's worth noting that anxiety disorder is only recognized as a qualifying condition in a handful of states. It should be noted, though, that many studies and people who use cannabis for anxiety purposes report that it has helped them cope with and even remove their anxiety. 

The complexities of cannabis's components and its federal legal status may explain why there is a shortage of scientific evidence that claims that cannabis can successfully cure anxiety. The experts acknowledge that there have been conflicting findings from observational research as well. 

Some studies may have limitations in determining cannabis effects since they do not control for variables such as strain, cannabinoid ratio, terpene profile, or dosage.

It seems that CBD reduces anxiety at all tested dosages, in contrast to THC, which increases anxiety at higher doses and decreases it at lower ones. Very little research has looked into cannabis products with varying concentrations of THC and CBD, such as 2:1 or 1:1.

Anxiety and social anxiety, in particular, may find relief with CBD, according to a 2015 review. In addition, some data suggests that low-dose THC may also be helpful if you know how to use cannabis for anxiety.

In conclusion, further investigation into the benefits of cannabis to treat anxiety disorders is needed. Patients wishing to find the best cannabis for anxiety should first speak with a state-certified cannabis physician or a qualified doctor to stay away from any risks.

Benefits of Using Cannabis for Anxiety

The possibility of cannabis as a cure for anxiety has been getting more and more attention recently. Several possible advantages have been identified, while the ongoing study and opinions differ.

Many people who consume cannabis to treat their anxiety say it helps them relax and deal with emotional stress. In 2017, researchers came to the conclusion that pre-public-speaking anxiety might be controlled or prevented by taking a small amount of THC.

Here are some of the top benefits of using an ideal amount of cannabis to treat anxiety:

• If you suffer from anxiety and experience physical symptoms like a racing heart, tight muscles, or gastrointestinal problems, you may find relief by using cannabis.
• Cannabis can control mood by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in the regulation of stress, emotions, and mood.
• Some people find that cannabis is a safer, more natural option than pharmaceutical drugs like benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• Sleep problems are common among anxious people. An improved night's sleep may be possible with the use of some cannabis strains, especially those rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and terpenes like myrcene.

Risks and Considerations

Cannabis can affect your body in many ways beyond just getting you high. The effects of CBD and THC do not come without risks, and long-term, higher doses or frequent use have been associated with several potential side effects.

There is some evidence that cannabis usage is associated with an increased risk of respiratory problems and car accidents. There is an increased risk of cannabis use disorder in adolescents who regularly consume cannabis products, particularly those containing high concentrations of THC.

While many report feeling relaxed and happy after using cannabis, this is not always the case!

Feelings of panic and extreme anxiety could set in for some users who are not used to cannabis or THC. Cannabis comes in a variety of strains, and not all strains can have positive effects on the user.

If you're not experienced or have used too much CBD or THC, you might experience those unusual feelings like:

• Red eyes
• Blurred vision
• Panic attacks
• Loss of hunger
• Acute psychosis 

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Since the legal status of cannabis varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, it is important to adhere to the rules and regulations that apply in your area. In the US, the legality of cannabis varies in terms of medical, recreational, and strictly illegal. 

You will also see many Conflicts between state and federal laws in the U.S. So, before buying any cannabis product, check with the local state laws to stay out of trouble.

To use cannabis responsibly, one must be aware of its limitations, sensitivities, and potential risks. Before using cannabis products, it is highly suggested to see your doctor. This is particularly important if you have any current conditions or take any medications that could interact negatively with cannabis.

Guidelines for Responsible Use

Here are some important guidelines on how to use cannabis in a responsible manner:

Look at these suggestions:

• Choose CBD instead of THC. When you're first starting with cannabis, it's best to stick with products that have a high CBD-to-THC ratio or contain CBD exclusively. Keep in mind that the effects of anxiety are typically amplified at higher THC concentrations.
• Take it Easy. Begin with a modest dosage. Only add additional once it has had a chance to function.
• Find a Reliable Dispensary: Based on your symptoms, our trained team can recommend the best strain of cannabis to alleviate them. Another benefit of purchasing from a dispensary is the assurance that the substance you are receiving is authentic.
• Learn About Interactions. Supplements, vitamins, and both prescription and over-the-counter medications may have less of an impact when combined with cannabis, according to some research. If you are taking cannabis, you should probably let your doctor know. Also, if you're still uncomfortable with this, you can talk to a pharmacist.

Alternatives to Cannabis for Anxiety Management

There are further non-pharmaceutical approaches that have been shown to alleviate anxiety if you are not comfortable with cannabis. Other forms of self-care that you might want to try if you're seeking anxiety treatment alternatives include:

Therapy

Without the harmful effects of long-term cannabis use, proactive coping mechanisms can be developed with the help of therapy, support groups, self-help books, and instructional websites. All these options lead to long-lasting transformation. A personalized treatment plan can be created in collaboration with your therapist.

Medication

Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have a long history of success in treating anxiety disorders safely and effectively. Also, compared to cannabis, prescription medicine has stronger long-term safety studies and may not pose as big of a threat in the long run.

Conclusion

If you want to make a smart choice about using cannabis for anxiety, you need to know what impacts it has on your mind and body. Recognizing the potential hazards and side effects, using it responsibly, and complying with all applicable laws are crucial, even though they can help with various medical issues. 

Before consuming cannabis, it is advisable to see a healthcare expert, particularly if you are looking to treat a serious medical problem. To determine the best cannabis for anxiety, consultation with a reliable cannabis expert is the right approach.

In summary, it may help some people with anxiety and make it worse for others. If it did not work for you, try other alternatives like therapy or medication for better effects.