If you have anxiety, you know what a roller coaster life can be. Excessive fears and constant worrying are exhausting and can disrupt your day-to-day life, job, and relationships.
There’s a global increase in the use of medical marijuana to treat multiple health conditions, including anxiety. For many people, treating anxiety with medical marijuana is an effective and safe treatment.
Before trying marijuana for your anxiety, you should know which strains may help and how much to take. If other treatments haven’t helped you, medical marijuana may be worth a try.
Here’s a look at what you should know.
What is Anxiety
Anxiety is a psychological condition that results in extreme fears of various situations. People who have anxiety experience physiological symptoms such as sweating, increased heartbeat, and fogginess. Other symptoms may include:
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Jumpiness
- Upset stomach
- Anticipation of danger
- Feelings of apprehension
Anxiety can be extreme. It can prevent people from enjoying their lives, causing them to shy away from people or social situations.
It can affect the sufferer’s self-esteem and keep them from fulfilling their potential in life.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses. In the U.S., 40 million adults, or 18% of the population, struggle with anxiety disorders.
Scientists don’t know the specific reasons why some people develop anxiety. Some possible causes include:
- Extreme stress
- Trauma
- Comorbid Mental Illnesses
- Genetics
- Medical problems
- Drug or alcohol abuse
Typical treatments for anxiety include Benzodiazepines and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Unfortunately, these treatments don’t work for everyone. More and more, people are turning to alternative therapies like medical marijuana for relief from anxiety.
Benefits of Cannabis for Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are on the rise. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people feeling isolated and has contributed to the recent increase in mental health issues.
Medical marijuana helps many people get rid of intrusive thoughts that drive their anxiety. It helps induce a release of endorphins that can ease tension and improve your mood.
In addition to relieving feelings associated with anxiety, cannabis may also improve other anxiety-related symptoms, including insomnia, concentration problems, and fatigue.
It helps clear the mind of negative thoughts and irrational fears and may help you feel better and more relaxed in stressful situations.
With regular use, many people find their anxiety eases over time.
How Does Medical Marijuana for Anxiety Work
Medical cannabis contains Cannabinoids and Tetrahydro cannabidiol that stimulates the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. These hormones are responsible for the highs that marijuana users enjoy.
Fluctuations in the natural endocannabinoid system can lead to anxiety. Cannabis helps calm the autonomic nervous system and decrease the symptoms of anxiety.
Many people experience anxiety as a result of a chronic illness. Medical marijuana helps to relieve anxiety symptoms as well as seizures and chronic pain for many people.
Choosing the Right Strain
You want to choose the medical cannabis that’s right for your particular health needs. Medicating with marijuana is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Every strain is unique and has its effects. It’s not complicated, but you should do your research and talk with a doctor and an expert at the dispensary.
Calming Indica
Indica strains typically have low THC counts. Small THC amounts can be a plus if you’re new to cannabis. This strain has a calming effect and relaxing high you’ll feel throughout your body.
Indica can be a great stress reliever for easing the symptoms of anxiety.
Uplifting Sativa
Sativa strains have a higher THC count and tend to have an uplifting effect that eases anxiety. You may feel inspired to take a walk, listen to music, or participate in a creative outlet.
You can take Sativa during the day without experiencing a drowsy effect. Beginners need to microdose this strain to get the desired result. It can be overwhelming due to the high THC count.
Hybrid Strains
If you’re not sure whether you’d prefer Indica or Sativa, try a hybrid strain. A Hybrid strain is a mixture of both strains, and you can enjoy the best of what each one has to offer.
In time, you may find the perfect balance of strains to ease your anxiety and help you feel like yourself again.
The Right CBD to Marijuana Ratio
Finding the right strain for your needs is essential. But it’s just as important to understand the CBD to THC ratio of the product.
THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana. The THC in cannabis is what causes the “high” when you use marijuana.
CBD doesn’t have psychoactive properties. It communicates with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
The CBD helps your body accept the THC. Mixing CBD and THC boosts the anxiety-relieving properties.
These properties calm the body and the mind. Successful treatment depends on finding the appropriate dose for your specific needs.
For severe anxiety sufferers, medical marijuana can be a life-changing medication, allowing them to experience less intense anxiety and lead a healthier life.
Avoiding Unhealthy Stress Management
When anxiety gets overwhelming and traditional treatments don’t work, some anxiety sufferers adopt unhealthy practices to take the edge off. Alcohol is fine in moderation, but using it as a treatment for anxiety is never a good idea.
Drinking or using drugs may temporarily relieve your feelings of anxiety, but these unhealthy habits can lead to addiction and make your anxiety issues worse.
Medical marijuana is a healthier alternative. For many people, it provides a non-addictive way to relieve anxiety on a long-term basis.
Let Go of Your Stress
If you deal with anxiety daily, you know it’s much more than a mortal fear or worry. The problem doesn’t go away, and it can interfere with your job performance, social life, and daily activities.
Medical marijuana is a popular choice for many people searching for non-traditional remedies for anxiety and other mental health issues.
If you’re searching for answers for your anxiety, be sure to check our curated products for medical marijuana patients.
