Can Marijuana Help with Anxiety

We’ve all been there – anxiety is a climbing challenge and Cannabis may help! With so many hundreds of thousands of people dealing with it on a daily, we wanted to weigh in on the marijuana-matter.

CBD vs THC

Let’s chat about the differences between CBD and THC for starters because there are still a surprising amount of readers who don’t fully understand the vast difference between the two – even though they come from the same plant.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for Canna-bid-iol. It’s a naturally occurring compound found in the flower of the cannabis plant. It’s safe, non-addictive, and has been found to support the endocannabinoid system – found in all human bodies! ( this stuff is so cool!)

NOTE: CBD does not get you high. Period.

The endocannabinoid system is a molecular system responsible for regulating and balancing many processes in the body, including immune response, communication between cells, appetite and metabolism, memory, and more.

CBD & Endocannabinoid System

When CBD and the Endocannabinoid System meet and mingle, wonderful things may happen! All of the receptors seem to perk up and work better – according to studies and research.

What is THC?

THC is the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant that is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana.

How can Marijuana help with Anxiety?

There’s no question that many people use marijuana for anxiety.

Commonly reported benefits of marijuana use include:

• increased sense of calm
• improved relaxation
• better sleep
• better digestion

Sarah Peace, a licensed counselor explains her clients have reported that marijuana, in particular, helps relieve symptoms of:

• agoraphobia
• social anxiety
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks or trauma responses
• panic disorder
• phobias
• sleep disruptions related to anxiety

CBD may Lessen Anxiety and Stress

Of course, everyone is different, and experimenting safely is key. Many people love CBD capsules as well as CBD oil and notice wellness benefits after less than a week (for some).

Tips for Safe Use

If you’re curious about trying marijuana for anxiety, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk for it worsening your anxiety symptoms. Because we all just want to feel great, don’t we?

Consider these tips:

• Choose CBD over THC. If you’re new to marijuana, start with a product that contains only CBD or a much higher ratio of CBD to THC. Remember, higher levels of THC are what sometimes make anxiety symptoms worse.
• Go slow. Start with a low dose. Give it plenty of time to work before using more, and gradually increase your dose.
• Purchase marijuana from a dispensary.  Professionally trained staff can offer guidance based on the symptoms you’re looking to treat and help you find the right type of marijuana to help you combat anxiety and more. When you buy from a dispensary, you also know you’re getting a legitimate product.
• Know about interactions. Marijuana can interact with or reduce the effectiveness of prescription and over-the-counter medications, including vitamins and supplements. Make sure you speak with your MD, ND, or Pharmacist.
• Tell your therapist. If you’re working with a therapist, make sure to let them know your health and wellness plan with Cannabis, too. They can help you evaluate how well it’s working and support you properly.