Stress and anxiety can be difficult to manage, but for many people, cannabis can be an effective tool. With recent changes in legislation and the stigma associated with cannabis usage fading, more and more people are turning to THC and CBD for relief from their stress and anxiety symptoms. Marijuana use has been found to have calming effects that can reduce feelings of anxiety, which is why it’s becoming a popular choice among those with symptoms of anxiety.
Stress & Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are two of the most common mental health challenges faced by people across the globe. Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, whereas anxiety is a feeling of apprehension or fear about future events. Both can negatively impact our physical and emotional wellbeing, affecting our ability to function in our personal and professional lives.
Experiencing stress or anxiety from time to time is normal, but prolonged or chronic exposure can have serious consequences on our overall health. Chronic stress has been linked to numerous health issues such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and depression. Anxiety disorders can also lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant that has been used for centuries for medicinal, recreational and spiritual purposes. It contains over 100 different compounds called cannabinoids, the most well-known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis, while CBD has been found to have potential therapeutic benefits without producing a high.
Cannabis can be consumed in several different ways including smoking, vaporizing, edibles, tinctures and topicals. Each method of consumption produces a unique experience depending on the type of cannabis strain used and the individual’s tolerance level. Cannabis can also vary in potency depending on factors such as growing conditions and cultivation techniques.
With the legalization of cannabis in many countries, including Thailand, more research is beginning to take place into cannabis and the effects of cannabinoids on physical and mental wellbeing. Research seems to indicate that using marijuana can have positive effects on stress response and help relieve stress and shows potential for treatment of anxiety.
Physical Effects of Cannabis
The physical effects of cannabis on the body can vary depending on several factors such as potency, dosage, method of consumption, and individual tolerance level. Typically, users experience a sense of relaxation and euphoria after consuming cannabis. This happens because cannabinoids stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain’s reward center responsible for producing pleasurable sensations.
Mental Effects of Cannabis
Cannabis use has been dishonestly associated with negative mental effects for years. However, recent research has revealed that it can have positive mental effects, especially when used safely and responsibly. The plant’s cannabinoids are now known to interact with the body’s normal endocannabinoid system to produce a range of effects.
One of the most significant positive mental effects of cannabis use is its ability to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. THC, one of the primary cannabinoids found in cannabis, binds to receptors in the brain that regulate mood, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. Moreover, CBD (cannabidiol), another compound present in cannabis, has been shown to be effective in treating various anxiety disorders.
The interaction between the various cannabinoids in cannabis can create a powerful synergistic effect known as the entourage effect. This phenomenon refers to the way that all of the components of cannabis work together to produce a more significant impact on the body than any single component could achieve alone.
The entourage effect is believed to result from the way that different cannabinoids and terpenes interact with each other and with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system. For example, THC has been shown to enhance the effects of CBD by increasing its bioavailability in the body. At the same time, other compounds like terpenes can also have their own therapeutic benefits when combined with cannabinoids.
Research into this phenomenon is ongoing, but early studies suggest that cannabis may be most effective when consumed in its natural form rather than isolated compounds or synthetic versions.
One of the biggest reasons many people are turning to marijuana for anxiety is that the many of the compounds found in cannabis are produced naturally by the body anyway. Unlike many pharmaceutical alternatives, many of the cannabinoids in cannabis naturally occur in our bodies anyway which can mean less adverse side-effects for some patients.
Benefits in Treating Stress
Stress is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be caused by various factors, including work-related issues, family problems, and financial troubles. Although there are several ways to manage stress, the use of cannabis has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential benefits. Here are some reasons why treating symptoms of stress with cannabis may be advantageous:
1. Cannabis may help promote relaxation: One of the main benefits of using cannabis for stress is its ability to promote relaxation. The plant contains compounds that interact with receptors in the body to produce relaxing effects. This can be especially helpful for individuals who find it difficult to unwind after a busy day.
2. Cannabis may improve mood: Another potential benefit of treating stress with cannabis is its ability to improve mood.
Benefits in Treating Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be caused by various factors, such as stress, trauma, genetics, and chemical imbalances in the brain. While there are many traditional treatments available for anxiety, an increasing number of people are turning to cannabis as an alternative option. There are several benefits to using cannabis to treat anxiety.
Adverse Effects
It is important to note that while some medical cannabis users may report finding relief from anxiety symptoms with cannabis use, the impact of cannabis can vary depending on the individual and the type of cannabis used.
It is also important to be aware that using cannabis as a treatment for anxiety and stress can come with potential risks and side effects. For example, some strains of cannabis, especially when consumed in high doses, may actually increase levels of anxiety and paranoia in some individuals. Additionally, cannabis use can have negative effects on memory, attention, and other cognitive functions, particularly with long-term use.
If you are considering using cannabis as a treatment for anxiety, it is recommended that you speak with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and guidance on the potential risks and benefits of using cannabis, as well as other treatment options that may be available to you.
While researchers continue to explore the potential adverse effects of cannabis, it’s generally accepted that it is difficult, if not nearly impossible, to consume enough cannabis that would result in death.
The most often cited potential negative affects of long-term cannabis consumption is cannabis withdrawal or psychological dependence. Cannabis is not known to be physically addictive like opioids or tobacco but if people use cannabis frequently and as a way to avoid stressful situations they may find it difficult to abruptly discontinue the use of marijuana.
It’s estimated that about 30% of daily cannabis users will develop some cannabis withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms include:
- Mood changes
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression
Keep in mind that these symptoms can range from mild to severe. For instance, frequent use over several years may result in having trouble falling asleep or noticing being more irritable than normal for a few weeks as their body adjusts.
Most existing research into cannabis withdrawal is based on the THC aspects of marijuana. The research on long-term effects of CBD seem to indicate that while there may be a potential for cannabis withdrawal disorder, there is no solid evidence that CBD use along can result in withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion
Cannabis can be an effective tool in managing stress and anxiety. While research is still limited, it is encouraging to see that cannabis may offer numerous mental and physical health benefits, including reducing stress and providing relief from anxiety-related symptoms. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using any form of medical marijuana in order to determine the safest and most effective course of treatment for each individual situation.
