How Medical Marijuana Can Deal with Anxiety

The potential of cannabis as a remedy for anxiety is a subject of ongoing research, but its popularity, both recreationally and medicinally, is evident. Many individuals turn to cannabis to enhance their mood and alleviate stress, making everyday experiences more enjoyable. 

Anxiety, alongside sleep, is one of the primary reasons people use cannabis therapeutically.

Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a crucial regulator of functions ranging from sleep and mood to energy and pain. 

However, it’s essential to note that, similar to many medications, there isn’t a universally effective dose. The active components of cannabis can elicit contrasting effects based on dosage. In the context of anxiety, lower doses may provide relief, while higher doses could potentially worsen symptoms. 

Therefore, using cannabis to manage anxiety may require some experimentation, and it is advisable to consult with a medical professional to navigate this process safely and effectively.

What Medical Research Says About Cannabis and Anxiety

Anxiety stands out as one of the prevalent conditions for which cannabis is sought as a treatment, ranking among the top five in North America. However, understanding how cannabis truly helps individuals with anxiety disorders requires a closer look at the research findings.

The existing research on cannabis and anxiety is somewhat limited and inconclusive, largely due to the unpredictable effects of cannabis on anxiety. 

Dosage is a significant factor, but the diverse nature of the cannabis plant, with its multitude of active chemical components, adds complexity to the equation, yielding varied effects.

In 2018, a study from Whistler Therapeutics in Canada explored the efficacy of different cannabis strains in relieving anxiety. While the study had limitations, it suggested that the chemical profile of the cannabis product used could influence its impact on anxiety.

A systematic review in 2015 provided some evidence that cannabinoid treatment might assist with anxiety. However, caution was advised due to the unpredictable effects of the condition.

A 2018 study indicated that pure THC might induce more anxiety than whole-plant cannabis. The need for further investigations was emphasized to identify which cannabis chemotypes are anxiolytic (relieve anxiety) and which are anxiogenic (cause anxiety). 

This aligns with evidence supporting the idea that CBD can counteract the anxiety-inducing effects of THC.

Meanwhile, a 2017 National Academy of Sciences study reported moderate evidence linking cannabis use to social anxiety disorders in older adults and limited evidence suggesting it could contribute to the development of another type of disorder. 

These findings underscore the nuanced and complex relationship between cannabis use and anxiety, urging continued research to unravel the intricacies of this interaction.

How to Use Cannabis to Deal with Anxiety

When using cannabis to deal with anxiety, it’s important to understand the pivotal role of proper dosage. The fine line between cannabis providing relief from anxiety or exacerbating it often hinges on the amount taken and the potency of the cannabis product.

A rising area of interest is “micro-dosing” with marijuana, where individuals consume such minimal doses that the psychotropic effects are nearly imperceptible. 

This approach aims to harness the potential benefits of marijuana without inducing intoxication, making it less likely to trigger anxiety or paranoia.

The concept of micro-dosing ties into the biphasic effect observed with substances like THC and CBD. 

A biphasic effect means that a substance can produce contrasting effects depending on the dosage. Studies demonstrate that low doses of THC may alleviate anxiety, while higher doses can intensify it, even leading to paranoia or panic attacks in some cases. 

Similarly, CBD exhibits biphasic responses which influence factors like pain, sedation, nausea, and vomiting relief, as well as immune responses. 

So in other words, understanding and carefully managing dosage is important if you want to optimize the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for anxiety without unwanted side effects.