***Kiva Confections content related to both the effects of cannabis and the results of cannabis use is based upon general user experiences and testimony. This content should be considered anecdotal, and should not to be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult with a medical professional before adding or altering consumption of medication or medical-related activities. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. ***
Stress is a regular part of life affecting everyone occasionally, and while it can motivate you to finish tasks, stress can also make you anxious and harm your health. Fortunately, some marijuana strains used for medical purposes have become popular as go-to remedies for severe stress and anxiety.
Some people switch out negative stress for positive stress when they do intense exercise, sweat it out in the sauna or take a cold shower. Others discover that the best way to relieve stress is to get out of their heads, whether it is by playing with their pets, listening to uplifting music or doing housework. Many people find that an intentional dose of cannabis or CBD provides instant stress relief.
If you wonder how cannabis lowers stress and helps people relax and stay calm, keep reading.
Cannabis & Anxiety – How Are They Related?
Anxiety must be treated with the appropriate dosage, delivery technique and monitoring of cannabis.
Using cannabis products to treat conditions such as anxiety, requires focus on quality, delivery method, dose and tracking. This is why discussing your unique needs with your doctor is essential.
There are four popular ways to utilize cannabis effectively to treat anxiety. Topical, sublingual, oral and inhalation therapies are included. If you want to use cannabis to minimize the effects of anxiety, look for CBD-based products.
You can find safe CBD vape juice to calm things down before your uncomfortable circumstance. Experts laud CBD for cannabis' medicinal properties, and a preliminary study indicates that CBD may momentarily reduce anxiety symptoms. THC cannabis products, on the other hand, have the potential to produce a high with other effects; therefore, it is crucial to avoid taking them as a form of self-medication.
Common Effects of Using Cannabis for Stress and Anxiety
Stress is a feeling that practically every adult can relate to and for some, it can lead to anxiety. One of the worst things about anxiety is that it typically starts as a small and manageable issue but eventually spreads to various aspects of your life. Studies suggest that more than 72% of people who use cannabis or marijuana do so to manage stress and anxiety.
Cannabis Helps with Clinical Depression & Anxiety
Anxiety issues are becoming more prevalent in today's society. The most common culprits are tremendous workload, interpersonal issues and busy schedules. Headaches, insomnia and sexual dysfunction can be caused by a combination of those factors. Cannabis can cause the release of endorphins which, in turn, make you feel better about yourself and can help you gradually overcome your depression problem. One study that emphasizes how cannabis may enhance cognitive function suggests the same result. As a result, cannabis can be therapeutic and promote mental well-being by clearing the mind.Using CBD as a complementary treatment to other methods may lessen the signs and symptoms of anxiety.
Cannabis Helps with Cures for Seizures
Cannabis is well known for enhancing brain electrical activity, which supports the brain's health. Some patients benefit from its brain-based anti-seizure effects in treating their epilepsy. Those suffering from Dravet syndrome may benefit from cannabis use.
Patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome were the focus of a trial to determine if cannabis could halt seizures. The results were encouraging, and as a result, the doctors have begun to gather more information about it.
Cannabis Helps with the Homeostasis
The maintenance of homeostasis or equilibrium minimizes hormonal abnormalities under stressful conditions. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for controlling homeostasis; therefore, some experts believe that cannabis, and its effect on these systems and receptors, may benefit those who experience anxiety. This will be especially helpful for people who experience social anxiety.
Cannabis Prevents & Reduces Inhibitions
The euphoric effects from cannabis with a high THC content can help reduce inhibitions and mental chatter in social circumstances. For instance, cannabis consumption at a party can promote social interaction, much as a glass of wine would. CBD might increase your enjoyment by relaxing and slowing down your mental processes. Although user experiences can vary, this field requires caution and a concentration on low doses.
Cannabis Helps with PTSD
The underlying cause of post-traumatic stress disorder is an unpleasant prior experience that significantly impacts the brain. The patient of this disease repeatedly relives the trauma, even after a considerable length of time has passed.
Serotonin levels must be increased to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Cannabis can help you in this circumstance because it has been shown to increase serotonin production in the brain. Additionally, it helps treat specific PTSD symptoms such as insomnia and recurring nightmares.
Cannabis Treats Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia dramatically impairs brain function, which causes patients to lose their sense of reality. Speech problems and hallucinations are two symptoms of this mental health disease.
Cannabis has antipsychotic effects within the brain, supporting the nervous system's ability to link all the neurons together and send the proper messages to the body's many organs. According to a study, marijuana can be quite helpful in managing dementia and schizophrenia.
What is the Right Way to Consume Cannabis for Stress & Anxiety?
There are a few options for using CBD to treat anxiety. Most of the research mentioned above involves oral consumption of CBD in the form of capsules or CBD oil. There is no concrete evidence that one strategy is fundamentally better than the other. The following are some sources of CBD:
- Cannabis Edibles (such as chocolates, gummies, snacks, etc.)
- Cannabis-infused Oils and Tinctures
- Cannabis Vapes
- CBD Hemp Flower
- Beverages Infused with Cannabis
- Topicals and Ointments (such as creams, lotions, body oils, etc.)
When you use a CBD topical, very little to no CBD will enter your bloodstream, making it an ineffective treatment for an internal ailment such as anxiety. Typically, topical CBD solutions treat skin conditions including acne, pain and inflammation.
How Much Cannabis or Marijuana Should You Take for Stress?
If you wish to try to alleviate your anxiety, choosing the best CBD dosage to try can be challenging. Your weight, metabolism and particular biology will likely impact the CBD dosage.
Since scientific studies on CBD use high dosages of the compound, it can be challenging to find products with the same level of CBD readily available on the market, as the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws points out.
For instance, although the studies referenced earlier found CBD to be most effective when taken in quantities of 300 mg, many CBD manufacturers still advise taking 20 mg of CBD daily. Though, 300 mg of CBD taken daily would certainly be advantageous.
If you currently take anti-anxiety medication, consulting your doctor first can be very important. To discuss dosage, speak with a doctor who is experienced with CBD. A doctor should always be consulted whenever you consider using a novel health product, such as CBD.
Risks of Using Cannabis to Reduce Stress & Anxiety
Most people can consume CBD safely; however, some users may experience some adverse outcomes. Some of the common side effects of consuming cannabis are:
- Diarrhea
- Change in Weight or Appetite
- Fatigue
- Nausea and Vomiting
According to the reviews cited in notable journals, there is no proof that CBD could exacerbate anxiety or its symptoms. But if you feel that CBD makes your anxiety worse, you must consult your doctor.
It is important to remember that CBD may interact with various medications, especially those with allergies. Cannabis and infused products can both affect the enzymes in your liver. This suggests that your liver will process some medications differently, which could have undesirable effects.
The Best Strains for Stress & Anxiety Disorders
Here are some of the most influential and helpful strains for stress and anxiety disorders in people:
Green Crack
The most notable characteristics of this strain are its exceptional energy-boosting abilities. If you've used cannabis before and are comfortable with its euphoric uplifting effects, this strain should be your go-to choice for reducing stress.
The best thing about green crack is that it makes you feel better and helps you forget about all the signs of stress and despair. Even better, it makes your mind clearer so you may carry out your everyday activities without feeling drowsy or lethargic.
Grape God
Your anxiety will be reduced by this strong hybrid between the cannabis strains Grapefruit and God Bud, and you will feel pleased and at ease for the remainder of the day. Together, the earthy flavor of God Bud and the citrus aroma of Grape God make for a fantastically pleasurable smoking experience.
Super Silver Haze
Super Silver Haze is the perfect fusion of the Skunk, Northern Lights and Haze strains and produces a strong, energizing high. This cannabis strain has been around for a while and is acknowledged as one of the best for lowering stress. If you often feel a little depressed in the mornings, a few puffs of Super Silver Haze will help you feel better prepared for the day.
The Bottom Line
Cannabis, particularly CBD and marijuana with low THC concentrations, may temporarily reduce anxiety symptoms. If you decide to try marijuana, remember that it can increase anxiety in some people.
Before trying, there is simply no way to know how it will affect you. Use it cautiously and keep your dosage low when starting out.
Additional alternative therapies can also help to lessen the symptoms of anxiety. Consider experimenting with various self-care techniques if you're looking for related options, such as:
- Breathing Exercises
- Mindfulness Training
- Meditation from Yoga
Even though it may take some time and trial and error, you can finally find a treatment that works for you. If you are looking for a consultation on cannabis and CBD consumption, contact Kiva Confections or view our available cannabis edibles.