How can cannabis help with anxiety?
With more than 40 million Americans suffering from anxiety disorders every year, it’s no surprise that more and more people are looking for alternative solutions.
You and your health, as well as cannabis, have become two topics that more people want to get familiar with.
The good news?
Science is finally starting to play catch up. And what they are finding out may surprise you.
In This Article:
- Why Anxiety Is On The Rise
- How Cannabis Interacts With Anxiety
- CBD vs THC Showdown
- What Does The Research Show?
- Making Smart Decisions For Your Health
Why Anxiety Is On The Rise
Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States right now.
In fact, it took over depression last year as the country’s most prevalent mental disorder.
Let’s take a look at a few numbers that may shock you…
The National Organization of Mental Health estimates that around 19.1% of American adults will experience an anxiety disorder in a given year. In other words, one in five people will suffer from excessive worry, panic, or fear on a daily basis.
On top of that, a 2024 American Psychiatric Association poll found that 43% of U.S. adults felt more anxious this year than the last. This was up from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022.
Something is happening.
Medications can certainly help. Prescription anxiety drugs have their place and can work for some people. But these options are not ideal for long-term use for many due to their side effects and risk of dependency.
Cannabis offers a potential alternative solution to the problem. Many people who struggle with anxiety are turning to weed as a means of finding relief.
How Cannabis Interacts With Anxiety
Your health and cannabis interact in complex ways that scientists are only starting to understand.
Did you know…
Weed contains chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. The two we hear about the most are THC and CBD.
These compounds quandary to receptors in the brain that are part of our endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating a range of functions, including mood, stress, and anxiety.
Some people who want to experiment with this themselves choose to order these cannabis clones to grow their own cannabis plants. Cultivating your own garden allows you to have more control over the cannabinoid profile of your product.
However, not all cannabis crops are created equal when it comes to anxiety.
THC is the multiple that gives cannabis its intoxicating effects. At lower doses, it may actually help with relaxation. At higher doses, THC is more likely to trigger feelings of anxiety and paranoia.
CBD does not have psychoactive belongings, meaning it won’t get you high. This makes it more attractive for medicinal purposes, as it shows more consistent results for anxiety relief.
THC and CBD have a biphasic effect. This means that the same substance can have opposite effects depending on the dose you use.
CBD vs THC Showdown
Now, let’s talk about the research…
A recent 2024 study from the University of Colorado Boulder sought to determine how anxiety levels varied based on the type of cannabis product consumed.
The study looked at 300 people and what their experience was with various cannabis products. Here is what they found.
CBD-dominant products provided the most improvement in anxiety levels of those who consumed them. The people who used these products reported feeling less tense immediately after consumption. The CBD users also experienced less paranoia than those using THC-heavy products.
What makes this so interesting…
The CBD users did not report feeling impaired. This means that you can get the benefits of relief from tension without the negative cognitive impact of THC.
This is huge for people who need to function normally throughout the day. This is often the main goal for people with anxiety disorders, as it can get in the way of normal daily tasks.
This is not to say that THC doesn’t have a place in anxiety treatment. Low-dose THC use may be effective. But the data on CBD is far more conclusive.
What The Research Actually Says
So, what does actual scientific research show us about cannabis and anxiety?
It’s complicated. Studies show both benefit and risk. Learning the good and the bad helps you make informed decisions about your own cannabis use and health.
The Self Medication Hypothesis
Research has found that anxiety disorders are quite common among cannabis users. What’s more, it often pre-dates their use of cannabis.
The self-medication hypothesis is a theory which states that people use cannabis to help relieve anxiety symptoms they are already experiencing. In other words, anxiety disorders often come before cannabis use.
One study revealed that 55-89% of people with cannabis use disorder also reported their anxiety first started before their cannabis use.
This data supports the self-medication hypothesis that anxiety and cannabis use disorders often develop as a result of pre-existing anxiety issues.
The Dose Matters
Low doses of THC can be calming. But doses are everything. High doses are more likely to increase anxiety.
CBD is non-intoxicating and has shown much more consistent relief in studies.
CBD Shows Potential
CBD has been shown to interact with our endocannabinoid system differently in the brain than THC. This means it is more effective for reducing anxiety symptoms.
It also does not have the same risks as THC for feeling anxious and paranoid.
Making Smart Decisions
Here are some things to consider before consuming cannabis for anxiety disorders…
Start Low and Go Slow
Always start with low doses if you are new to cannabis use. This way, you can determine the effects on your body. Gradually increase your dosage if required.
CBD Products
CBD products are more likely to help with anxiety and have less risk of negative effects. This is especially important for beginners who have not consumed cannabis before.
Don’t Forget Professional Care
Cannabis should not replace seeking professional mental health care. It can be used alongside more traditional methods of treatment. But it should not be a standalone solution.
Know Your Source
It is important to know where your cannabis products are coming from. Quality matters if you are using weed as a medicinal product.
Wrapping Things Up
The relationship between cannabis and anxiety illnesses is real. But it’s not black and white.
Research does show that cannabis, and more specifically CBD, shows possible as a treatment for anxiety. But the relationship is not that simple.
Let’s review…
- Anxiety affects nearly one in five Americans every year.
- CBD is more consistent at reducing anxiety than THC.
- Dose is a critical factor in whether cannabis helps or not.
- Many people with anxiety disorders use cannabis to self-medicate.
- Professional care is still important.
Your health and cannabis use can be part of the same solution. But it requires being well informed and paying close attention to what products you use.
The science is catching up. More research is on the way. For now, it seems that cannabis and CBD in particular has a place in anxiety management.
