Everyone experiences anxiety at some point, but if it’s happening too often and to the point that it’s taking over your life, you may want to consider natural treatment methods, like medical marijuana or CBD. Cannabis has been used throughout history as an effective treatment method for both mental and physical illnesses. If you’re considering trying cannabis for anxiety, these simple tips will help you decide if it’s right for you.
Types Of Anxiety
Anxiety is a general term that refers to a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It’s usually triggered by stress, fear, and a lack of control over an upcoming event. People with anxiety often suffer from panic attacks and phobias. Several types of anxiety disorders can be diagnosed, including
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social phobia
- Panic disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Separation anxiety disorder
Symptoms Of Anxiety
Symptoms of anxiety vary depending on the type of disorder but generally include a feeling of constant dread or impending doom, difficulty concentrating on anything other than thoughts related to your symptoms, irritability and agitation, increased heart rate and blood pressure, chest pain and/or tightness in your chest muscles as well as shortness of breath. The severity varies depending on the individual. In some cases, people only experience occasional bouts, while others might always feel anxious. Treatment options depend on the severity and type of the illness as well as each person’s unique needs but typically involve therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with medication.
How Can Cannabis Help With Anxiety?
While science is still catching up, some evidence suggests that cannabis can be used as a treatment for anxiety. Cannabidiol (aka CBD), one of the main compounds in cannabis, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antianxiety properties. Cannabis also helps slow down the processing of information from our senses, which means that it can help with panic attacks or high levels of stress. If a person’s anxiety stems from social situations, they might find relief with cannabis because it can make people feel more comfortable and less self-conscious.
However, if you’re looking for something with more CBD than THC, try an Indica strain. If you prefer higher amounts of THC, go for sativa or hybrid strains. CBD has been shown to have strong anti-anxiety effects on its own, but only at very high doses. You’ll want to experiment with both CBD and THC levels until you find what works best for your needs!
Benefits Of Cannabis:
There are many benefits of using cannabis to manage anxiety. Here are some of the following as
- It Helps With Nausea: The THC in marijuana can be an effective remedy for those suffering from chronic nausea. It contains cannabinoids that bind to the receptors in your brain that control vomiting and nausea. So, if you have a medical condition where you need help with suppressing your gag reflex or controlling your stomach issues, this could be a good option for managing symptoms.
- Increases Appetite: Those who suffer from eating disorders may find that their appetite is increased by using weed medicinally, as it increases serotonin levels in the body. One of the chemicals responsible for producing feelings of happiness and well-being.
- A Natural Solution To Pain Relief: Cannabis is also used medicinally as pain relief during chemotherapy treatments because it’s a natural, nonaddictive alternative to opioids like Vicodin or Oxycontin. Furthermore, CBD has been proven to provide a better quality of life for patients with neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, diabetes, PTSD and other physical ailments.
- Increased Sense of Calm: The calming effects of cannabis on the body make it a great way to reduce stress levels and manage anxiety. The use of cannabis to help people cope with their mental health conditions has been debated, as some believe it’s just replacing one addiction with another. However, studies have shown that CBD provides relief from anxiety without having any addictive properties.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Studies have shown that cannabis can help treat insomnia. So, if you have chronic insomnia and don’t want to rely on prescription pills with harsh side effects, cannabis can be an effective option.
It’s important when using cannabis as a sleep aid that it is only used in moderation, as too much THC can actually cause restlessness.
4 Tips For Safely Using Cannabis For Anxiety:
Looking for ways to decrease anxiety in your life? You may be interested in cannabis. Cannabis can help with anxiety, and in some cases, it can even replace antianxiety medications. Here are four tips for safely using cannabis for anxiety:
- Reach for CBD Instead of THC: Most people associate marijuana with the drug’s active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But don’t forget about cannabidiol (CBD), another cannabinoid shown to have therapeutic benefits without making you high. In fact, research suggests that CBD may work better as an antianxiety agent than THC because it is not a psychoactive substance, so it won’t make users feel stoned or high.
- Consume Small Doses: If you choose to use marijuana for anxiety, remember that its effects are dose-dependent. That means that if you take too much at once, it might cause more anxiety than relief. Start off by consuming low doses and increasing them slowly until you find what works best for you. The amount of time needed to feel the effects of weed also varies from person to person. Some people report feeling relaxed after just a few minutes, while others require several hours before noticing any changes in mood or sensation. For this reason, some experts recommend medicating on an as-needed basis rather than all day long.
- Speak To Your Medical Providers: If you want to try medical marijuana but haven’t yet had a conversation with your doctor, now’s the time! He or she will be able to assess whether medical marijuana is right for you and provide insight into how cannabis interacts with other drugs and medication. Plus, they’ll let you know how long it typically takes before you see results.
- Tell Your Therapist: Once you’ve found a dosage that helps with your anxiety, you should tell your therapist so he or she can help create an individualized treatment plan. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law and many states’ laws in America, so therapy might be one of the only places where you can legally consume it. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to getting emotional support. If therapy isn’t working out for whatever reason, don’t hesitate to move on to a different type of treatment. There’s no shame in trying new things!
Conclusion
Cannabis is not just a recreational drug and can be used as an alternative treatment for anxiety. In some cases, it’s even more effective than prescription medication. If you suffer from severe anxiety and have found that other treatments haven’t been working, consider using cannabis. At Westcanna, our goal is to provide the best possible patient care. We offer a variety of strains, concentrates and edibles, including CBD options, at affordable prices in order to meet the needs of everyone who walks through our door. To learn more about the benefits of medical marijuana or find out if you qualify for one of our programs, contact us today!
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