The 3 Best Reasons Why You Should Use Marijuana To Relieve Anxiety
It was only a few years ago that marijuana was illegal, and using it would get you into a lot of trouble. It was misunderstood, and not only was it thought to be as addictive as harder drugs, but the medical benefits weren’t studied enough. Marijuana has finally become accepted in society and is being used to treat a variety of problems.
If you suffer from anxiety, then using marijuana can be a big help. Marijuana has a lot of compounds in it that will help you relieve your stress and anxiety in many different ways. Since it is legal in many states, you just need to go to a dispensary like NYC BUD Manhattan, NY, to get your relief. In this article, we will go over the best reasons why you should.
Contents
What Is CBD And THC?
Before we dive into the medicinal uses of marijuana and whether it is helpful against anxiety, it is important to know what marijuana contains. The main two active ingredients of marijuana are CBD and THC.
- CBD – “It is a non-psychoactive compound that is used for a range of potential therapeutic purposes.”
- THC – “It is a psychoactive compound responsible for the ‘high’ associated with marijuana.”
CBD | THC | |
Is Legal | It depends | It depends |
Produces A High | No | Yes |
Interacts With The Endocannabinoid System | Yes | Yes |
Has Side Effects | Yes | Yes |
Shows On Drug Test | Possibly | Yes |
Relieves Pain | Yes | Yes |
Reduces Nausea | Yes | Yes |
Eases Migraine | Yes | Yes |
Reduces Anxiety | Yes | Yes |
Eases Depression | Yes | No |
Decreases Seizures | Yes | No |
Is Anti-Inflammatory | Yes | Yes |
Helps With Insomnia | Yes | Yes |
Helps With Psychosis | Yes | No |
Increases Appetite | No | Yes |
It is Used For Various Other Conditions | Yes | Yes |
How It Can Help?
According to Sarah Peace, a licensed counselor in Olympia, Washington, “Many clients I’ve worked with have reported using cannibis, including THC, CBD, or both, to reduce anxiety.”
She further said, “My clients have reported these benefits along with others, including greater peace of mind and a reduction in symptoms they found unbearable.”
The common benefits of cannabis include: –
- Better sleep
- Increased sense of claim
- Improved relaxation
Peace further explained that her clients get relief from symptoms such as,
- Phobias
- Agoraphobia
- Social Anxiety
- Panic Disorder
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Sleep Disruption
Peace said, “someone might only have one panic attack a day instead of several. Or maybe they can go grocery shopping with high but manageable levels of anxiety, when before they couldn’t leave the house.” |
1 – Get Quick Relief
One of the best reasons to use marijuana to reduce anxiety is how quickly it works. Smoking, vaping, and putting marijuana oil under your tongue are three ways that work fast.
Smoking is a common way to use marijuana. It works almost right away because when you inhale, the marijuana goes straight into your blood. You can easily control how much you take by how many puffs you inhale.
Vaping is similar to smoking, but it’s a bit gentler. Instead of smoke, you breathe in vapor. This means it’s easier on your lungs and doesn’t smell as strong.
Putting marijuana oil under your tongue is another fast method. It might take a tiny bit longer to work than smoking or vaping, but it’s still quick. You just put a few drops under your tongue, and it gets into your blood fast.
2 – Improves Sleep
When you’re stressed, your mind keeps running, making it tough to relax and fall asleep. It becomes a vicious cycle because when you are underslept, you are more easily stressed and anxious.
Marijuana can help with this. It has a calming effect that can make it easier to fall asleep and improve the quality of your sleep.
Not all marijuana is the same, though. Some types, or strains, are better for helping you sleep. Indica strains, for example, are known for making you feel relaxed and sleepy. There are also specific products designed to help with sleep, like edibles and oils that have a mix of THC and CBD.
3 – Natural Alternative To Pharmaceuticals
Marijuana is becoming a popular natural alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for managing stress. It can relieve stress without some of the harsh side effects and risks that come with prescription drugs.
Pharmaceuticals, like anti-anxiety medication and antidepressants, work well for many people. However, they can also have side effects like dizziness, fatigue, and weight gain. Some of them can be addictive, which can lead to dependency if used for a long time.
Marijuana works without the strong side effects that come with some medications. Also, while it’s possible to become dependent on marijuana, the risk is generally considered to be lower than with opioid painkillers.
How It Can Hurt?
While there are a lot of positive effects of marijuana on anxiety, the negative effects are a lot as well. As per Peace, “THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, seems to be a big factor. High levels of THC have been associated Trusted Source with increased anxiety symptoms, such as increased heart rate and racing thoughts.”
“Cannabis doesn’t appear to offer the same long-term effects as other anxiety treatments, including psychotherapy or medication. Using cannabis may offer some much-needed temporary relief, but it’s not a long-term treatment option.”
She further says, “I think like any medicine, cannabis can provide support. But without lifestyle changes or internal work on mental health, if your stressors or anxiety triggers remain, your anxiety will likely remain in some form.”
The Negative Effects Are
- Increased Heart Rate
- Increased Sweatiness
- Racing Or Looping Thoughts
- Problems With Concentration Or Short-Term Memory
- Irritability Or Other Changes In Mood
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations And Other Symptoms Of Psychosis
- Confusion, Brain Fog, Or A “Numb” State
- Decreased Motivation
- Difficulty Sleeping
Wrapping Up!
If you wanna use marijuana to cure anxiety, then it only should be under the instructions of a medical professional or a doctor. Don’t indulge in it on your own, as the resulting affect might hurt your body.