Marijuana and Anxiety: Advantages and Disadvantages

Today we are addressing a controversial topic, something that has always sparked a major debate about the advantages and disadvantages of consuming cannabis and how it interacts with anxiety. Is cannabis good for lowering those anxiety levels that have so much of the population trapped, especially Generation Z? Or, on the contrary, is it a trigger that stresses us out even more?

Relax, take a deep breath, hold the air in your lungs, and let it out slowly, because in the following paragraphs we are going to explain everything related to marijuana and anxiety so that you can gain clarity on something that, at first, can be quite confusing.

How Does Marijuana Interact with Anxiety?

Many of us already know what marijuana is and the effects its use produces. What we mostly do not know is what anxiety exactly is and its relationship with marijuana, mainly THC and CBD, since those are the cannabinoids we currently know the most about regarding their relationship with our nervous system, and what they trigger in our mood.

Many times, cannabis users seek to relax after an intense day by consuming it, in order to slow down from the dizzying pace imposed on us by modern life. That well-deserved joint or dab waiting for us at the end of the workday is, without a doubt, a refuge for a large part of stoners.

That feeling of relaxation when cannabinoids enter the bloodstream is a sign that cannabis has a notable effect on the nervous system. For some, it is pure medicine. For others, it may be like adding fuel to the fire.

Let us take a look at what may explain such a contrasting effect of cannabis for anxiety.

What Is Anxiety?

On Wikipedia, we read that anxiety is a natural defense mechanism of the body against external or internal stimuli that are perceived by the individual as threatening or dangerous, and it is accompanied by an unpleasant feeling or somatic symptoms of tension.

People who experience anxiety may notice physical symptoms, which are described as somatic anxiety, such as an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, vertigo, or sudden pains that seem to come out of nowhere. At the same time, people may also suffer from psychic anxiety, in which, for example, they experience worried thoughts, the feeling that something bad is going to happen, agitation, and even panic states, among other symptoms.

These episodes may last only a few minutes and be spread over time, or they may be more intense, last longer, and happen more often. And the worst part is not only that, since having anxiety attacks can also lead to other complications such as:

• Sleep problems
• Irritability
• Digestive problems and poor overall health
• Isolation
• Lack of focus and concentration
• Depression
• Problems at work or in studies

In short, a poor quality of life.

The Endocannabinoid System and Its Role in Regulating Anxiety

Mammals have an endocannabinoid system located in the brain and nervous system. This system, ECS, is made up of a group of endogenous receptors, meaning they originate internally, that act through a wide variety of processes, regulating bodily functions ranging from mood, appetite, and pain sensation to memory, learning, and sleep. Through these receptors, particularly CB1 receptors, signals are sent to the rest of the body.

The human body has a limited capacity to produce these signals. Cannabinoids from marijuana interact with these receptors, and in turn these receptors interact with neurotransmitters, especially GABA, because of their similarity to anandamide, which is responsible for creating this connection with the receptors. Let us say that anandamide and THC are the key that opens that lock. In the case of CBD, the twin key our body produces would be 2-arachidonoylglycerol, 2-AG.

So, cannabis use would be providing a greater amount of these neurotransmitter compounds, like those the body produces, to regulate states such as sleep, memory, hunger, and so on. That is why they are related to anxiety and to how cannabis affects us in cases of depression and anxiety.

Differences Between THC and CBD: Effects on Anxiety

The main difference between THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) is the psychoactive potential of the former, compared to the complete absence of psychotropic effects in CBD. One gets you high, the other does not.

While CBD has no psychoactive effects and does not produce a noticeable high, it is credited with anti-inflammatory properties and is capable of helping control epilepsy and anxiety attacks, in addition to having neuroprotective properties. For the treatment of anxiety, this is the cannabinoid that interests us most.

On the other hand, THC also has medicinal properties, acting as a relaxant, appetite stimulant, and analgesic, but it is also more likely to generate euphoria, paranoia, and anxiety-related disorders.

Advantages of Using Marijuana for Anxiety

At this point, you have probably already concluded that strains with high THC levels may have a negative effect in cases of anxiety. Ideally, and this is what scientists are currently evaluating, the real potential lies in the possible benefits of using CBD for anxiety.

It is known that marijuana with a higher percentage of CBD helps modulate the negative effects of THC. For this reason, many conversations around cannabis for anxiety focus more on CBD-rich options than on THC-dominant strains.

Reducing Anxiety Through the Use of CBD

There is already clear evidence showing that the use of CBD is beneficial in reducing anxiety states. Scientists are still cautious about recommending its widespread use until more studies confirm its total long-term safety, but so far it seems evident that CBD can be a great help in dealing with anxiety attacks, with very few or no significant drawbacks for the consumer. This is one of the main reasons why interest in cannabis and anxiety relief has grown so much in recent years.

Using Cannabis to Improve Sleep and Reduce Insomnia Associated with Anxiety

Anxiety tends to cause insomnia in the people who suffer from it. The use of marijuana to achieve deep rest may help in many cases, but according to what we currently know, using marijuana that is too high in THC could be counterproductive.

In this case, consuming CBD together with THC could be the key to achieving that much-desired rest, while avoiding a large part of the negative effects associated with the psychoactive component, or even with medications that come with so many side effects. This is another area where the discussion around cannabis for anxiety often overlaps with sleep support and nighttime relaxation.

Relaxing Effects and How They May Help Combat Daily Stress

Without a doubt, the effects of a good joint or a vaporizer load of the best Indica strain at the end of the day have a relaxing effect on the body that is truly effective for slowing things down. Some users consume only at this moment, and it is what has always worked for them. We are not going to recommend that you do it, but denying the evidence would be both foolish and false.

On the other hand, not all consumers are the same, and each person adjusts the dose according to their needs. There is no magic number either. At Sweet Seeds®, we always advocate for responsible use. Less is more.

Disadvantages of Using Marijuana for Anxiety

As you can already tell, the use of marijuana for anxiety depends on factors such as the initial mood, the amount consumed, the type of marijuana, Sativas usually generate more anxiety, while Indicas generally do not, the THC or CBD ratio, and so on.

Risks of Worsening Anxiety with THC-Rich Strains

It is clear that strains that act directly on our psyche, such as THC-rich strains, can strongly influence our mood. If you are going through an anxious and stressful period, it does not seem advisable to overuse this substance.

When someone consumes any mind-altering substance, they should feel fully confident, be in a peaceful state, as calm as possible, and mentally centered. Consuming psychoactive marijuana can be an excellent experience, but it can also make you have a bad time if you are not doing well to begin with.

Possible Side Effects: Paranoia, Panic Attacks, and Others

Cannabis with THC can produce a series of side effects that can sometimes be difficult to manage. Dry mouth, heaviness in the eyes, tiredness, behavioral changes, paranoia, and panic attacks, among others. To prevent this, we advise that if you do consume, you add an extra dose of CBD to the equation, whether through drops, crystals, or CBD-rich flowers.

Look for calm, quiet places, try to have someone with you, and have sugary drinks or something that may help you in case you experience a drop in blood pressure. And above all, remember that sooner or later the effect will pass. Relax and try to enjoy it by focusing on positive thoughts.

Risks of Dependence and How They Can Influence Anxiety

Abuse of any substance leads to the abyss. Eating blueberries may be the healthiest thing in the world but eating 2 kilos every day will give you diarrhea and stomach discomfort. With marijuana, it is the same.

If you are going through a stressful period, it may be a good idea to take a break and resume later, so that you can experience the effects of marijuana again in a more positive and balanced way.

Scientific Evidence on Marijuana and Anxiety

Traditional medicine mainly treats anxiety with anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, or behavioral therapies. Little by little, marijuana has been positioning itself as an option within alternative medicine.

The most complete recent study on the relationship between cannabis and anxiety was carried out in Canada on 12 million people between 2008 and 2019. It suggests that cannabis use, specifically with THC, not only worsened anxiety symptoms, but may also have been responsible for triggering them in some users. It concludes that one third of those who visited emergency services because of cannabis suffered anxiety during the following 3 years.

Studies Supporting the Use of Marijuana for Anxiety

On the other hand, in this other study carried out at the University of Colorado, researchers suggest that after studying 258 patients, who were divided into different groups depending on the percentages and proportions of THC and CBD, THC did not increase anxiety, and that CBD-dominant cannabis forms were associated with an acute reduction in tension that may translate into long-term reductions in anxiety symptoms.

Types of Marijuana Recommended for Anxiety

We are almost at the end, and here is a selection of cannabis strains that could be a good option for anxiety.

High-CBD Strains

At Sweet Seeds® we have a selection of CBD-rich strains, such as Sweet Pure CBD® (SWS65), which has a THC:CBD ratio of 1:15-1:20, with THC levels between 0.4-1% and CBD levels ranging from 8-15%. This strain has no psychoactive effect.

On the other hand, Honey Peach Auto CBD® (SWS64) is rich in CBD, with a THC:CBD ratio between 1:1 and 1:1.5. Its total THC percentage is around 6-9%, while it contains 7-12% CBD. Although this strain contains a higher THC level, it is moderated by the high percentage of cannabidiol, offering the user mild and moderate psychoactive effects. It is ideal for those who are not looking for a strong experience but still want to enjoy all the cannabinoids.

For many people exploring cannabis for anxiety, these CBD-rich options may be the most sensible starting point.

Low-THC Strains

Marijuana strains with low THC content are less likely to cause side effects. Within our catalog you can find the CBD options mentioned above, with little or no THC, and some others that do not exceed 20% THC, such as Psicodelicia® (SWS07), Red Mandarine F1 Fast Version® (SWS79), or Sweet Skunk Auto® (SWS34).

Balanced Strains: The Best Option?

The best of our strains, offering a balance between THC and CBD and providing the benefits of both without the extremes of either, would be our Cream Caramel CBD® (SWS67).

Find the Best Seeds to Help Calm Anxiety at Sweet Seeds®!

Well, this is where we finish, and we hope we have resolved a large part of your doubts about cannabis and anxiety. For those who have decided to explore the use of marijuana for anxiety, in this final section we invite you to discover the range of quality seeds offered by Sweet Seeds®. Sweet dreams!

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Sweet Seeds S.L. is not responsible for any misuse of the information provided in this article. Growing Cannabis may constitute a criminal offense or administrative infraction; please check the Cannabis legislation applicable in your place of residence. Sweet Seeds S.L. does not, under any circumstances, intend to promote illegal practices.