Effects of Medicinal Marijuana on Anxiety Disorders

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A recent study conducted by Washington State University scientists found that the symptoms of certain psychological disorders could be reduced by smoking medicinally-prescribed cannabis. The highlights of the study showed that:

  • Cannabis significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and stress
  • Women felt a larger reduction in anxiety than men did after smoking cannabis
  • High CBD / Low THC cannabis was effective for reducing symptoms of depression
  • High CBD / High THC cannabis was effective for reducing symptoms of stress

After pain relief, the second primary reason for smoking cannabis was to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Generalized anxiety is characterized by extreme apprehension and uneasiness paired with certain physical symptoms such as increased sweating, rapid breathing, and rapid heartbeat. In addition to general anxiety, cannabis has also been found to be effective for treating OCD, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder.

While lower doses of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) seem to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of anxiety, evidence has shown that the opposite is true when higher doses have been consumed. Consequently, understanding the variables involved in increasing or reducing the symptoms of anxiety is paramount during the treatment of the disorder. These can vary from the chemistry and dosage, the setting where the herb is consumed, and the user’s state of mind at the time of ingestion.

However, when using CBD with or without THC, it often curbs or settles any jitters or nervousness about the use of THC while at the same time reducing the risk of anxiety overall. The system that CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) directly interact with, or the ECS (endocannabinoid system), is thought to be helpful in the regulation of anxiety. The endocannabinoid system is found throughout the amygdala and hippocampus (areas of the brain that are directly tied to anxiety disorders) as well as the central nervous system.

Furthermore, the terpenes (aromatic compounds found in cannabis) have been shown to boost dopamine (a neurotransmitter) and serotonin (a hormone) levels, which act as anti-depressants and calming agents. When using cannabis to relieve the symptoms of anxiety it’s best to ingest 4 to 10 mg of CBD or 1 to 3 mg of THC. While higher amounts of THC have the tendency to cause more intense psych activity, CBD can be tolerated in higher doses. Consequently, when it comes to the different areas or levels of anxiety, different treatment approaches and suggestions may be recommended.

Want to learn more about the use of cannabis for certain mental disorders, contact Tank Glass for their recommendations. Browse our website for a large array of different designs and styles of beakers and bongs for a smooth smoking experience.

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