Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues faced by millions of people today and a common question asked is “what's the best marijuana for anxiety?”. While scientists have been researching ways to use cannabis to treat this condition, there's still a lot to be learned about which strains are best for treating anxiety. In this article, we'll explore what we currently know about cannabis and anxiety, as well as the pros and cons of using marijuana for this condition.
In particular, we'll look at:
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What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is your body's natural reaction to stress, it's when you feel fear or apprehension of what is about to happen next. For example, the feelings before giving a work presentation may make some people feel nervous or anxious. If these feelings last for longer periods, up to six months, they can really interfere with your life.
Most people feel anxious at some point in their lives, but for some, anxiety is a daily occurrence. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults 1Mental illness in the United States. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders#:~:text=Anxiety%20disorders%20are%20the%20most,develop%20symptoms%20before%20age%2021. age 18 and older, or 18% of the population.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders 2Anxiety Disorders https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, and phobias. Symptoms of anxiety can include:
- feeling nervous, restless, or tense
- having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
- having an increased heart rate
- sweating
- trembling
- feeling weak or tired
- trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
GAD affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment.
Anixety & depression association of america. 3Anixety & depression association of america. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
Scientific Studies Behind Cannabis and Anxiety
Cannabis has long been used to treat anxiety, and recent research has begun to unravel the science behind it. Cannabis contains dozens of active compounds, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD. These cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, memory, and pain perception.
Studies have shown that cannabis can effectively reduce anxiety in both animal and human subjects.
Acute doses of CBD were found to reduce anxiety both in animals and humans, without having an anxiogenic effect at higher doses.
Research Paper: Cannabis, a cause for anxiety? A critical appraisal of the anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties 4Research Paper: Cannabis, a cause for anxiety? A critical appraisal of the anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties https://translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-020-02518-2
In one study, researchers found that CBD significantly reduced anxiety and cognitive impairment in a group of people with social anxiety disorder.
Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is one of the most common anxiety conditions with impairment in social life. In an experiment, patients who received cannabidiol reported significant differences from healthy control from those who received the placebo.
Research Paper: Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients. 5Research Paper: Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/
Another study found that THC was able to reduce stress and improve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A study of how cannabis use impacts the amygdala response of those dealing with trauma related anxiety, such as PTSD.
Research Paper: Cannabinoid modulation of corticolimbic activation to threat in trauma-exposed adults: a preliminary study 6Research Paper: Cannabinoid modulation of corticolimbic activation to threat in trauma-exposed adults: a preliminary study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32162103/
A study has shown that cannabis has the potential to reduce anxiety in threatening situations
Research Paper: Blunted stress reactivity in chronic cannabis users. 7Research Paper: Blunted stress reactivity in chronic cannabis users https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-017-4648-z
While more research is needed to determine the specific effects of different cannabinoids on anxiety, it is clear that cannabis has the potential to be an effective treatment for this condition. If you suffer from anxiety, talk to your doctor about whether cannabis might be right for you.
Different Types of Cannabis, and Their Effects on Anxiety
When it comes to cannabis and anxiety, there are different strains that can produce different effects. For example:
- indica strains are known for their relaxing properties
- sativa strains are known for providing more of a psychoactive high.
- hybrid strains can offer the best of both worlds, depending on the ratio of indica to sativa.
However, it's important to remember that everyone reacts to cannabis differently, so it's important to experiment with different strains to see what works best for you.
Cannabis also contains different compounds that can produce different effects. THC is the main compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD is known for its calming properties. Some people find that a strain with a high THC to CBD ratio helps them feel more relaxed, while others find that a strain with a lower THC to CBD ratio provides more relief from anxiety.
Again, it's important to experiment with different strains and ratios to see what works best for you. You may also want to try using CBD oil or other CBD products if you're looking for something that will help reduce your anxiety without causing any psychoactive effects.
Pros and Cons of Using Cannabis for Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, genetics, and brain chemistry. When anxiety becomes severe, it can interfere with daily life and make it difficult to function. Some people turn to cannabis as a way to cope with their anxiety.
Cannabis has been shown to have both positive and negative effects on anxiety.
The best way to determine if cannabis is right for you is to speak with a medical professional who can assess your individual situation and recommend the best course of treatment. If you do decide to use cannabis for anxiety, be sure to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed.
Strains of Marijuana That Are Best For Anxiety Relief
There are many strains of marijuana that are effective for anxiety relief. However, some strains are more effective than others.
Indica strains are generally more effective for anxiety relief than sativa strains. This is because indica strains tend to be more relaxing and sedating, which can help to calm and ease anxiety.
Some of the best indica strains for anxiety relief include:
Sativa strains can also be effective for anxiety relief, but they tend to be less so than indica strains. This is because sativa strains tend to be more energizing and uplifting, which can actually worsen anxiety in some people.
Some of the best sativa strains for anxiety relief include:
If you're not sure which strain is best for you, it's always a good idea to ask your dispensary budtender or doctor for advice.
Alternatives to Treating Anxiety with Cannabis
Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that can have a debilitating effect on a person's quality of life. While there are many effective treatments available, some people may prefer to try alternative therapies, such as cannabis.
Cannabis has been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical conditions, including anxiety. In recent years, more and more people are turning to cannabis as a natural treatment for their anxiety.
While there is some evidence to suggest that cannabis can be effective in treating anxiety, it is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to the drug. What works for one person may not work for another. It is also important to be aware of the potential side effects of using cannabis, such as paranoia and anxiety.
If you are considering using cannabis to treat your anxiety, it is important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of using cannabis and decide if it is right for you.
The Best Marijuana for Anxiety: The Bottom Line
Cannabis has become increasingly popular for its potential to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. While there is still much research needed to understand exactly how cannabis works in reducing anxiety, we now have a better understanding of the science behind this phenomenon. It seems that different strains and types of cannabis can be used to target specific areas of anxiety, making it easier to find one that works best for you. With this knowledge, you can take a more informed approach when selecting marijuana for your own needs so that you can get the most out of its therapeutic effects.
Sources and References
- 1Mental illness in the United States. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders#:~:text=Anxiety%20disorders%20are%20the%20most,develop%20symptoms%20before%20age%2021.
- 2Anxiety Disorders https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
- 3Anixety & depression association of america. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
- 4Research Paper: Cannabis, a cause for anxiety? A critical appraisal of the anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties https://translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-020-02518-2
- 5Research Paper: Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/
- 6Research Paper: Cannabinoid modulation of corticolimbic activation to threat in trauma-exposed adults: a preliminary study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32162103/
- 7Research Paper: Blunted stress reactivity in chronic cannabis users https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-017-4648-z
