Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It is a feeling of fear or apprehension about what lies ahead. The first day of school, a job interview, or giving a speech can cause most people to feel afraid and nervous.
But if your feelings of anxiety are extreme, last for more than six months, and interfere with your life, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
It’s normal to feel anxious about moving to a new place, starting a new job, or taking an exam. This kind of anxiety is unpleasant, but it can motivate you to work harder and do better. Everyday anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes, but it doesn’t interfere with your daily life.
In the case of an anxiety disorder, the feeling of fear can be with you all the time. It is intense and sometimes debilitating.
This type of anxiety can prevent you from doing the things you enjoy. In extreme cases, it can prevent you from getting into an elevator, crossing the street, or even leaving your home. If left untreated, the anxiety will only get worse.
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of emotional disorder and can affect anyone at any age. Accordingto theAmerican Psychiatric Association, women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
The Role of CBD in Anxiety
People have been using cannabis to relieve stress and anxiety for centuries. The cannabis plant is mentioned in ancient pharmacopoeias as well as in numerous sacred texts for its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.
Recent studies have provided a better understanding of the mechanism of action underlying the deeply relaxing effects of this plant.
For example, it has been shown that THC can reduce anxiety and stress at low to moderate doses, especially when combined with at least 1% CBD. The THC can not only reduce feelings of anxiety but also has a calming effect on the body. However, high doses of THC taken without considering a person’s tolerance to this compound can backfire and worsen feelings of anxiety.
Recent studies have shown that another cannabinoid, CBD, may also offer significant benefits for people suffering from panic attacks. A study published in *Neurotherapeutics*, a quarterly American medical journal, examined CBD as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. The authors concluded that preclinical trials suggest CBD is effective in reducing stress and anxiety levels.
According to preclinical findings, the CBD has a minimal sedative effect and does not have anxiogenic properties (those that cause anxiety). Furthermore, its safety profile is incomparably better than that of commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications.
CBD Helps Manage Stress
Many people experience various symptoms of stress at some point in their lives. Heart palpitations, sweating, and sleep disturbances are just a few examples. When not properly addressed, the effects can easily become overwhelming in our daily lives—thereby affecting our physical and mental health.
CBD promotes relaxation and helps you let go without affecting your mental state. It also provides a sense of calm by stimulating blood flow to the brain to improve circulation. CBD is an excellent natural alternative for temporary stress relief.
You should also be mindful of your CBD intake. If the product contains too much THC, it will cause stress because the molecule affects your perception. To help manage stress, you should make sure the product contains only low levels of THC.
CBD and Anxiety Attacks
Although research is still ongoing, many people use CBD to help relieve panic attacks and anxiety symptoms. CBD interacts with the body’s natural cannabinoid system, affecting the brain’s regulatory mechanisms responsible for regulating fear.
Unlike anxiety, which builds up gradually, panic attacks tend to occur suddenly. For CBD to help reduce panic, it must therefore take effect immediately.
If you want to try CBD for panic attacks, you need to find the method that provides the fastest results:
- CBD oil can take up to half an hour to take effect, and by then, the panic attack may be over.
- Gum is convenient to carry around and pop in your mouth as soon as you feel a panic attack coming on, but it doesn’t work as quickly as the spray.
- CBD e-liquid is known to enter the bloodstream more quickly than other methods of CBD administration. It’s probably your best choice.
Can cannabis make anxiety worse? :
While cannabis seems to help some people with anxiety, it has the opposite effect on others. Some people simply don't notice any effect, while others find that their symptoms worsen.
What lies behind this discrepancy?
THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, appears to be a significant factor. High levels of THC have been linked to increased anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate and racing thoughts.
Furthermore, cannabis does not appear to have the same long-term effects as other treatments for anxiety, such as psychotherapy or medication. Using marijuana may provide much-needed temporary relief, but it is not a long-term treatment option.
Tips for Safe Use:
If you're curious about trying marijuana to treat anxiety, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk that it will worsen your anxiety symptoms.
Consider these tips:
- Be careful: Start with a low dose. Give the cannabis to take effect before consuming more.
- Buy cannabis at a dispensary: The trained staff can advise you based on the symptoms you're trying to treat and help you find the right type of cannabis that suits your needs. When you buy from a dispensary, you can also be sure that you’re getting a legitimate product.
- Learn about interactions:Cannabis can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications—including vitamins and supplements—or reduce their effectiveness. It’s best to tell your doctor if you use cannabis. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, you can also talk to a pharmacist.
- Talk to your therapist about it: If you're seeing a therapist, be sure to let them know. They can help you assess how well your treatment is working for your symptoms and offer additional advice.
In summary:
Cannabis—particularly CBD and low levels of THC—may be helpful in temporarily reducing anxiety symptoms.
If you decide to try cannabis, keep in mind that it can increase anxiety in some people. There’s really no way to know how it will affect you until you try it. It’s best to use it with caution and stick to small doses.
It may take some trial and error, but over time, you'll be able to find a treatment that works for you.
