Cannabis, Stress, and Anxiety
If you experience stress or anxiety, you’ve likely encountered claims about cannabis being beneficial for symptom relief.
A national survey conducted in 2017 with over 9,000 participants in the U.S. revealed that 81 percent believed cannabis has at least one health benefit, with nearly half specifically citing "anxiety, stress, and depression relief."
However, many people also report that cannabis can worsen their anxiety and stress symptoms. So, what’s the truth? Is cannabis a valid treatment for stress and anxiety?
How Can Cannabis Help with Stress and Anxiety?
Many individuals use cannabis to manage anxiety and report several benefits, including:
- Improved sense of calm
- Enhanced relaxation
- Better sleep
Users frequently mention experiencing greater peace of mind and reduced symptoms they once found unbearable. A review published in 2015 supports the idea that CBD may be an effective remedy for anxiety and stress, and there is some evidence that low doses of THC may also be helpful. While it might not be a complete solution, many find that it significantly reduces their overall distress.
How Can Cannabis Negatively Affect Symptoms?
While cannabis appears to help some individuals manage anxiety, it can have the opposite effect on others. Some people notice no effects at all, while others experience worsened symptoms. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, is a significant factor in this. High THC levels are associated with increased anxiety symptoms, such as elevated heart rate and racing thoughts.
Additionally, cannabis may not deliver the same long-term benefits as other anxiety treatments, including therapy or medication. While it can provide temporary relief, it should not be seen as a replacement for long-term treatment options. Like any medicine, cannabis can offer support, but without making lifestyle changes or addressing underlying mental health issues, anxiety is likely to persist if stressors remain unchanged.
Though cannabis might seem like an alternative to avoid the side effects of prescription medications, it comes with its own potential downsides, including:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased sweating
- Racing or looping thoughts
- Problems with concentration or short-term memory
- Irritability or mood changes
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations and other symptoms of psychosis
- Confusion, brain fog, or a "numb" state
- Decreased motivation
- Difficulty sleeping
Tips for Trying Cannabis
If you’re considering trying cannabis to manage anxiety or stress, here are some tips to help reduce the risk of worsening your symptoms:
1. **Choose CBD**: If you’re new to cannabis, start with a product that contains only CBD or has a much higher ratio of CBD to THC. Higher THC levels are often linked to increased anxiety symptoms.
2. **Start Low**: Begin with a small dose and allow sufficient time to feel the effects before taking more.
3. **Be Aware of Interactions**: Cannabis can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking medications for your symptoms.
4. **Inform Your Therapist**: If you are seeing a therapist, let them know you’re considering using cannabis. They may be able to help assess its effectiveness and offer additional guidance.
In summary, cannabis—particularly CBD and low levels of THC—may offer temporary relief for anxiety symptoms. However, it’s essential to remember that cannabis can increase anxiety for some individuals, and reactions to it can vary widely. Always approach with caution, starting with smaller doses.
L
Liz Filmer
