How Cannabis Helps in Treating Anxiety?
Changes in laws on cannabis cultivation, consumption, and processing have opened an extensive discussion and brought about varied opinions on this plant. What is clear, however, is that cannabis has several benefits for the human body. The few scientific studies evaluating these benefits indicate that, indeed, cannabis can help in treating some conditions.
Since cannabis has long found use with people seeking good times and relaxation, many find it credible in fighting anxiety and stress. Some researchers agree that cannabis significantly reduces levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. In this article, we explore various ways through which cannabis can treat anxiety and some of the essential things you should know about how cannabis works with anxiety.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a state where an individual experience constant and strong feelings of worry, fear, and uncertainty. Several factors, such as work constrain or relationships, can trigger this condition. The most common forms of anxiety include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may also extend to panic disorder and phobias.
There is no direct or single cause of anxiety. What researchers say is that there is a combination of a complex set of risk factors relating to brain chemistry, genetics, personality, and life events. In most cases, the effects of anxiety are manageable through medication.
Cannabis and Anxiety
CBD is the short form of cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is the second most dominant component of cannabis that contains more than 100 compounds. CBD comes from the hemp plant, which has low Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels. As a result, it does not cause any “high” sensation.
Cannabis also contains chemicals that directly interact with receptors and regulators in the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). Here are particular ways in which cannabis helps treat anxiety.
1. Improves Brain Health and Function
CBD, a compound found in cannabis, can help improve the way the brain functions and even improve brain health. One study evaluating the effects of marijuana in patients noted that after three months on medical marijuana, patients performed cognitive tasks better.
Anxiety influences an individual's attention and executive function, which are part of the cognitive functions of the brain. Cannabis also helps to improve memory, verbal learning, and psychomotor speed.
Patients suffering from anxiety often experience challenges that inhibit the proper response to these vital brain functions. By treating these brain challenges, cannabis helps to eliminate anxiety.
Another study reported that one puff of cannabis with a higher content of CBD and lower THC levels delivered optimal results in reducing symptoms of depression. It further observes that two puffs of any cannabis could significantly reduce anxiety, and ten or more puffs, with THC and CBD in an equal ratio, recorded the most significant reduction of stress levels.
2. Regulates Homeostasis
Homeostasis is a state of balanced internal physical and chemical conditions. Anxiety comes about through the overproduction of one or more essential chemicals in the body, such as adrenaline. Cortisol is a chemical produced by the adrenal glands and is specifically responsible for a balanced outward and inward feeling. It helps to regulate your heartbeat, allows the blood vessels to constrict, and helps the muscles to tense while responding to a perceived threat, both real and imagined. All these functions relate to the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Cannabis components such as CBD has properties that alter homeostasis and could thus effectively help to balance the production of cortisol. Maintaining the hormones in a balanced state is very important as it enables the body to function properly. A change in the hormonal balance in human beings has different effects on the body, both positive and negative. Too much production of some chemicals causes a change in health and may interfere with their current and future wellbeing. The use of marijuana in maintaining this balance may thus deliver benefits not only for anxiety patients but also for other conditions as well.
3. Helps in Mind Relaxation
One of the best ways to treat anxiety is to have a relaxed mind and body. High Quality weed seeds can help the mind and body to relax, especially when administered in the right doses. In a study, researchers administered cannabis doses to 42 volunteers aged between 18 to 40. All of them had previous interactions with cannabis, although they were not daily users. Participants took in a dosage of between 7.5mg to 12.5mg, after which they took up a stressful task.
Researchers observed that cannabis administered in low doses significantly reduced the stress associated with the task given. Participants who took in low doses of cannabis were also more relaxed. The combination of marijuana and other techniques for relaxation has also been recommended. The research observes that people who use marijuana, yoga, and meditation report better results in their effort to relax the mind and body.
4. Helps You Sleep Better
Getting sufficient and quality sleep is generally helpful for our health. It helps the brain and muscles to recharge and recover as well as reenergize. Unfortunately, anxiety denies the patient an opportunity to enjoy a sound sleep. Marijuana helps patients get sufficient sleep, which is a vital component in the treatment of anxiety.
In a study involving adult cannabis consumers, 84% said that they found it extremely helpful in promoting good sleep. Out of these, a good number reported stopping the intake of prescription drugs to aid sleep. Overproduction of chemicals that lead to anxiety in humans significantly lowers during periods of quality sleep. Since marijuana is useful in inducing sleep, it essentially translates to reduced levels of anxiety.
5. Regulates Heart Rate
The abnormal increase in heart rate is a common symptom of anxiety. There are several ongoing studies to determine the role of cannabis on lowering heart rate, although there is some evidence that it can lower the risks of paced heart rate. A 2017 research exposed healthy human volunteers to stressful situations before giving them CBD, one of the well-known cannabinoids from marijuana. Dosage of CBD lowered their blood pressure significantly.
Patients suffering from anxiety could benefit from regulated doses of marijuana products in regulation of their heart performance and effectively take care of their condition. Nonetheless, this is an area where research is ongoing. Stress and anxiety are conditions that have negative effects on the functionality of the human brain. Anxiety may even lead to memory loss. Marijuana's intake has a direct impact on the brain, although patients should choose their products carefully. Marijuana may help anxiety patients by delivering wholesome benefits to the brain, thus allowing it to function properly.
Conclusion
There are a lot of changes in the perception and reception of cannabis all over the world. Many governments have also changed their legal standpoint on cannabis, and more products are emerging. Thanks to technology, from quality cannabis seeds to CBD infused edibles, CBD oil and budget buds, and much more is just a click away. To reap in the benefits of high quality CBD products, make sure you buy from getkush.
Ongoing research on cannabis will ultimately help to clarify its usefulness to humanity. This will be a boon to anxiety patients because if it goes untreated, it can lead to further deterioration of an individual's health.
Although cannabis is not the single treatment for anxiety, its role in anxiety management increases hopes as an alternative treatment. What makes it one of the best options is that it doesn't cause any side effects like pharmaceuticals. So, if you are suffering from anxiety, then you should consider trying cannabis as it might help to alleviate your condition.