Anxiety and stress are among the most commonly reported mental health issues today. In fact, around 20% of Americans live with an anxiety disorder, and general anxiety affects both women and men. Americans are also sleeping less and reporting higher levels of stress than ever before – nearly half of adults in this country report frequently feeling stressed.
Attempts to mitigate stress and anxiety can be stressful themselves, as many people think prescription medications are the only options for treatment. Pharmaceuticals can be expensive, addictive, difficult to obtain via prescription, and may even cause unpleasant side effects. Fortunately, Mother Nature has already found the solution for many mental health afflictions – cannabis and its plethora of organic compounds.
Cannabis products can offer relief from symptoms of stress and anxiety, a phenomenon we’ve witnessed with many of our neighbors here at Ivy Hall. Best of all, anxiety and stress relief is available at a warm and welcoming alternative to cold, ultra-sterile pharmacies and dispensaries. Our friendly neighborhood boutiques lift spirits, offer premium products, and take pride in concierge-level service.
Learn more about cannabis for stress and anxiety and decide whether your favorite products might help you.
The Science Behind CBD and THC for Stress
Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids, a class of organic chemical compounds derived from the cannabis plant. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive agent in cannabis because it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system – a system of cannabinoid receptors that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and immune response, among other important functions.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating compound that can be found in industrial hemp as well as cannabis raised for recreational purposes. CBD appears to modulate the way THC and other cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system. While CBD, in particular, is praised for its potential to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and reduce stress, many people enjoy THC for its pleasant, relaxing, and euphoric effects that may have the same effect on mental health.
These connections are backed by scientific research. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder recently completed a study that measured the ability of THC and CBD to manage stress and anxiety. The study involved patients with anxiety disorders who were randomly assigned CBD products or THC products to smoke. The results indicated that CBD relieved anxiety for patients in a manner similar to THC. However, some patients noted that an additional benefit of CBD for anxiety and CBD for stress is that it does not cause psychoactive effects, which can be stressful for some inexperienced individuals. It is also important to point out that since it is not psychoactive, there is zero evidence CBD is addictive or poses a public health risk. CBD use is also unlikely to cause significant impairment in daily functioning or workplace performance
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Addressing Stress
Adults rank anxiety as one of the top reasons they seek CBD and THC products. These products can serve as an excellent alternative to prescription medications that can alter brain chemistry, cause chemical dependency, and lead to unpleasant side effects like brain fog.
The key to the stress-relieving properties of THC and CBD lies in the interaction between them and the human endocannabinoid system. Many cannabinoid receptors exist within the areas of the brain that process emotions like stress, fear, and anxiety. Research is currently expanding our understanding of how cannabinoids impact the molecular, cellular, and systematic signals the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and body exchange to control anxiety.
In some people, these chemical messengers fail to work correctly, leading to undesirable feelings of stress and anxiety. By binding with cannabinoid receptors (THC) and modulating the way other chemical messengers bind with receptors (CBD) and other networks, the cannabinoids found in cannabis products can induce feelings of calmness or contentment that lead to oxytocin receptor activation and elevated levels of dopamine.
Common Signs of Stress and Anxiety and Related Health Problems
Are you unsure whether you could benefit from cannabis for stress or anxiety? It’s important to know that the signs and symptoms of chronic stress and anxiety can manifest both physically and mentally.
Mental Symptoms
Mental symptoms of stress and anxiety include constant worrying, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and racing thoughts. Individuals may also experience feelings of apprehension, restlessness, and an inability to relax. Stress and anxiety can manifest as mood swings, agitation, and a sense of impending doom. This may lead to panic attacks and an inability to socialize.
Physical Symptoms
Stress and anxiety can result in a range of physical symptoms as well. These symptoms often include muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue. Stomach pains and sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia) are also common. Overeating and undereating due to stress can cause significant weight loss or weight gain.
In addition, sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeats, and shortness of breath are hallmark symptoms of anxiety attacks.
Other Health-Related Problems
Prolonged stress and anxiety can tax your mental health. For example, prolonged and chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to depression and generalized anxiety disorder by impairing cognitive function, memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities. People who deal with chronic stress are also more likely to turn to substance abuse to cope with their symptoms.
Stress and anxiety can also weaken the immune system, creating or exacerbating health conditions. Other health problems that can result from prolonged chronic stress include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Digestive problems
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Ulcers
What Can Cannabis Be Used to Treat?
Fortunately, cannabis can address a wide range of mental health afflictions and general health issues. Childhood epilepsy syndromes are one famous example. CBD-based Epidiolex is the first federally-approved CBD product and has been cleared by the FDA to treat:
- Anxiety – As mentioned, clinical trials have shown that CBD can reduce anxiety.
- Chronic Pain – CBD appears to reduce pain and inflammation due to arthritis. It can also reduce neuropathic pain.
- Insomnia – People who struggle to sleep and stay asleep report that CBD medications help them rest at night, which may partly be due to CBD’s ability to address anxiety and chronic pain.
- Addiction – People who struggle with addictions can also find relief through CBD use. Even very addictive substances like tobacco and heroin can become less addictive after CBD use.
Fortunately, there is now a range of non-prescription CBD products available at your local Ivy Hall dispensary.
According to the University of Washington, THC also appears to reduce anxiety, especially at lower doses. The study involved participants who underwent a psychosocial stress task. A 7.5 mg dose of THC decreased the duration of anxiety and other negative mental health symptoms.
THC has also been shown to:
- Aid in pain relief
- Reduce nausea and vomiting
- Stimulate appetite
- Reduce muscle spasticity
- Treat glaucoma
- Reduce insomnia
- Limit anxiety
- Treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Benefits of Blending THC and CBD for Stress and Anxiety
Using cannabis for stress and anxiety comes with many benefits – however, everyone is different. For some people, CBD may be better for treating stress and anxiety. For others, THC has the combination of therapeutic benefits and euphoria to serve as stress and anxiety relief. For most, a combination of CBD and THC is ideal.
The Entourage Effect
Much has been made of the entourage effect, the name given to the phenomenon that occurs when the effects of THC, CBD, other cannabinoids, and even terpenes, flavonoids, and other non-cannabinoid chemicals create a unique, healing synergy not observed when the compounds are isolated. Products containing both THC and CBD enable cannabis enthusiasts to achieve personalized dosing and find the right balance of cannabinoids for their unique needs.
Personalized Dosing
Certainly, some people may respond better to a higher proportion of CBD, while others may prefer a higher proportion of THC. By experimenting with different ratios, anyone who suffers from chronic stress and anxiety can customize their dosing. Whether through tinctures, capsules, vape products, concentrates, edibles, or flower, the combination offers a comprehensive approach to managing anxiety and stress, providing relief while promoting overall well-being and mental health.
The Golden Ratio
While many products are available with varying THC and CBD ratios, the “Golden Ratio” is a 1:1 blend of THC and CBD. This ratio is a promising approach to treating stress and anxiety because as the CBD delivers anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, THC provides additional benefits that include relaxation and mood elevation. Combined, many people find that CBD and THC work to amplify the therapeutic effects of both cannabinoids while mitigating side effects.
Mellow the Psychoactive Effects of THC with CBD
At varying ratios, CBD can mellow out the psychoactive effects of THC. This can reduce the likelihood that someone would experience THC-induced paranoia or anxiety. As mentioned, this mechanism also affects the way both compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system, promoting stress relief and relaxation without psychoactive intoxication. In turn, THC appears to enhance the anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects of CBD.
This combination works through multiple mechanisms. Together, these cannabinoids can help improve the regulation of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Both play a critical role in mood regulation. In short, the combination of cannabinoids works together to enhance the therapeutic potential of using cannabis for stress and anxiety.
Other Tips for Reducing Stress and Anxiety
CBD and THC products offer a healthy and safe way to reduce stress and anxiety. Even better – when coupled with other lifestyle choices, you can magnify the beneficial effects of cannabis for anxiety. Any activity or habit that promotes relaxation and enhances your well-being can reduce stress and anxiety.
Exercise
Tai chi, yoga, walking, and biking can improve your overall health, release endorphins, and provide stimulation that promotes a sense of well-being. Exercise can also reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Consider adding exercise along with cannabis to your daily routine.
Mindfulness Through Meditation
Practicing meditation and mindfulness can also be highly effective, especially when combined with a cannabis session. One easy way to start is by using your preferred cannabis product and then focusing attention on your breath and the present moment. This can begin to break the cycle of anxious thoughts. Diaphragmatic breathing or progressive muscle relaxation can also calm the body’s stress response.
Other Lifestyle Changes
Other areas you can address are sleep and alcohol intake. Your favorite cannabis product can help boost sleep and help you replace alcohol in your life. Cutting back on stimulants like caffeine and eating healthier may also help people who feel anxious.
Find Time for Friends and Hobbies
Make time for activities and hobbies that bring joy to your life, and spend time with friends, family, and other loved ones. This is essential for relaxation and self-care. If you need to, seek help from counselors who can offer support. If you feel like you are on the verge of burnout, learn when to tell people no. You do not have to take on more responsibilities than you can comfortably handle. This can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
Cannabis for Stress and Anxiety FAQs:
The science behind cannabis, stress, and anxiety can prove complex. These FAQs can help you find the most important information about how cannabis may improve your stress and anxiety levels.
Are Cannabinoids Addictive?
CBD is widely considered non-habit-forming, meaning there are no harmful effects while you’re using CBD, and there will be no harmful effects if you choose to stop using CBD. Some people report becoming dependent on the feeling they get from THC, but that is unlikely when THC is used in conjunction with CBD to treat anxiety and stress.
Is CBD Beneficial by Itself?
While we at Ivy Hall love the sensory experience created by THC, some people may not enjoy its effects unless in low doses. Fortunately, CBD can be an effective treatment for anxiety and stress even when taken alone. However, you’ll need to find CBD isolate, as broad-spectrum CBD may contain small amounts of THC, and full-spectrum CBD contains slightly larger amounts. If you are looking to enjoy the benefits of CBD, your local Ivy Hall budtenders are here to help.
Are Smokeables or Edibles More Effective?
Smokeables and edibles perform the same function of delivering THC or CBD to the bloodstream and the central nervous system. Which option you choose is purely based on your personal preference. Some people prefer the near-immediate effects of smoking cannabis, while other people prefer the delayed onset and longer activation of edible cannabis. Our edible products come in many fun flavors that are precisely measured so you know exactly which cannabinoids you are ingesting and the associated potency.
What’s the Difference Between Sativa and Indica?
Sativa and Indica cannabis strains are mostly referred to as sativa-forward or indica-forward since most strains today are hybrids. However, they can still deliver unique effects. Indica-forward strains are said to deliver a calming, sedative effect. For people who have difficulty sleeping, this can be a significant benefit. Sativa-forward strains are often recommended for daytime use and can be uplifting. Both have anxiety-relieving properties.
Visit Your Nearest Sensory Dispensary Today
Many Ivy Hall patrons have found considerable relief from stress and anxiety once they begin using CBD and THC products. Here at the sensory dispensary, we offer safe treatment options without the potentially addictive qualities and side effects of prescription drug use. As soon as you enter our welcoming space, you’ll feel at home. We provide creature comforts like fragrant accouterments and decadent treats to enhance your cannabis journey.
Find your local Ivy Hall Dispensary and check out our online menu to see our current product offerings. And, feel free to stop by any time! We’re here to answer any additional questions you have and help you pick the right product for your needs!
Resources:
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Any Anxiety Disorder. NIMH. Retrieved October 5, 2024, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder
- McCarthy, J. (2023, March 29). Americans Are Sleeping Less, Stressed More. Gallup. Retrieved October 5, 2024, from https://news.gallup.com/poll/642704/americans-sleeping-less-stressed.aspx
- Galvin, G. (2024, February 29). Using Marijuana to Ease Stress? Focus on CBD, Not THC. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved October 5, 2024, from https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-02-29/using-marijuana-to-ease-stress-focus-on-cbd-not-thc
- Watson, S. (n.d.). CBD for Depression, Anxiety. WebMD. Retrieved October 5, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/cannabinoids/cbd-depression-anxiety
- Blessing, E.M., Steenkamp, M.M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C.R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
- Grinspoon, P. (2020, August 24). Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t. Harvard Health Blog. Retrieved October 5, 2024, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
- Carlini, B.H., Garrett, S.B., & Carter, G.T. (2017, January). Medicinal Cannabis: A Survey Among Health Care Providers in Washington State. Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute, University of Washington. Retrieved October 5, 2024, from https://adai.uw.edu/pubs/pdf/2017mjanxiety.pdf
