*Not all states recognize anxiety and depression as eligibility requirements. Please check your state regulations.
Living with a mental illness is not easy, and without the right treatment, daily life can seem like an uphill struggle. One thing is for sure, if you're struggling with a mental health issue like anxiety or depression, you're not alone: the most common anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), affects everyone3% of Americansannually while around7% of Americansexperience one or more major depressive episodes each year.
Because mental disorders vary in severity and symptoms, they can be difficult to treat. One of the many options emerging as a possible treatment for anxiety and depression is medical marijuana. Research on its effectiveness is limited, but we've put together all the existing information you might want to know before using cannabis for your mental health. Note: It's important to discuss medical marijuana use with your doctor to understand how it may interfere with your other medications.
what is fear
Many people experience some form of anxiety: they may be afraid of a major life change, such as B. a move or before the role in a play. Healthy anxiety is manageable, it comes and goes throughout daily life; However, in people with an anxiety disorder, feelings of anxiety can be constant, intense, or even debilitating. There are many types of anxiety, and like depression, people with anxiety disorders can have a wide range of experiences. Some common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) include:
- Issue
- Difficult to focus
- Feelings of worry, fear, or anxiety.
- sleep disorders
- increase in heart rate
- Rapid breathing
What is depression?
Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that causes intense sadness and a lack of interest in life and activities you once enjoyed. Those suffering from depression may have feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness and may have difficulty coping with everyday life at home and work. Because everyone experiences depression differently, symptoms vary but may include:
- General loss of pleasure in many activities.
- Sadness or generally depressed mood
- changes in appetite
- Too much sleep or insomnia
- tiredness or lack of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
- Slow movement or speech
- thoughts of death or suicide.
If you are concerned and thinking about harming yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Common Treatments For Anxiety And Depression:
When it comes to anxiety and depression, treatment is specific to each person and their unique symptoms. Both are usually treated with a combination ofpsychotherapy and medicationlike antidepressants. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet can also help. Additionally, many people have found medical marijuana to be beneficial for anxiety and depression. Here's everything you need to know.
How marijuana helps relieve anxiety
In addition to more traditional treatments, research now shows that medical marijuana can be beneficial for people with anxiety disorders. The main ingredient in cannabis that helps reduce anxiety is the compound cannabidiol, or CBD. Unlike the more well-known compound tetrahydrocannabinol,THC, responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana use, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. Both compounds are believed to work through binding to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
after a2017 review of the potential benefits of CBDFor panic disorder, people who took 300 milligrams of CBD after a simulated public speaking test experienced a noticeable decrease in anxiety levels. Also oneStudies 2019found that 300–600 mg of CBD significantly reduced anxiety in 57 adult men.
How to use marijuana to control anxiety
Especially if you're new to the world of cannabis, it's important to start small to determine your sensitivity and find the dosage and strains that work for you. While lower doses can relieve anxiety, too much cannabis (especially higher THC levels) could make symptoms worse. Start with a low dose and increase if necessary. Cannabis with lower THC levels is recommended for anxiety.
shows vs. sativa:Dispensaries often classify cannabis strains as "Indica" or "Sativa". Indica strains tend to have lower THC levels and are known to have a relaxing effect on the body, while sativa strains have higher THC levels and have a more energizing effect. When using medical marijuana strains for anxiety disorders, it is more important to choose a lower THC concentration than to focus on the indica/sativa distinction. Higher THC doses should be avoided as they could increase your anxiety.
The Best Marijuana Strains for Anxiety
There are many strains of medical marijuana that can help with anxiety. Here are some that are highly recommended:
- Lila Opa
- AC / DC
- Cannatonisch
- Jack Herer
- Canna-Tsu
- Pennyweise
- Northern lights
- Harlequin
How Marijuana Helps Relieve Depression
Information on how cannabis use affects depression is limited, but with every new study we learn a little bit more. Basically it is assumedStress disrupts endocannabinoid production— or chemicals that affect our emotions, behavior, and more — and a deficiency in these chemicals can cause depression. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC are thought to interact with endocannabinoid receptors, helping to restore the endocannabinoid system and alleviate symptoms of depression.
It's important to note that while medical marijuana may be helpful for immediate or short-term relief from these symptoms, it is not recommended as a long-term primary treatment for depression. However, as a mood enhancer, it could be useful to complement your regular treatment (as mentioned above, patients should discuss cannabis use with their doctor first).
Animal studies have shown that THC can stimulate serotonin production, which improves mood, but high doses of the compound can worsen depressive symptoms. Non-psychoactive CBD is also known to reduce stress and improve mood, so strains higher in CBD can be a useful option for those looking to relieve depression.
How to use marijuana to control depression
Since higher THC doses could make symptoms worse, people struggling with depression should look for strains with lower THC levels. Try a low-dose CBD strain to start with, and only use it when needed. Again, occasional use of medical marijuana can be helpful, but should not be your main form of treatment.
Each strain has a different chemical composition and will therefore have slightly different effects. Terpenes, which impart distinctive flavors and aromas to cannabis, are also known to have beneficial stress-relieving properties, and each strain has its own unique terpene profile. Don't be afraid to try a few different ones to see what works for you!
The best marijuana strains for depression
Finding the right medical marijuana strain can take a little trial and error when it comes to determining what helps your specific symptoms. Here are just a few of the strains that others have found beneficial for depression:
- blue dream
- fast pineapple
- Harlequin
- Girl Scout Cookies
- XJ-13
- Tsunami-Amargo
- Jack Herer
- Mora Kush
- Lila Opa
Legality of Medical Marijuana
Not all states where medical marijuana is legal list anxiety and depressive disorders as approved uses. First, check your state's regulations to see if you can get a medical marijuana card for these symptoms (you can browse Leafly'shelpful government guide). ToContact Canna Care Docswhen you are ready to take the next step; We'll give you the information you need and help you get started with your medicinal cannabis use!
Medical cannabis has not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety or depression. For more information on federal cannabis research and drug approvals, visitfda-Website.
*Not all states recognize anxiety and depression as qualifying conditions. Please check your state regulations.
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