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Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryConditions CategoryConditions CategoryIs Marijuana Good for Treating Your Anxiety?
Table of Contents:OverviewUnderstanding Marijuana’s Physical EffectsFinding a Balance Between Marijuana and AnxietyAnxiety Reducing Effects of Marijuana
Anxiety DisorderRead Time: 5 Minutes
Published On: May 21, 2018
Reviewed On: May 21, 2018
Updated On: November 2, 2023
OverviewThe following is intended for readers 18+I was 18 the first time I smoked weed. Unlike most other pot-smoking 18 year olds, I did it for medicinal purposes — honestly! In fact, I was very anti-weed, and admittedly, judgy towards people who smoked. The year prior, I was the vice president of the Students Against Destructive Decisions club at my school.However, desperate times called for desperate measures. My anxiety was at an all-time high during my freshman year in college. I had trouble adjusting (to say the least). I came home almost every weekend to try to seek solace in my comfort zone. But my stress level was so horrible that even being home couldn’t help.
Overview
The following is intended for readers 18+
I was 18 the first time I smoked weed. Unlike most other pot-smoking 18 year olds, I did it for medicinal purposes — honestly! In fact, I was very anti-weed, and admittedly, judgy towards people who smoked. The year prior, I was the vice president of the Students Against Destructive Decisions club at my school.
However, desperate times called for desperate measures. My anxiety was at an all-time high during my freshman year in college. I had trouble adjusting (to say the least). I came home almost every weekend to try to seek solace in my comfort zone. But my stress level was so horrible that even being home couldn’t help.
I was hanging out with two of my friends who were still in high school, and I was feeling extremely on edge andextremely, extremelynauseous. You see, myanxiety loves to manifest itself physicallythrough my gut. Stress always made me sick to my stomach. Pinching the skin on my thighs, trying not to vomit, I meekly asked in an unrecognizable voice, “Can I have some of that weed?” This wasn’t a destructive decision, right?Right!?They looked at each other in disbelief, laughed, and then handed me a bowl (pipe, for the uninitiated) and lighter — neither of which I knew how to use. I smoked, coughed up a lung, and repeated. Then, at some point… I felt better. It was amiracle.
I was hanging out with two of my friends who were still in high school, and I was feeling extremely on edge andextremely, extremelynauseous. You see, myanxiety loves to manifest itself physicallythrough my gut. Stress always made me sick to my stomach. Pinching the skin on my thighs, trying not to vomit, I meekly asked in an unrecognizable voice, “Can I have some of that weed?” This wasn’t a destructive decision, right?Right!?
They looked at each other in disbelief, laughed, and then handed me a bowl (pipe, for the uninitiated) and lighter — neither of which I knew how to use. I smoked, coughed up a lung, and repeated. Then, at some point… I felt better. It was amiracle.
Understanding Marijuana’s Physical EffectsNow, there are two sides to the story. While marijuana has made me relax, and feel anxiety free many a time, it has also led me to near nervous breakdowns. During those times, my heart raced a million miles an hour, and I was convinced I was peeing my pants (Don’t worry, I 100% wasn’t).It’s not just me, either.Marijuana affects different people differently. And different strains of marijuana can affect the same person differently. At times, the effects of the drug can be rather unpredictable. It’s strange to think that the same drug that can result in a person feeling totally zen can also result in triggering a full blownanxiety attack.So, how does weed work, anyway? There’s a chemical in our brain calledanandamidewhich is pretty structurally similar to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active component in marijuana that gives you a psychoactive “high.” So, when THC enters your body, it sort of recognizes it. The THC attaches to cannabinoid receptors and disrupts “normal” mental function as we know it, resulting in a high. That’s the short version.For many years, people have been using marijuana as analternative treatment for anxiety. Now, as marijuana continues to become legalized for medicinal, and recreational, use in many states, it’s becoming more common to look to weed as an anxiety remedy. While there aren’t a ton of studies concerning marijuana and anxiety, especially long term effects, many people with anxiety are benefiting from marijuana… unless of course they have an adverse reaction like I described before.As for why the drug affects people so differently, there are many factors — many of which are out of our control. There are factors within us that determine how we’ll vibe with weed, such asage, body fat, and genetics. Believe it or not, even growth and harvest conditions of the marijuana plant itself can impact the way it makes us feel.
Understanding Marijuana’s Physical Effects
Now, there are two sides to the story. While marijuana has made me relax, and feel anxiety free many a time, it has also led me to near nervous breakdowns. During those times, my heart raced a million miles an hour, and I was convinced I was peeing my pants (Don’t worry, I 100% wasn’t).It’s not just me, either.Marijuana affects different people differently. And different strains of marijuana can affect the same person differently. At times, the effects of the drug can be rather unpredictable. It’s strange to think that the same drug that can result in a person feeling totally zen can also result in triggering a full blownanxiety attack.
So, how does weed work, anyway? There’s a chemical in our brain calledanandamidewhich is pretty structurally similar to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active component in marijuana that gives you a psychoactive “high.” So, when THC enters your body, it sort of recognizes it. The THC attaches to cannabinoid receptors and disrupts “normal” mental function as we know it, resulting in a high. That’s the short version.
For many years, people have been using marijuana as analternative treatment for anxiety. Now, as marijuana continues to become legalized for medicinal, and recreational, use in many states, it’s becoming more common to look to weed as an anxiety remedy. While there aren’t a ton of studies concerning marijuana and anxiety, especially long term effects, many people with anxiety are benefiting from marijuana… unless of course they have an adverse reaction like I described before.
As for why the drug affects people so differently, there are many factors — many of which are out of our control. There are factors within us that determine how we’ll vibe with weed, such asage, body fat, and genetics. Believe it or not, even growth and harvest conditions of the marijuana plant itself can impact the way it makes us feel.
Finding a Balance Between Marijuana and AnxietyThere are some things wecancontrol when it comes to marijuana usage. While there isn’t enough research in general on the topic, there are some rules of thumb and precautions we can take if using marijuana to help anxiety.Understanding THC, CBD, and Marijuana StrainsWhen purchasing marijuana from a dispensary, you can be sure of the THC content. Labels will let you know exactly how much THC is in those gummies or cookies. When it comes to using marijuana to relax,less is morewhen it comes to THC, especially when starting out.CBD (Cannabidiol), the other active compound found in the plant, is linked to more relaxation. So, for maximum anxiety relief, try strains with lower THC and higher CBD, or both high THC and high CBD (to balance out the THC). There are somestrains known for being beneficial for anxiety, such as Granddaddy Purple. Don’t ask me who comes up with these names…Methods of IngestionTo add onto all the different highs that different strains can produce, the way you consume the drug also makes a big difference. Even when it comes to smoking weed, there’s a few different options, like joints, bongs, or bowls. By smoking the drug, you might feel its effectswithin a minute. If you ingest it in food or “edibles” it can take a half hour or longer to feel any effects.
Finding a Balance Between Marijuana and Anxiety
There are some things wecancontrol when it comes to marijuana usage. While there isn’t enough research in general on the topic, there are some rules of thumb and precautions we can take if using marijuana to help anxiety.
Understanding THC, CBD, and Marijuana Strains
When purchasing marijuana from a dispensary, you can be sure of the THC content. Labels will let you know exactly how much THC is in those gummies or cookies. When it comes to using marijuana to relax,less is morewhen it comes to THC, especially when starting out.
CBD (Cannabidiol), the other active compound found in the plant, is linked to more relaxation. So, for maximum anxiety relief, try strains with lower THC and higher CBD, or both high THC and high CBD (to balance out the THC). There are somestrains known for being beneficial for anxiety, such as Granddaddy Purple. Don’t ask me who comes up with these names…
Methods of Ingestion
To add onto all the different highs that different strains can produce, the way you consume the drug also makes a big difference. Even when it comes to smoking weed, there’s a few different options, like joints, bongs, or bowls. By smoking the drug, you might feel its effectswithin a minute. If you ingest it in food or “edibles” it can take a half hour or longer to feel any effects.
Anxiety Reducing Effects of Marijuana
There has been some promising research surrounding CBD! Inone studywith both human and animal subjects, anxiety was significantly decreased in subjects who received 400 mg of CBD as opposed to a placebo.Another studyshowed the effectiveness of CBD for relieving social anxiety during public speaking.
Marijuana isn’t for everybody, but there’s no denying that at least for some people, marijuana (or some component of it) might be beneficial. If you’ve never tried marijuana or if you’re on the fence about it, it’s nice to know there’s another option out there for you to try.
If you’re in a state where medical and/or recreational marijuana is legal, go ahead and get stoned, but understand that it may heighten your existing anxiety. Hopefully, you’ll simply find yourself a lot less stressed out… and a lot more giggly.
Stefani ParkerContributor
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