Medical Marijuana and Anxiety
The connection between weed and anxiety is a complicated one. For some, cannabis brings calm and clarity. For others, it might trigger racing thoughts or increased stress. So, does weed cause anxiety, or can it actually help manage it?
At Elevate Holistics, we’re diving into how medical marijuana affects anxiety, who it may benefit, and which strains to avoid if you’re prone to feeling anxious. Whether you’re considering a medical marijuana card or just want to understand the science, we’ve got the facts and the strains you need to know.
Does Weed Cause Anxiety, or Help It?
Over the past few years, the idea that marijuana helps anxiety sufferers has been growing exponentially. As researchers continue to find connections between cannabis’s anti-anxiety properties and our bodies’ endocannabinoid system, it has become more apparent than ever that there is some potential benefit here.
You’ve probably heard that marijuana can relieve anxiety, and for many, it does. However, weed can also cause anxiety, especially in people sensitive to THC or new to cannabis. It all depends on the dosage, strain, and your body chemistry. While cannabis may be beneficial for some with chronic worrying, marijuana may exacerbate the symptoms for others.
Why Does Weed Cause Anxiety for Some?
In general, you must remember that not every person will have the same reaction to cannabis as you do. All of our bodies are different! So, even though medical marijuana for anxiety may work for you, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for everybody. Cannabis contains THC, the psychoactive compound that gets you high. In high doses, THC may trigger anxiety by:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased sweating
- Racing or looping thoughts
- Problems with concentration or short-term memory
- Irritability or other changes in mood
- Paranoia
Research is beginning to discover that cannabis is ideal for anxiety when you enjoy a low-THC high-CBD strain. The high levels of CBD tend to counteract the potentially anxiety-inducing effects of THC, allowing for a calming, more comfortable experience.
The Science Behind Weed and Anxiety
Cannabis interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), the part of your body responsible for regulating stress, mood, and sleep. The ECS responds to cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Here’s how it works:
- CBD (Cannabidiol): Non-psychoactive and calming. Often reduces anxiety without the “high.”
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): Psychoactive. May relieve or worsen anxiety depending on dose and individual tolerance.
Research suggests that low-THC, high-CBD strains are best for anxiety relief, as CBD can counteract THC’s anxiety-inducing effects.
Can You Use Medical Marijuana for Anxiety?
In short: Yes, but not in every state.
Medical marijuana may help manage anxiety in certain people, especially when used in the right form, dose, and strain. It’s not a cure, and it’s not for everyone. But for many patients, cannabis offers natural anxiety relief with fewer side effects than some pharmaceuticals.
The Potential Benefits
As a whole, CBD holds various anti-anxiety properties. Because of this, many consumers choose to consume CBD products to help calm irrational thoughts and combat unnecessary anxiety. The purely therapeutic nature of CBD, without any psychoactivity, can do wonders for those plagued with constant stress and worries.
When consumed, the cannabinoid works to regulate the production of the body’s primary stress hormone, cortisol. Along with this, CBD’s proven beneficial even for symptoms of PTSD. The cannabinoid can help negate nightmares and lower fear and stress response.
Here are some general potential benefits of enjoying medical cannabis for anxiety:
- Improved sense of calm
- Better sleep
- Enhanced relaxation
- Reduces stress
- Reduces physical pain
- Lowers physical tremors
- Temporarily reduce depression
So, can medical marijuana help with anxiety? Definitely. There is significant potential behind cannabis for anxiety, but you have to be careful with doses and strains. Again, high-CBD strains are easily the way to go for a full-body dose of relaxation and stress-free thoughts.
The Best Strains that Help Anxiety
As we mentioned, some strains are better than others when it comes to consuming marijuana to treat anxiety. Typically, you want to strive for a high-CBD strain with more indica-like properties.
For some, sativa strains can actually worsen anxiety because of the intense stimulation they can bring. Thus, heavy indicas and their sedative, calming properties can do wonders for an overactive mind. Here are some of the best marijuana strains for anxiety. These stinky buds are ones you can always turn to when you’re feeling a bit on edge.
Granddaddy Purple
Grandaddy Purple is a classic indica strain that’s sure to hit hard. This heavy indica is THC-dominant, but it contains some of the most calming, sedative terpenes we know of. Thus, the result is lovely for tackling pain, releasing muscle tension, and allowing your mind to float into a much better, calmer space.
But, with how potent this strain is, we’d highly recommend just taking a few tokes to see how your anxiety reacts.
ACDC
No, we’re not talking about the band. The ACDC strain is one of the most famous CBD-dominant strains on the market today. Consumers know ACDC for its highly therapeutic benefits, allowing you to drift into a positive, happy mindset without any worries.
This strain of marijuana helps anxiety lessen, both physical and mental symptoms. The high CBD levels can help reduce full-body pain, and you get just a mild high to keep your brain at ease.
Canna-Tsu
Another popular high-CBD strain is that of Canna-Tsu. This strain has a more balanced THC and CBD profile, but the CBD effects are prominent. When consuming Canna-Tsu, the first thing you’ll notice is the lack of physical anxiety symptoms. Then, the high slowly transforms into a calming, cerebral experience that even the most stressed-out person can enjoy.
Purple Urkle
Finally, you have Purple Urkle. Another indica-dominant strain, Purple Urkle actually has higher levels of THC than CBD. However, the calming terpenes inside allow for a much more relaxing, CBD-like experience. Smoke this strain, and you’ll have absolutely no issue falling asleep — even after the most anxiety-inducing day. Just take a few puffs and let the Purple Urkle wash the discomfort away.
Frequently Asked Questions Surrounding Anxiety & Marijuana
Can You Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Anxiety?
Now that you know how medical marijuana and anxiety work, as well as the best strains for you, let’s talk about medical marijuana cards. Getting a medical marijuana card for a qualifying condition is quite simple. All you have to do is prove that you have this medical condition and that other treatment methods have yet to help. But is anxiety valid? Can you get a medical card for anxiety?
In some states, yes.
While it may not be a qualifying medical condition for every medical marijuana state across the US, some do deem anxiety and medical marijuana a legitimate form of support. But, which states allow MMJ for anxiety?
Which States Allow Medical Marijuana for Anxiety?
Unfortunately, there aren’t many states right now that do consider anxiety a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card. However, there is a good chance that with more research and evidence, this may change in the future. For now, these are the places that allow you to get your MMJ card for your anxiety disorder:
Along with these states, a couple of regions allow medical marijuana cards on a case-by-case basis. Meaning, for some, there is no set list of qualifying conditions; instead, it is up to your doctor to decide if they think you will benefit.
Other states have some qualifying conditions but still may give you a card based on your current condition. In states like these, you might be able to get your medical marijuana card for anxiety if they choose it impacts your daily life. Those places are:
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Anxiety
The relationship between anxiety and medical marijuana can be tricky. However, as we continue to learn more about this relationship and what’s beneficial and what’s not, it becomes more apparent how much potential there is. So, if you’re interested in getting a medical marijuana card for anxiety, we’re here to help make that happen.
At Elevate Holistics, we specialize in setting up hassle-free, effortless appointments with expert cannabis doctors. We conduct all of our appointments online to give you a more comfortable, accessible experience. Even if you aren’t the most technologically savvy, our team makes the process easier than you’ve ever imagined. Or, if you aren’t sure you qualify for MMJ, we’ll steer you in the right direction.
The only thing you have to do is book your appointment, and Elevate will take care of the rest. Soon, you’ll be telling everyone about medical cannabis for anxiety.
Ready to Explore Medical Marijuana for Anxiety?
At Elevate Holistics, we help people just like you navigate the world of cannabis with ease. From understanding strains to securing your medical card, our experts are here to help.
Book your appointment today and take control of your anxiety, naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surrounding Anxiety & Marijuana
Can You Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Anxiety?
Now that you know how medical marijuana and anxiety work, as well as the best strains for you, let’s talk about medical marijuana cards. Getting a medical marijuana card for a qualifying condition is quite simple. All you have to do is prove that you have this medical condition and that other treatment methods have yet to help. But is anxiety valid? Can you get a medical card for anxiety?
In some states, yes.
While it may not be a qualifying medical condition for every medical marijuana state across the US, some do deem anxiety and medical marijuana a legitimate form of support. But, which states allow MMJ for anxiety?
Which States Allow Medical Marijuana for Anxiety?
Unfortunately, there aren’t many states right now that do consider anxiety a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card. However, there is a good chance that with more research and evidence, this may change in the future. For now, these are the places that allow you to get your MMJ card for your anxiety disorder:
Along with these states, a couple of regions allow medical marijuana cards on a case-by-case basis. Meaning, for some, there is no set list of qualifying conditions; instead, it is up to your doctor to decide if they think you will benefit.
Other states have some qualifying conditions but still may give you a card based on your current condition. In states like these, you might be able to get your medical marijuana card for anxiety if they choose it impacts your daily life. Those places are:
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Anxiety
The relationship between anxiety and medical marijuana is a tricky one. However, as we continue to learn more about this relationship and what’s beneficial and what’s not, it becomes more apparent how much potential is there. So, if you’re interested in getting a medical marijuana card for anxiety, we’re here to help make that happen.
At Elevate Holistics, we specialize in setting up hassle-free, effortless appointments with expert cannabis doctors. We conduct all of our appointments online to give you a more comfortable, accessible experience. Even if you aren’t the most technologically savvy, our team makes the process easier than you’ve ever imagined. Or, if you aren’t sure you qualify for MMJ, we’ll steer you in the right direction.
The only thing you have to do is book your appointment, and Elevate will take care of the rest. Soon, you’ll be telling everyone about medical cannabis for anxiety.
