Anxiety is how your body reacts to stressful situations. Many people feel fear, uneasiness, rapid heartbeat, and sweats. It could be a temporary reaction, if you have a test coming up, are dealing with a difficult situation at home, or work. These feelings generally do go away after dealing with your situation. When these feelings do not go away and are no longer temporary; then a more serious problem is at hand. You could be experiencing an Anxiety Disorder, and it could get worse if it is not treated properly.
Can cannabis help?
Cannabis offers hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes. Research has found that these cannabinoids and terpenes work together synchronously, creating an effect which could help ease your anxiety symptoms. The most understood cannabinoids are THC and CBD.
THC
Strains that contain THC will provide psychoactive and euphoric feelings, known as a high. THC binds to CB1 receptors in our brain and can help increase dopamine levels (feel-good hormone). Dopamine is involved in assisting anxiety symptoms. THC strains taken at a therapeutic level can have a calming and relaxing effect.
CBD
Strains that contain CBD have psychoactive effects, but do not provide a euphoric feeling. CBD does not bind to our CB2 receptors, like THC does to CB1. Instead, it floats around the CB2 receptor, and assists with the uptake of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Both neurotransmitters of these neurotransmitters found in our Central Nervous System (CNS) are involved with anxiety and depression. Both neurotransmitters found in the Central Nervous System (CNS) are involved in the feelings of anxiety and depression.
It seems you need a rather high dose of CBD to relieve anxiety symptoms as patients reported anywhere from 50mg-600mg of CBD per dose. It is important to start low and go slow, too quick of an increase can cause undesired effects.
THC: CBD
We like to suggest using a strain with both THC and CBD in it as they both have benefits in treating anxiety, you should look for a strain with lower THC and higher CBD levels in it.
It is very important that you always talk to a health care professional if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, before starting any cannabis therapy. Always start low with your cannabis treatment and work your way up.
If you are looking for cannabinoid support for anxiety, Canada House has a full staff of medical professionals to get you on the right path of treating your condition with cannabis.
Written By: Kerri Charters.
Processing Room, CHC Oromocto.