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The difference between THC and CBD and why one might be more helpful then the other and the differences between the two and what it is they effect.

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SOURCES:

National Cancer Institute: "Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ) -- Patient Version."

Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience: "Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health."

Echo Connection: "4 Differences Between CBD and THC," "What Are the Differences Between CBD and THC?"

American Council on Science and Health: "CBD And THC - The Only Difference Is One Chemical Bond."

Harvard Health Publishing: "Answers to the top questions about cannabis extract," "Medical marijuana."

FDA: "FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy."

U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov: "CBD."

UW Health: "Do You Vomit When You Smoke Pot? Here's Why."

Alcohol and Drug Foundation: "Medical cannabis."

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: "Marijuana and Cannabinoids."

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SOURCES: National Cancer Institute: "Cannabis and Cannabinoids (PDQ) -- Patient Version." Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience: "Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health." Echo Connection: "4 Differences Between CBD and THC," "What Are the Differences Between CBD and THC?" American Council on Science and Health: "CBD And THC - The Only Difference Is One Chemical Bond."

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A very detailed and well researched look into the different kinds of strands of marijuana including CBD

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Facts v. Fiction: What the research says

What is cannabis (marijuana)?

What are common misconceptions?

Yes - cannabis can be an effective anxiety treatment - but the opposite is also true

Participate in a clinical trial about cannabis

Proceed "with caution" and keep these considerations in mind

With the growing legalization of medical cannabis throughout the United States, researchers are often tasked with answering the question of whether cannabis can be useful in alleviating conditions like anxiety-related disorders. Typically, cannabis use will likely worsen anxiety symptoms and interfere with evidence-based treatments, such as exposure therapy. However, preliminary research may suggest some positive benefits. For novice users looking to medical cannabis as an alternative method for anxiety reduction, using CBD is often a recommended starting point, so long as it is managed under the care of both a medical provider and mental health professional.
The rise of medical cannabis in the United States has left many wondering whether jumping on the cannabis bandwagon is right for them. Often portrayed as a user-friendly substance that can help "mellow out" our responses to everyday life stressors, using medical cannabis for anxiety symptoms and disorders has been of interest to those seeking alternative treatment methods. Considering its controversial history, inconsistent research findings, and the current federal regulations around cannabis in the United States, answering the question, "will medical cannabis treat my anxiety?" is not so simple. Let's explore the science behind cannabis, cannabis use, and the legal ramifications to getting a bit closer to answering the question "should I start using cannabis?

What is cannabis?

Cannabis, sometimes referred to as "marijuana," is made up cannabinoids, which are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabinoids act on cannabinoid receptors in the brain that make up the endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in a host of bodily processes, including memory, perception of pain, mood, and appetite ¹. The two most commonly known and studied cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), with the former being the principal psychoactive component of cannabis and the latter being a non-intoxicating compound 2,3.

As a plant, cannabis can be manipulated to exhibit certain characteristics in the form of varying "strains", including the two most polarized: sativa and indica. Sativa strains of cannabis have higher levels of psychoactive THC and lower levels of non-intoxicating CBD, while indica strains are the more "mellow" of the two with lower levels of THC and higher levels of CBD. However, strains are often blended to allow for more varied cannabis effects, while ingestion types and dosage also vary, making the consumption of cannabis a multifaceted practice ⁴.

Cannabis - Fact v. Fiction

Given its tumultuous history and inaccurate and exaggerated portrayals in films and media, particularly as a result of the ongoing "War on Drugs" implemented by former president Richard Nixon in the 1970s, many misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and misrepresentations exist around cannabis and its effects. Some of the more common being:

Cannabis is a harmful drug that can lead to significant memory loss, lung disease, psychosis and/or death

Cannabis is a "gateway" drug and leads to more severe substance use

Cannabis is a highly addictive drug that is abused by many

In contrast, it is not uncommon for the benefits of cannabis use to be overstated by supporters, which can be misleading to those looking for alternative methods to alleviate difficulties with mood and anxiety. Recent surveys of the general population show that anxiety management is the second most endorsed reason for medical cannabis use ⁵. Reports such as these suggest that those struggling with anxiety may be reaching for cannabis to treat their symptoms, which underscores the importance of reviewing the objective findings available on this topic. Common misconceptions among those in favor of cannabis use include:

There is conclusive evidence that cannabis can treat anxiety

There are minimal negative side effects of cannabis

Cannabis is safe for long-term use

What does the research say?

THC in cannabis has been shown to be more anxiety-inducing, while CBD has shown to be more anxiety-reducing

For chronic recreational users, cannabis use can lead to significant health risks, as well as increased anxiety particularly during withdrawal

Individuals suffering from PTSD or chronic pain have reported a reduction of anxiety-related symptoms when using cannabis medically

Small sample sizes and significant limitations in the research make it difficult to conclusively state the benefits of cannabis use in treating anxiety

Debunking some common myths, research on the risks of cannabis use has not shown a direct causal link between cannabis use and psychosis or death. Additionally, while cannabis is the most widely-used illicit drug and accompanies the use of other substances, determining its capacity as a "gateway" drug to more harmful psychoactive drugs has mixed findings ⁶. However, a systematic review of research suggests that high doses of cannabis use can lead to addiction, psychosis-related health disorders in predisposed individuals, impaired cognition, and overall adverse effects on health outcomes and quality of life in long-term recreational users ². Such patterns of use have also been linked to cannabis use disorder (CUD) and cannabis withdrawal syndrome, which are characterized by a host of symptoms including irritability and anxiety 7,8. In contrast, a meta-analysis of 23 randomized control trials found no evidence of higher adverse outcomes when patients were prescribed medical cannabis ⁹. In fact, a study of 244 medical cannabis patients with chronic pain found that patients experienced a 64% decrease in opiate use, decreased amount and intensity of side effects of adjunct medications, and improved quality of life ¹⁰.
Do you have Cannabis Use Disorder?
Although some positive outcomes have been shown in those using cannabis for medical purposes, an analysis of the therapeutic utility of cannabis for treating anxiety symptoms has proven much more challenging. For example, we know that cannabis can have both anxiety-inducing and anxiety-reducing properties:

THC shows a greater tendency toward anxiety-induction.

CBD shows slight anxiety-reduction properties.

Specifically, THC has been shown to increase anxiety in animal studies 11,12 while CBD has demonstrated decreased anxiety in similar studies as well as in the treatment of anxiety caused by high levels of THC 13,14. Similar opposing effects of CBD and THC were found in a neural activation study of 15 healthy men ¹⁵. Despite these findings, sweeping conclusions remain unclear, making it difficult to parse out how different strains of cannabis use effect and interact with anxiety.

Although research has linked increased risk of panic attacks and panic disorder to cannabis use in some 16,17, encouraging findings point to cannabis use as possibly alleviating anxiety in others, particularly through the use of CBD. For example, a double-blind randomized design study of 24 people with social anxiety disorder found that one 600 mg dose of CBD reduced performance anxiety and cognitive impairment in a speech performance ¹⁸. A promising 2015 literature review showed that there is evidence that CBD is not only useful in social anxiety disorder, but in generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder ¹⁹. A 2019 study found anxiety scores decreased with CBD over a month in 72 patients with anxiety and sleep concerns ²⁰. Another study from 2019 found perceived symptom improvement in 888 Canadian users of medical cannabis ²¹ In Washington, over 11,000 sessions recorded using the app StrainprintTM (which provides users of medical cannabis a way to track changes in symptoms) demonstrated a 50% reduction in depression and a 58% reduction in anxiety and stress following cannabis use with high CBD/low THC levels ²². However, other studies have shown that individuals with social anxiety are more likely to abuse marijuana and that these individuals are more likely to experiences problems related to their cannabis use ¹⁹. Additionally, a 2017 meta-analysis found no relevant association between cannabis use and anxiety symptoms in a general population sample ²³.

Results from studies investigating the administration of a synthetic form of cannabis (Nabilone) found a reduction of treatment-resistant nightmares in 72% of 47 patients with PTSD ²⁴. Nabilone has been demonstrated to have similar anxiety reduction in other anxiety disorders as well ²⁵. Furthermore, a systematic review of cannabis use in individuals diagnosed with PTSD found evidence of reduced restlessness, irritability, and sleep difficulties as well as reports of greater emotion regulation, reduced feelings of anxiety, and improved functioning overall ²⁶.

Other related articles about cannabis that you might find interesting:

Legal regulations for medical cannabis

Once a well-established and widespread treatment modality, the federal government began placing sanctions on the sale and cultivation of cannabis in 1937, with concerns about its psychoactive effects leading to its prohibition and classification as a Schedule I controlled substance in 1970 ². Today, cannabis containing THC continues to be considered a prohibited substance under federal law, however, state legislators have found loopholes in the governing of cannabis use for both medical and recreational use. Beginning with California's "Compassionate Use Act" (Prop 215) in 1996, today only four states - Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota - have opted to not follow on the lingering smoke trail that is the legalization of cannabis in some capacity. Thirty-two states, along with Washington D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have departed from the federal government to impose their own individual laws and restrictions around the sale and use of medical cannabis, but the conditions for which medical treatment is approved varies from state to state ²⁷.

Most commonly used as an analgesic, appetite stimulant, and for controlling nausea and vomiting, medical cannabis is primarily recommended for individuals battling chronic conditions. The most common across states being cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, anorexia and wasting syndrome, seizure disorders (e.g., epilepsy), skeletal muscle spasms (e.g., multiple sclerosis), and post-traumatic stress disorder. Anxiety, in particular, is only explicitly named by New Jersey and West Virginia as a symptom or disorder to be treated by medical cannabis; however, many states have an "other" option for which physicians could determine anxiety as a qualifying condition ²⁷.

Given the disagreement in regulations between federal and state governments around the sale and use of medical cannabis, particularly THC-laden cannabis, there exists technicalities around what is and is not prohibited. For example, it is illegal for physicians to "prescribe" medical cannabis to patients under federal law and are only allowed to certify or recommend medical cannabis treatment for patients with state-approved medical conditions. In addition, reimbursement is not permitted by either federal or private health insurance companies for alternative methods, like medical cannabis, therefore those recommended for such therapies are required to pay in full for their treatment ²⁷.

Clinical Trials

Below are current trials investigating the effects of cannabis use on anxiety. See the link for more information.

Conclusion & Recommendations

Given federal regulations of cannabis in the United States, along with the recent boom of the medical cannabis industry, research on its effects are considered to still be in its infancy and unable to keep up with the demands of those seeking alternative therapeutic treatments. With the complexity of both symptomatology of anxiety and the effects of cannabis use, answering the question of whether medical cannabis is a safe and effective method of treating anxiety is a difficult task. More rigorous and controlled research is needed to provide more conclusive answers, so for now, the response to those exploring the options of medical cannabis treatment for anxiety symptom is to "proceed with caution!"

If you are experiencing anxiety that is impairing your daily life, we strongly urge you to reach out to a mental health professional specializing in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders so they may accurately diagnosis your anxiety difficulties and discuss evidenced-based treatments best suited for you. Currently, cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective and first-line treatment for most anxiety-related problems, and it comes without the possible cost of side effects. Using cannabis or other substances to manage anxiety without the care of a doctor or experienced professional will typically interfere with therapeutic interventions and likely worsen your symptoms in the long run. However, if you are considering using cannabis to alleviate your anxiety, the picture is complex and its usefulness may depend on the chronicity and severity of your anxiety, as well as your history with cannabis use, other substance use, and psychiatric illnesses.

All things considered, the following recommendations should be kept in mind for those interested in pursuing medical cannabis treatment:

Do not rely on cannabis as either a sole or long-term treatment modality

If you have not done so already, seek counseling from a mental health professional to support you in your treatment journey

Speak with your medical provider about both past and present psychological and physiological symptoms for a more comprehensive understanding of whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you

Know that it is not a one-size-fits-all treatment and be mindful that this treatment is not right for everyone

Recommended Resources

1. http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx

2. https://medicalmarijuanapa.net/resources-medical-marijuana-pennsylvania/

3. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-medicine

4. https://www.drugs.com/illicit/marijuana.html

5. https://norml.org/marijuana/medical

Sources

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2. Bridgeman MB, Abazia DT. Medicinal Cannabis: History, Pharmacology, And Implications for the Acute Care Setting. P T. 2017;42(3):180-188. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28250701.

3. Fasinu PS, Phillips S, ElSohly MA, Walker LA. Current Status and Prospects for Cannabidiol Preparations as New Therapeutic Agents. Pharmacotherapy. 2016;36(7):781-796. doi:10.1002/phar.1780

4. Rahn B. Why Does Cannabis Cause Paranoia in Some But Helps Anxiety in Others? Leafly. https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/why-does-cannabis-cause-paranoia-and-anxiety. Published 2015.

5. Sexton M, Cuttler C, Finnell JS, Mischley LK. A Cross-Sectional Survey of Medical Cannabis Users: Patterns of Use and Perceived Efficacy. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2016;1(1):131-138. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0007

6. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press; 2017. doi:10.17226/24625

7. M. H. The marijuana withdrawal syndrome: Diagnosis and treatment. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2005.

8. Copersino ML, Boyd SJ, Tashkin DP, et al. Cannabis withdrawal among non-treatment-seeking adult cannabis users. Am J Addict. 2006. doi:10.1080/10550490500418997

9. Wang T, Collet JP, Shapiro S, Ware MA. Adverse effects of medical cannabinoids: A systematic review. CMAJ. 2008;178(13):1669-1678. doi:10.1503/cmaj.071178

10. Boehnke KF, Litinas E, Clauw DJ. Medical Cannabis Use Is Associated with Decreased Opiate Medication Use in a Retrospective Cross-Sectional Survey of Patients with Chronic Pain. J Pain. 2016. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2016.03.002

11. Moreira FA, Lutz B. The endocannabinoid system: Emotion, learning and addiction. Addict Biol. 2008. doi:10.1111/j.1369-1600.2008.00104.x

12. Onaivi ES, Green MR, Martin BR. Pharmacological characterization of cannabinoids in the elevated plus maze. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1990.

13. Moreira FA, Aguiar DC, Guimarães FS. Anxiolytic-like effect of cannabidiol in the rat Vogel conflict test. Prog Neuro-Psychopharmacology Biol Psychiatry. 2006. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2006.06.004

14. Vann RE, Gamage TF, Warner JA, et al. Divergent effects of cannabidiol on the discriminative stimulus and place conditioning effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2008. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2007.11.017

15. Fusar-Poli P, Crippa J, Bhattacharyya S, et al. Distinct effects of A9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on neural activation during emotional processing. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2009. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2008.519

16. Zvolensky MJ, Lewinsohn P, Bernstein A, et al. Prospective associations between cannabis use, abuse, and dependence and panic attacks and disorder. J Psychiatr Res. 2008. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2007.10.012

17. Zvolensky MJ, Bernstein A, Sachs-Ericsson N, Schmidt NB, Buckner JD, Bonn-Miller MO. Lifetime associations between cannabis, use, abuse, and dependence and panic attacks in a representative sample. J Psychiatr Res. 2006. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2005.09.005

18. Bergamaschi MM, Queiroz RHC, Chagas MHN, et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-nave social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011. doi:10.1038/npp.2011.6

19. Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1

20. Shannon S. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Perm J. 2019. doi:10.7812/tpp/18-041

21. Turna J, Simpson W, Patterson B, Lucas P, Van Ameringen M. Cannabis use behaviors and prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in a cohort of Canadian medicinal cannabis users. J Psychiatr Res. 2019. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.01.024

22. Cuttler C, Spradlin A, McLaughlin RJ. A naturalistic examination of the perceived effects of cannabis on negative affect. J Affect Disord. 2018. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.054

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26. Walsh Z, Gonzalez R, Crosby K, S. Thiessen M, Carroll C, Bonn-Miller MO. Medical cannabis and mental health: A guided systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev. 2017;51:15-29. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2016.10.002

27. State Medical Marijuana Laws. National Conference of State Legislatures. http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx. Published 2019. Accessed August 2, 2019.

Date of original publication: September 03, 2019

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Cannabis, Marijuana, CBD And Anxiety - What You Need To Know

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What is cannabis (marijuana)? What are common misconceptions? Yes - cannabis can be an effective anxiety treatment - but the opposite is also true Participate in a clinical trial about cannabis Proceed "with caution" and keep these considerations in mind With the growing legalization of medical cannabis throughout the United States, researchers are often tasked with answering the question of whether cannabis can be useful in alleviating conditions like anxiety-related disorders.

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a very good run-down on what anxiety is and what parts of the brain is active when anxiety strikes.

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Everyone experiences fear and anxiety at some point in their lives. Fear is an immediate response to a specific threatening stimulus. Anxiety, on the other hand, is less intense but more sustained response to anxiety-inducing sources that may be known. For example, you may be anxious about the possibility of seeing a snake on a hike through the woods, while you may experience fear if one slithered directly in front of you.

In some cases, people can be generally anxious without really knowing why. Normally, the brain manages our fear and anxiety without allowing them to interfere with our daily functioning. If there's a nearby threat, different areas of the brain help us make sense of the threat by amplifying or quelling our anxiety and fear.

For some people, though, anxiety can be overwhelming, and it can interfere with daily life. Anxiety becomes a problem when these brain areas function inappropriately (or fail to function), setting off a stream of inappropriate or irrational behaviors. Long-lasting anxiety like this may be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders, like panic disorder or social anxiety disorder, may require therapy to allow patients to lead normal, happy lives.

Until recently, scientists believed that a marble-sized brain area, called the amygdala, served as the hub of fear and anxiety. Some studies have shown that monkeys with damage to the amygdala were unusually stoic in the face of scary stimulus (like a nearby snake). In people with anxiety disorder, scientists thought that inappropriate fear and anxiety were caused by a hyperactive amygdala-a simple cause with a simple effect.

Today, though, we appreciate that anxiety is the result of constant chatter between a number of different brain regions - a fear network. No one brain region drives anxiety on its own. Instead, interactions among many brain areas are all important for how we experience anxiety.

One potential explanation for how this works splits the brain into two parts: a cognitive brain and an emotional brain. The frontal lobe, where all of our sensations and thoughts come together as one unified experience, is the cognitive brain. The amygdala, located deep inside the brain, is part of the emotional brain. According to this theory, we only feel anxiety when signals from the emotional brain overpower the cognitive brain, and into our consciousness. If you can rationalize that, for example, snakes are rare in the woods you're hiking in (using the cognitive brain), then cognitive brain network overtakes and tames the emotional fear network.

For instance, a region in the frontal lobe, called the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), amplifies fearful signals coming from the amygdala. When anxious patients are shown pictures of fearful faces, the dACC and amygdala (amongst other brain regions) ramp up their chatter, producing palpable anxiety. People without anxiety show little to no response.

On the other hand, a different part of the frontal lobe, called the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, seems to dampen the signals coming from the amygdala. Patients with damage to this brain region are more likely to experience anxiety, since the brakes on the amygdala have been lifted.

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), scientists have shown that these brain regions do become active when people experience anxiety. But the details of how these regions work together are still not settled. Scientists worldwide are still hard at work, chipping away at the mysteries behind anxiety and anxiety disorders.

Thankfully, there is still good reason to be hopeful for patients with anxiety. Some patients with anxiety benefit from drug therapies, like antidepressants. Other patients benefit from behavioral therapy. One type of behavioral therapy involves gradually exposing patients to the triggers that set off their anxiety. Over time, patients learn to overcome their anxiety through these repeated exposures, since these situations don't lead to actual harm.

Beyond drugs and behavioral therapy, scientists and psychiatrists are also pursuing new ways to treat anxiety, using recent findings to guide them. Some scientists are trying to use fMRI brain scans to match patients with certain therapies, since anxiety disorders can vary from person to person. Others are using techniques like deep brain stimulation to nudge anxiety-inducing brain regions back towards a healthier state.
This Ask an Expert was answered by Mohammed R. Milad as told to Levi Gadye for BrainFacts.org.
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What Part of the Brain Deals With Anxiety? What Can Brains Affected by Anxiety Tell us?

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Everyone experiences fear and anxiety at some point in their lives. Fear is an immediate response to a specific threatening stimulus. Anxiety, on the other hand, is less intense but more sustained response to anxiety-inducing sources that may be known.

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This article goes through some of the benefits that marijuana can have for anxiety. Some of which can be beneficial, this article talks about how it can be helpful be also the side effects of using it for long periods of time. This article shows both sides of the argument very well.

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As more states legalize marijuana, both for medicinal and recreational use, more and more people are turning to cannabis in hopes of managing anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Although scientific research in this area is still sparse, there are anecdotal and new scientific reports of marijuana creating a calming experience that temporarily relieves symptoms of anxiety for many people.

Self-Medicating

Anytime you take it upon yourself to use a substance to treat or cope with a medical problem or symptom, it is referred to as self-medicating. Often, self-medicating produces an immediate relief of the uncomfortable symptoms, thereby reinforcing its use. The logic is simple: "Substance X makes me feel better when I'm anxious, so I will use it again as long as the risks and consequences are not too great."

The problem with self-medication is that even though the use of marijuana is becoming more acceptable, not enough is known about the efficacy of the drug for particular medical conditions as well as its long-term consequences.

Short-Term Benefits

Fortunately, the scientific community has recently started examining the effect of cannabis on anxiety, and the verdict is that short-term benefits do exist.

Scientists at Washington State University published a study in the Journal of Affective Disorders that found that smoking cannabis can significantly reduce self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in the short term. However, repeated use doesn't seem to lead to any long-term reduction of symptoms and in some individuals may increase depression over time.

Marijuana can affect your body in many ways beyond just getting you high. The high feeling you may experience after smoking or ingesting marijuana is due to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive effects.

These effects do not come without risks, and long-term or frequent use has been associated with the following:﻿﻿

Psychological Dependence

The central problem with using marijuana as an anxiety coping tool is that it can create a psychological dependence on the substance.

Since the effects of marijuana are fast acting, long-term behavior-based coping strategies may seem less helpful at first and may be less likely to be developed.

Long-Term Memory Loss

Several studies have found that long-term marijuana use can cause memory loss. Memory impairment occurs because THC alters one of the areas of the brain, the hippocampus, responsible for memory formation. It also can have negative consequences on the brain's motivation system.

Exacerbation of Symptoms

THC can raise your heart rate, which, if you have anxiety, may make you feel even more anxious. Using too much marijuana can also make you feel scared or paranoid.

In some cases, marijuana can also induce orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing, which can cause lightheadedness or feeling faint. Cannabis can also cause feelings of dizziness, nausea, confusion, and blurred vision, which can contribute to anxiety.

A rare consequence of frequent marijuana use, particularly with today's more potent strains, is cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). This involves cyclical nausea and vomiting. This is paradoxical and can be difficult to diagnose, as marijuana has been used to decrease nausea and vomiting in cancer treatment. Sufferers sometimes find relief in hot baths and showers, but ultimately, abstinence from marijuana is necessary for long-term improvement.

Higher Levels of Psychiatric Disorders

It is possible that people who use marijuana for an extended period of time have higher levels and symptoms of depression, despite any improvements they may have seen in this regard with short-term use. Some research has also shown that heavy use of marijuana in adolescence (particularly in teenage girls) can be a predictor of depression and anxiety later on in a person's life. Certain susceptible individuals are also at risk for the development of psychosis with the use of cannabis.

Increased Need

You can develop a tolerance to marijuana. This means that the more you use it, the more you will eventually need to get the same "high" as earlier experiences.

Other Ways to Manage Anxiety

Remember that some level of anxiety is normal and even helpful when you are confronted with something that feels threatening to you. However, when feeling anxious becomes pervasive and difficult to control, it is time to seek professional help to discuss other forms of anxiety management.

Proactive coping strategies, learned through counseling, support groups, as well as self-help books and educational websites, can create lasting change without the negative components of extended marijuana use.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of therapy can help you determine the underlying cause of your anxiety and manage it more effectively.﻿﻿ Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Working with a psychotherapist to manage your anxiety will give you a better handle on your condition in the long run.

Medication

The use of certain prescription medications such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been firmly established as safe and effective treatment for anxiety disorders.﻿﻿ Prescription medication is also preferable to marijuana since the long-term risks have been better studied and are potentially less significant compared to long-term marijuana use. Some anti-anxiety medications are taken daily, while others are taken episodically during periods of extreme anxiety or a panic attack.

A psychiatrist or your primary care doctor can prescribe you an anti-anxiety medication, should you need one.

Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil

CBD oil, a marijuana extract that is often dispersed under the tongue with a dropper, doesn't contain THC, so it won't give you the same mind-altering effects as marijuana. There is some beginning evidence to suggest that CBD could be helpful in the treatment of anxiety and addiction, but more clinical trials and research are needed in this area.﻿﻿

A Word From Verywell

Symptoms of anxiety are treatable. Studies show that psychotherapy and medication are effective for most individuals, whereas the long-term effects of self-medicating with marijuana have yet to be clearly established. If you've recently started experimenting with marijuana use to treat your anxiety, be sure to tell your doctor.

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Can Marijuana Really Reduce Symptoms of Anxiety?

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As more states legalize marijuana, both for medicinal and recreational use, more and more people are turning to cannabis in hopes of managing anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Although scientific research in this area is still sparse, there are anecdotal and new scientific reports of marijuana creating a calming experience that temporarily relieves symptoms of anxiety for many people.

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Effects of marijuana for people with anxiety

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Effects of marijuana for people with anxiety

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This PDF file now talks about what it is that marijuana does for anxiety and why some people might find it helpful.

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Read 1,725 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Locked in the silence and darkness of your skull, your brain fashions the rich narrative...