Ready to learn about the connection between your health and cannabis?
Millions of Americans struggle with mental health issues every year. But more and more are finding relief in cannabis.
In fact, according to research from CU Boulder, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. has an anxiety disorder.
The great news?
Cannabis may be able to provide a range of mental wellness benefits when used wisely and safely.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How Cannabis Affects Mental Health
- The Role of CBD in Anxiety Relief
- Cannabis and Sleep
- Using Cannabis for Stress Relief
- Finding the Right Strain
- Tips for Effective Use
Cannabis and Mental Health: What Works and What Doesn’t
Your cannabis use and health have a relationship that is still being better understood. Here’s what the science says so far…
Cannabis is full of compounds known as cannabinoids. THC and CBD are the big two.
These cannabinoids affect the endocannabinoid system in the human body. The endocannabinoid system has to do with how mood, sleep, and stress are regulated.
Consider this:
A person who is experiencing anxiety or stress will have imbalances with these systems. Cannabis can help recalibrate them to a more desirable state, at least for some users.
One way to source the cannabis products you need is to get cannabis clones online from reputable sources. This gives you the most control over quality and the specific strains you want to use to target your health goals.
But keep this in mind…
Not all cannabis is the same. Nor will the same methods of consuming it produce the same mental wellness results.
CBD Anxiety: What Science Shows
CBD is extremely popular these days for supporting anxiety. There’s a good reason for this.
In a study involving 72 adults, the researchers found 79.2% of patients had lower anxiety scores within the first month of treatment with CBD. That reduction in anxiety levels was maintained throughout the course of the study.
That’s pretty remarkable, isn’t it?
Here’s the basic differences between CBD and THC:
- CBD doesn’t make you “high”
- It’s calming effects work with the receptors in the brain responsible for fear and anxiety
- Side effects are minimal, for the most part
- You can’t become addicted to it, unlike certain pharmaceuticals
In the CU Boulder study, the subjects that saw the most significant reduction in anxiety symptoms were the people who used CBD-dominant cannabis products. Compared to those who used THC-dominant strains. This is consistent with what has been learned from studies on pure CBD. And they also reported less paranoia. And less feeling “stoned”.
The point is this:
CBD can provide the anxiety relief you’re looking for. With minimal risk.
Sleep and Stress: Can Cannabis Help?
Sleep issues and chronic stress are often closely linked to mental health problems. Cannabis can potentially help with both.
Many users find they sleep better after consuming cannabis. The relaxation it can provide may make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
Research supports this as well:
Cannabis use seems to work on the body’s stress response system. This is the regulation of the stress hormone cortisol.
If your cortisol levels get too high due to chronic stress, everything else gets thrown out of whack. In a couple of studies that evaluated the health of cannabis users under stress, they had healthier cortisol levels than non-users during the same stressful situation.
But there are caveats to this…
- The strain you use matters
- The dose matters
- Timing matters
- Product quality matters
To find the best results, start with a low dose and go slow. Dosage is one of the most important elements of cannabis use. But each person is different.
CBD or THC: Which Helps Mental Wellness?
CBD and THC can both be beneficial for mental health, but in different ways.
THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis that makes you “high”. This may provide relaxation or mood support for some people, at the right dose. However, it can also cause anxiety at higher doses for some others.
CBD does not have intoxicating properties, as most studies and users have discovered. And it’s the cannabinoid most heavily researched when it comes to anxiety and mental health support.
CBD may even be able to counteract the anxiety-inducing effects of THC.
In general, the following approaches are best for each:
- For anxiety support → CBD-dominant
- For sleep help → Balanced or slight THC-dominant
- For mood improvement → Low-dose balanced
- For stress relief → CBD with a small amount of THC
Balance is the key to finding what works for your personal needs.
Tips for Safer and Effective Cannabis Use
So you want to use cannabis to help support mental health? Great! Here are some tips to get the most out of it.
Start with a low dose and go slow.
You’ve heard it before because it’s so important. Start with the smallest possible dose, and go slow. This is especially true for anxiety and stress relief.
Choose high-quality products.
Not all cannabis is created equally. Make sure that you are using products that are:
- Lab tested for purity
- Free of contaminants
- Clearly labeled with cannabinoid levels
- Sourced from a reputable seller
Consult with a medical professional.
Before using cannabis, especially with other medications, it’s always wise to talk to a doctor. Cannabis can interact with certain prescriptions.
Keep track of effects.
Journaling how you feel before and after use is one of the simplest ways to determine what works. A simple journal entry could include the strain used, dose, time of day, and the effects noticed.
The Bottom Line on Cannabis and Mental Health
Cannabis can be a powerful ally in promoting and supporting mental health and wellness. The research on anxiety and CBD is particularly promising, with multiple studies demonstrating that CBD provides meaningful relief to anxiety sufferers.
Here are the main takeaways:
- CBD is the most effective cannabinoid for anxiety
- Quality and dosage are key for best results
- Individual responses to cannabis use vary widely
- Guidance from a doctor or professional can be helpful
- Cannabis is one part of a larger picture of mental health
Your cannabis use and health can work together with a little bit of research, high-quality products, and mindfulness. This information can be your starting point.
The mental health effects of cannabis are only becoming more obvious each year. For those suffering from anxiety, insomnia, or chronic stress, it can be one tool in the toolbox to finally feel better.