Anxiety & medical cannabis treatment 

It’s no surprise that anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in North America. Anxiety can be debilitating, but there are natural treatments out there to help people cope. Like cannabis – specifically medical cannabis. It has been shown to reduce anxiety levels by up to 40% This blog post will explore how medical cannabis works for treating anxiety and what you need to know before using it as a treatment option.

What is an anxiety disorder and how does it affect the brain.

Anxiety disorders are different from ordinary fears and anxieties. They can be very disabling, as the individual may lose interest in almost everything they used to enjoy because of an overwhelming sense that something bad might happen at any moment or even feel constantly on edge without knowing why for hours on end – this is called “Grounded” anxiety. 

People with anxiety disorders have a higher level of a neurotransmitter called “glutamate” in their brains, which can lead to an increase in brain activity. This hyperactivity in the brain is why some people feel so much more anxious than others.

How can medical cannabis help with anxiety?

Medical cannabis can be a great way to treat anxiety. For many people with generalized or chronic stress, the symptoms are so present and severe that they cannot be managed with other medications.   Medical cannabis can help relieve anxiety as well as other symptoms such as pain, nausea, or insomnia.

Cannabis helps by activating the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. This blocks glutamate from being sent to the amygdala, which is a part of your brain that senses danger and helps you react to threat. When excess glutamate is blocked from being sent to this area of your brain, it can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Types of strains that are good for different types of anxiety disorders 

Sativas are a go-to remedy for many people living with anxiety. But not all cannabis products are created equal: some can bring on or worsen your symptoms of worry and stress. The key is to choose one that has high CBD content per THC ratio – this will help reduce any associated feelings of anxiousness while still offering you the medicinal benefits from other cannabinoids found in plants such as CBN (cannabinol), CBC ( cannabichromene ), etc…

For example, AC/DC is a Sativa-dominant strain that is very effective at reducing anxiety levels. Mostly because it is one of the highest CBD strains available, with levels of up to 19% CBD and a generous ratio of 20:1 CBD to THC.

Side effects to watch out for when using medical cannabis for anxiety

Medical marijuana is a safe and effective treatment for many diseases, but it comes with side effects. Side effects can vary from person to person depending on your unique chemistry and metabolism. These include:

•  Drowsiness – This effect makes sense as medical cannabis has been shown in clinical trials as helping those suffering from chronic pain sleep better at night;
•  Dry mouth – it can lead to an increase in thirst. Be sure to stay hydrated when using medical marijuana;
•  Red eyes caused by increased blood flow and dilation in the eyes;
• Heart rate increasing:  if you already have a heart condition, this may not be the best option for you. 

Medical cannabis is a safe and natural way to manage anxiety without the harmful side effects of medications. If you’re interested in learning more about how medical cannabis can help with your own anxiety, we encourage you to reach out or schedule an appointment! We have lots of helpful resources for those who are curious about the benefits of medical marijuana as well as tips on selecting strains that may be best suited for managing stress-related disorders like panic attacks.