Do you suffer from anxiety? Do you struggle in social situations? Do you have trouble with public speaking? Research suggests that Medical marijuana and CBD oil can help. There is a lot of compounding evidence that suggests that cannabis products can be used to treat a variety of anxiety disorders.
Medical marijuana is often prescribed for the treatment of social anxiety disorder, or SAD. In a sample of patients from a selection of Marijuana Clinics in California, over 37% reported using marijuana to help with anxiety (2). But anxiety isn’t listed as a qualifying condition in states that have legalized it medically. Therefore it is often used to self-medicate. Oklahoma doesn’t currently have a list of qualifying conditions, so those suffering from anxiety disorders can obtain a medical marijuana card in the State of Oklahoma.
Medical Marijuana for Anxiety
Marijuana reacts with the endocannabinoid system of the brain, which touches all the areas in which fear, anxiety, and stress are processed. It can give users a sense of calmness while elevating levels of dopamine, the “happiness” hormone (3). A recent report from the University of Washington’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute concluded from various studies that in small doses medical marijuana can reduce the symptoms of many anxiety disorders (1). This means that carefully regulated use can help many people with social situations and general anxiety disorders.
Some people do experience adverse effects, such as anxiety, when using marijuana. It is important to consult with a physician before using marijuana to treat anxiety, since the dosage and usage may vary from person to person.
CBD Products for Anxiety
Although there isn’t a lot of research on the effects of marijuana for anxiety, there is a lot more regarding the use of s specific cannabinoid. CBD, or cannabidiol, has a lot of potential to help with the treatment of anxiety disorders. A study conducted in 2015 found that cannabidiol can help with the treatment of social anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others (4). The long-term usage and effect of CBD have yet to be studied since it is a relatively new treatment option for anxiety disorders. But it does offer a potentially beneficial alternative for those who are unresponsive to traditional treatments.
There are a lot of options and a wide variety of products out there to choose from, such as gummies, oils, and tinctures. There are even products that claim to help pets relax! It is important to do research and follow the usage instructions carefully in order to determine if any one product is right for you.
So if you’re feeling anxious, talk with your physician and see if medical marijuana or CBD is right for you.
Sources:
1) http://adai.uw.edu/pubs/pdf/2017mjanxiety.pdf
2) Reinarman C, Nunberg H, Lanthier F. Heddleston T. Who are medical marijuana patients? Population characteristics from nine California assessment clinics. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2011;43(2):128-35.
3) Volkow ND, Hampson AJ, Baler RD. Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Endocannabinoids and Cannabis at the Intersection of Stress and Reward. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2017;57:285-308.
4) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
