Feeling a little edgy? Need to find an easier way to chill and enjoy a soothing end to your days? Cannabis is increasingly being used to help take the edge off all the constantly stressful demands of everyday life. That means weed might be the perfect solution to chill you.
At Aunt Mary’s Dispensary, our expert team is dedicated to providing quality cannabis products to help you get your mellow on. Whether you’re new to cannabis or looking to learn more, this guide will showcase the science behind how cannabis relieves anxiety, what strains are best for reducing stress, and how to choose the right products to help you relax to your heart’s delight.
“This summary reflects the findings of the author based on the articles listed below. The views expressed do not represent those of Aunt Mary’s Dispensary LLC and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before using cannabis for medical purposes.”
What It’s Like to Relieve Stress and Anxiety with Cannabis
It’s not just a placebo effect that a little toke can calm you. There’s actually some pretty cool science in how cannabis soothes your body and helps lower stress. And that’s important because about 1 in 5 people deal with anxiety on the regular—so if you tend to be high-strung, you’re not alone—and cannabis can provide some relief.
How Cannabinoids Interact with the Body to Lower Anxiety
Cannabinoids are the active substances found in cannabis plants, the most common ones being CBD and THC. When we take a hit or consume an edible, the cannabinoids within it work on our endocannabinoid system—working on different receptors in the nervous system that regulate our moods, memory, appetite, and sense of pain. By calming these areas of the body, cannabis can soothe our physical body and help us level out, leading to a sense of ease instead of stress.
Benefits of Using Cannabis for Mental Health
Why use cannabis for anxiety? Well, many of us find ourselves struggling with the normal stresses of modern life—running to get to work on time, dealing with traffic, worrying about bills, and more. Stress surrounds us daily. If you’re feeling a little anxious or edgy because everyday life has you on the run, you might just need something to help you relax more quickly. In cases like this, cannabis products can be a great option.
How THC Interacts with Your Body and Brain When You’re Anxious
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the substance within weed that causes the high you feel when you smoke weed or consume an edible. To put it simply, THC enters your body and attaches to various “receptors” in your nervous system and immune system. This causes your brain to release neurotransmitters, the chemicals that help you feel good, affect your mood, influence your appetite, and determine whether you feel pain or relief.
How THC—in the Right Dosage—Can Lessen Stress and Worries
When you enjoy weed, the THC within it can interact with your brain to increase feelings of euphoria and relaxation. So, if you tend to feel upbeat and at ease when you’ve had cannabis, this is the reason behind those good vibes. With just a low dose of THC, the body tends to relax so you can wind down.
Keep in mind that dosage matters when it comes to anxiety relief. A low dose of THC tends to have fewer side effects, and products that mix a low dose of THC with CBD may be a good choice too. Be sure to ask our informative weed experts to learn more about the best fit for you.
Potential Risks and Considerations of Using THC to Lower Anxiety
While weed can be a solution for many people when it comes to lowering stress, it may not work for everyone. If you’re already being treated for a mental health diagnosis, such as depression or generalized anxiety, THC could increase your symptoms. (This happens to be true of many drugs, which is why it’s important to have a medical provider’s input with any treatments you undertake for your specific diagnosis.)
Also, there is some evidence that THC in higher doses may not be ideal if you want to reduce stress. Too much THC could actually make you feel even more jittery. So, it’s best to start out with a product that contains low amounts of THC to see how you handle it.
Finding the Best Cannabis Strain for Anxiety Relief
When you shop for cannabis products to address stress, there are some factors to keep in mind—so you can find the best fit. First of all—we’ll repeat what we said earlier: High doses of THC taken regularly can be both addictive and also increase side effects like feelings of paranoia. This is one reason it’s a good idea to get a specific product suited to you from a knowledgeable dispensary rather than just buying weed on the street. You’ll enjoy better results with the right product.
Look for Products that Blend Cannabinoids and Terpenes
Instead of choosing an edible because it has the highest amount of THC in it, think in terms of other factors besides the high—because that’s key to truly enjoying the relaxing effects of cannabis. Different cannabis products contain differing amounts of THC, of course, but also different amounts of CBD and terpenes, and the mix of them all can really influence how relaxed (or not!) you feel after you consume your weed.
Terpenes are substances in your weed that don’t get you high, but they affect your brain in other ways. Alongside THC and other cannabinoids, terpenes help to create what’s called the “entourage effect,”—which basically is a way of saying that all these substances together give you the results you want. It’s the right mix of terpenes, THC, CBD, and other substances that is going to give you that chilled-out feeling you crave.
Sativa vs. Indica: Which Is Best for Treating Anxiety?
When you’re ready to choose a cannabis product, also keep in mind that sativa and indica strains tend to have different results on your body. Should you take sativa or indica for anxiety? Here’s what to know:
The Benefits of Indica Strains for Anxiety Relief
Indica is the strain that is most commonly recommended for anxiety relief. Why? It’s simple—indica creates a sense of chillness. It relaxes the body and invites calm thoughts, and the effects tend to be more immediate when it comes to feeling serene. It may also make you relaxed enough to fall asleep, so keep that in mind when you take it.
The Benefits of Sativa Strains for Easing Stress
Sativa is known for being stimulating, which can make it a fit if your goal is to feel a sense of upbeat energy. If you need to remain alert while taking weed, sativa can make sense.
Products to Consider
The best weed for anxiety actually depends on you and your specific needs. Many cannabis products are a mix of sativa and indica, while others contain more of one strain than the other. Some of the favorites when it comes to lowering anxiety and soothing stress are:
- Blackberry Kush — fast acting, sweet flavor, good for soothing insomnia
- Northern Lights — fast-acting, soothing to high-strung emotions, best taken safely at home
- Granddaddy Purple — encourages full-body relaxation, and helps with chronic pain too
- Jack Herer — stimulating, boosts concentration, but may make anxiety higher, so test it out first
- Strawberry Cough — great for daytime use, stimulating without racing thoughts
- OG Kush — energizing, uplifting, great for reducing social anxiety
- ACDC — well-balanced effects, soothing, and great for chronic pain as well as anxiety
Get Recommendations and Try Different Strains to Find the Right Fit
Just as no two snowflakes are exactly alike, no two people are either. Your friend may love one cannabis product, but when you take that same product, it may not play well with your body and brain. You are unique—and your response to the cannabis strain you take will be unique too. So, get some good advice on what to try out, and then test it out in small doses. After trying out some different options, you’ll figure out what eases your anxious feelings most effectively.
What Makes Cannabis Edibles Helpful for Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms
Thinking about choosing an edible for anxiety relief? Cannabis edibles are an excellent option when you want to use weed to reduce anxious thoughts and feelings. Since they are consumed rather than smoked or vaped, the effects roll out gradually rather than kicking in all at once. This allows you to ease slowly into the stress and worry relief you’re seeking, adding to that sense of calmness and relaxation you’re looking for.
Tips for Safe and Effective Use of Cannabis Edibles for Anxiety
- Start out with a low dose to see how you respond to the edible you’ve chosen.
- Don’t rush to take more too quickly. Remember, edibles kick in slowly. If you rush to take more than one dose, you could overdose.
- Take the product at home with a trusted friend or family member around, so you’re in a safe environment.
- Avoid taking high THC products too often, so you can avoid dependency. (Once a week or less is better for high amounts of THC.)
- Consult a medical professional before trying edibles, especially if you have an underlying condition or are taking prescription medications that could interact with cannabis.
- Talk with professional cannabis shops to learn about different products and get input on what to choose.
Get Your Chill on with the Right Cannabis Products—from Your Friends at Aunt Mary’s Dispensary
If stress, anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain have been getting you down, cannabis products offer benefits you should definitely give a try. Why not explore the many cannabis products we have at Aunt Mary’s? Contact our friendly, discreet customer representatives anytime to learn more about what might work best to soothe you and chill you out. Or stop in to chat with our team in person at any one of our convenient locations.
And remember—we’re here to help! We’ll thoroughly consult with you and offer professional, personalized guidance to make it easy for you to find the right cannabis product. We can’t wait to chat with you and get you started.
Sources:
- CBD Shown to Ease Anxiety Without Risks Associated with THC (Source: Colorado.edu)
- Cannabis and Anxiety: What You Need to Know (Source: Merced Sun-Star)
- Cannabis and Anxiety: Research Findings (Source: Drexel University)
- CBD More Effective for Anxiety Than THC (Source: Medical News Today)
- Is Cannabis a Remedy for Anxiety? (Source: Jefferson Health)
- CBD vs. THC: What to Know for Treating Anxiety (Source: Verywell Health)
- Cannabis Terpenes: Do They Affect Anxiety? (Source: Healthline)
