With the increased spotlight on medical cannabis, there is a heightened interest in researching its efficacy in treating anxiety symptoms and disorders. To address common questions around this topic, a good place to begin is by defining common terminology associated with cannabis use.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis, also known as “marijuana,” is made up of components called cannabinoids. These are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabinoids act on cannabinoid receptors in the brain that support everything from memory and pain perception to mood and appetite. The two most commonly known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, while cannabidiol is non-intoxicating and commonly prescribed for anxiety and stress symptoms. In terms of defining which is the better option, research suggests the following:
● THC in cannabis (and its resulting psychoactive effects) may actually increase anxiety (sometimes referred to as paranoia), while CBD has been shown to help reduce anxiety symptoms.
● Regular recreational use of cannabis containing THC may pose health risks, including increased anxiety resulting from withdrawal.
● Individuals with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) have reported reduced anxiety symptoms when using CBD medicinally.
How CBD eases anxiety
Research indicates that CBD may interact with the receptors in our central nervous symptom and possibly alter serotonin signals. Low levels of serotonin are often associated with depression and anxiety. For that reason, CBD is increasingly recommended as an alternative to pharmaceutical-grade prescriptions for low serotonin, such as Zoloft or Prozac. In terms of the types of disorders CBD can be used to treat, various clinical trials have been done for conditions that include:
● Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
● Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
● Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
● Anxiety-induced insomnia
Understanding potential side effects
CBD is generally considered safe, although some commonly cited side effects include:
● Diarrhea
● Fatigue
● Changes in appetite
● Weight fluctuations
CBD may also interact with other medications or dietary supplements so you should always consult with our office prior to starting a CBD regimen.
If you struggle with anxiety or other mood disorders and are curious about the use of cannabis products to ease your symptoms, the first step is to schedule an evaluation to review your symptoms and treatment goals. Contact Emerald Health Advocates today to see if CBD treatment is the right option for you.
