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Finding the Right Dose of Weed for Anxiety
Medically reviewed by Alexander Tabibi, MD
December 14, 2022
Table of Contents
This post is intended as information and for general knowledge only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you talk to a healthcare professional about this before introducing cannabinoids into your daily routine (especially if you have been diagnosed with any medical conditions or are under any medication). It is not recommended to drive or operate any machinery when using cannabis- or hemp-derived products. Use responsibly!
Dosing Cannabis for Anxiety
It’s vital to remember that marijuana can both calm or intensify anxiety based on the dose.
While the general perspective is that cannabis is good for anxiety – even if true – it is certainly not true for everyone, always under all conditions and depends on many factors even with the same dose. That’s why it’s critical to understand your own needs and reactions to determine finding the right dose of weed for anxiety. Understanding how cannabis works with anxiety requires a closer look at the organic system marijuana mainly connects with: the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a substantial system of receptors located throughout each of our bodies: in our minds, organs, intestines, skin– these cannabinoid receptors prevail and play an important function in making certain that the body is running in healthy balance. Our bodies normally create cannabis-like substances– called endocannabinoids– that act similarly to cannabis substances as well as additionally connect with the ECS, yet sometimes their manufacturing goes awry.
That’s where marijuana comes in as a potential therapy.
The Endocannabinoid System
Research studies show that the endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in regulating anxiousness and anxiety-related responses by regulating our behavior action to stressful stimulations. Notably, cannabinoid receptors are plentiful in locations of the brain involved in stress processing such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and also areas of the amygdala. These researches additionally clarify just how THC can have opposite impacts on stress and anxiety as dosage impacts neuron task in a different way by means of cannabinoid kind 1 receptors.
An additional study published in Jan. 2020 revealed that the endocannabinoid 2-AG (which turns on the same receptors as THC) minimized anxiety-inducing connections in between the amygdala and also frontal cortex, recommending another device through which cannabis alleviates anxiousness in certain dosages.
Terpenes
Marijuana terpenes are anther area of interest as they begin to offer new answers around the mood disorder responses. Terpenes are fragrant oils produced by the plant that comprise its aroma, and also researchers are exploring to what degree they offer added restorative advantages. As an example, the terpene limonene has been researched for its anti-anxiety benefits. Further research is needed to understand exactly how specific terpenes impact the overall restorative experience of cannabis.
Finding the Right Dose of Weed for Anxiety
When it comes to high-THC cannabis and mood disorders, there’s one thing to keep in mind based on research: At reduced doses, marijuana appears to help; at higher doses, it seems to aggravate it. Our bodies normally produce cannabis-like substances– called endocannabinoids– that act similarly to cannabis substances as well as likewise interact with the ECS, yet often their production goes awry. Marijuana terpenes are another location of interest when it comes to unveiling answers around the plant’s anti-anxiety impacts. Further research study is needed to understand just how specific terpenes impact the total healing experience of cannabis.
Summary
There is a great deal of research regarding the use of medical marijuana for mood and anxiety disorders, which is why it’s almost always one of the approved conditions in states which have legalized it’s use as a therapeutic option. The issue arises in finding the right dose of weed for anxiety. Each person responds differently to medications, especially when addressing mood disorders, so it’s important to be fully open with your healthcare providers and to be informed of the different options and strains for your needs. While the body is set to take advantage of the input from the ECS, your own sensitivities and other reactions are what will help you find the best solution. Be open, go slow, and track your responses, both in amounts and timing.
With so many different strains and methods for consumption, there is likely to be the right balance, without having the additional risks and side effects of most anti-anxiety medications. Talk to your healthcare professional to determine what the best dose of weed for anxiety will suit you.
