Studies medical researchers reveal Cannabis (medical marijuana) could be used as a relief for stress and anxiety. This article enlists the best strains for stress relief, symptoms of anxiety, and key factors for choosing a cannabis strain for this purpose.
Many scholars believe marijuana (cannabis) helps alleviate stress and anxiety. A survey conducted in 2017 revealed that 81% of Americans believe that cannabis has one form of medical benefit or the other. This is backed up by medical research conducted in Washington state university. It shows that cannabis strain is suitable for treating anxiety and stress following some scientific guidelines.
Cannabis contains two main active ingredients: CBD and THC. CBD is the non-psychoactive compound present in cannabis. It is believed to have some therapeutic benefits in relieving stress. THC, on the other hand, is the psychoactive compound present in cannabis; it is responsible for the “highness” in marijuana.
The symptoms of Anxiety and Stress
The symptoms of stress and anxiety vary from person to person. But in general, when people undergo stress, their bodies generally react in a specific way peculiar to them. When people get anxious, their body goes on a high alert, getting nervous, and expecting possible danger; thus, their body activates a flight or fight response.
Stress and anxiety produce both psychological and physical symptoms.
- Being nervous, restless and tense
- An unusual feeling of danger, dread or panic
- Hyperventilation or rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Heavy and increased sweating
- Muscle twitching or trembling
- Lethargy and weakness
- A difficulty thinking or focusing clearly about anything other than what you are worrying or bothering about.
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal or digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation or gas
- Obsession about certain things in general (signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- Persisting desire to avoid some certain things
- Consistent repetition of some certain bad habits
- Anxiety over a particular life experience that happened in the past (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Having difficulty controlling your worries
- Fear of the unknown
- Feeling weak or tired
- Irrational anger
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Muscle tension
Key factors for choosing cannabis strain for anxiety and stress
There are some factors you must take into consideration before selecting a cannabis strain for Stress and Anxiety. The first factor to consider is your sensitivity and personal tolerance level. Most people react to medical marijuana sporadically. Therefore, it is expedient that you check the quantity of CBD and THC in each strain. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is responsible for the ‘high’ effect that users get after smoking marijuana. You should start with a low dose to avoid getting unnecessarily high and escalating your symptoms.
The category of the cannabis strain is another factor you should consider. Medical marijuana is either categorized as Sativa, Indica, or hybrid. Cannabis strains with low THC content are more suitable for treating stress and anxiety.
Indica strains have low tetrahydrocannabinol and generally have a sedative effect that helps to calm and relax the body, thus easing you from every stress and worry.
