Cannabis is complicated, and so is anxiety. That’s why it’s important to do your research before trying cannabis for your anxiety. Not only do people have different strains or consumption methods that work best for them, but your relationship to cannabis can also change over the years so that what once worked for you might not be as effective.
Today’s blog post from Sticky Thumbs is a guide and overview of how cannabis can help with anxiety. It’s meant to help you understand your options, not to be medical advice! Ultimately, finding what works for you requires experimentation, and our team can help point you in a direction that may work for you. If you’d like to talk with a team member, simply contact us! And if you’re ready to order marijuana delivery in San Francisco, browse our online menu.
Marijuana and Self-Medication
Anytime you try to treat or cope with a medical problem, like anxiety, on your own, it’s called self-medicating. Often, self-medicating can provide short-term relief, but doesn’t get to the root of your problem. If you’re struggling with anxiety and it’s getting in the way of your day-to-day functioning, it’s important to talk to a doctor. If you’re considering using marijuana to help with your anxiety, you should bring it up with them and talk about how it may affect you or interact with any medications you are taking.
That being said, scientists have been doing research on the effect of cannabis on anxiety, and many have concluded that there are short-term benefits to using cannabis for anxiety. It can decrease feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. However, repeated use doesn’t seem to lead to any long-term reduction in symptoms, and for some, long-term use may actually increase symptoms of depression over time.
Finding The Right Product
If you’re new to cannabis, walking into a shop (or ordering marijuana online) can be overwhelming. Bud, edibles, oils, lotions, and capsules – where do you even start? We’ve published a blog on different forms of cannabis consumption, if you’d like to learn more, check it out here. Here is a brief summary of the overarching different methods and product types:
- Inhalation – inhalation, such as vaporizing and smoking, offer immediate relief, but the effects of this method of cannabis consumption don’t last as long as ingestible methods.
- Ingestion – ingestion, like edibles and capsules, take a bit longer to take effect, but they can last longer.
For both inhalation and ingestion methods, you should be careful of the dosage, as the effects can last up to several hours if you’ve taken a large dose.
CBD vs. THC
When choosing marijuana strains, it’s important to think about the balance of THC and CBD in the cannabis product. High-THC products can worsen anxiety, especially at higher doses. A higher percentage of CBD can often reduce anxiety.
Marijuana has many different cannabinoids, and they interact with the biological system called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS has receptors all through our bodies, including our brain, organs, guts, and skin. The ECS plays a big part in keeping our body in a healthy balance, and our bodies naturally produce cannabis-like compounds, or endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids act similarly to cannabis compounds, but sometimes they can misfire, and that has led to the theory of why cannabis helps with anxiety.
The ECS plays a part in regulating anxiety, fear, and stress responses, and THC and CBD may have a mitigating effect on anxiety. While much more research needs to be done, scientists are exploring the connection between our ECS and cannabis use and how different cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, can reduce anxiety and depression.
For our purposes, though, when choosing a strain to help you reduce anxiety, you’re probably better off avoiding high-THC products or a cannabinoid profile that is CBD-dominant or THC- CBD-balanced.
Cannabis Is A Tool, Not A Cure
Cannabis can help in reducing the symptoms of your anxiety, but it’s important to remember that it’s simply one tool in your anti-anxiety toolbox. It can ease your stress, and may even help you foster healthy habits. It may also spark creativity or help you relax.
When using cannabis for anxiety, honestly assess whether it’s helping you achieve your goals – or whether it’s just helping you avoid them by seeking temporary relief. Explore the ways that you integrate cannabis into your life in a healthy way, and it can, hopefully, help you reduce your anxiety.
Sticky Thumb – Marijuana Delivery San Francisco
People consume cannabis for a wide range of reasons, including reducing anxiety. If you’re interested in learning more about how to integrate cannabis into your life, our team is more than happy to recommend products and strains. We do not offer medical advice, and if you’re struggling with mental health issues, talk to your doctor.
Everything on our menus is tested by State Licensed testing facilities, and we’re proud to carry the brands you love at an affordable price. We serve We serve San Francisco and the surrounding area, including Monterey, Salinas, and Peninsula. If you’re looking for weed delivery, look no further than Sticky Thumb!