Many people report using marijuana to cope with anxiety, especially those with social anxiety disorder. THC seems to lower anxiety with lower doses and increase anxiety with higher doses. CBD seems to lower anxiety at all doses that have been tested. Some studies show that cannabis use can cause anxiety symptoms.
However, other research shows that cannabis, when used correctly, can be beneficial in treating anxiety symptoms. Marijuana, in particular CBD and low THC levels, show potential benefits for temporarily reducing anxiety symptoms. Marijuana is said to help facilitate relaxation, calm and improve sleep. It is sometimes used to treat social anxiety, agoraphobia, PTSD, panic disorders, and anxiety-related sleep disorders.
However, marijuana has a complicated effect on anxiety and seems to help some and make others worse. However, marijuana-induced anxiety seems to be related to higher doses of THC and lower doses of CBD. Cannabis has been documented to relieve anxiety. However, research has also shown that it can cause feelings of anxiety, panic, paranoia and psychosis.
In humans, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been associated with an anxiogenic response, while anxiolytic activity has been mainly attributed to cannabidiol (CBD). In animal studies, the effects of THC are highly dose-dependent and the biphasic effects of cannabinoids on anxiety-related responses have been extensively documented. A more precise evaluation of the anxiolytic and anxiogenic potentials of phytocannabinoids is required, with the aim of developing the “holy grail” in cannabis research, a formulation with medicinal activity that can aid in the treatment of anxiety or mood disorders without causing effects anxiogenic. While marijuana can cause anxiety in a small number of people, it can help treat the condition in others.
Specifically, some components of the herb, such as cannabidiol, may be helpful in treating anxiety in some people. Marijuana, in general, can be beneficial in treating anxiety, especially in low doses. Cannabidiol (CBD) can help treat anxiety at all doses, while THC can help relieve anxiety at low doses but cause it at high doses. Experts believe that one of the brain's natural cannabinoid receptors, the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), is closely related to why marijuana can help treat anxiety in some people.
