Anxiety disorder is a prevalent mental health issue worldwide. Traditional methods of treating anxiety typically involve talking therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
A groundbreaking new study suggests that cannabis may revolutionize anxiety treatment. Keep reading to discover more.
Discover how cannabis could be a part of your journey to better mental health. Reach out to a weed dispensary today to learn more and find the right cannabis product.
Key Points
- Using cannabis medicine helps people with anxiety feel better and safer. But more tests are needed to support the claims.
- The results show that anxiety scores went down after 1-6 months.
- Using CBD is not for all. Some people may experience negative side effects.
Exploring Cannabis as an Alternative
One particularly concerning type of anxiety disorder is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD experience persistent feelings of anxiety, often leading to sleep disturbances and bodily tension. GAD significantly impairs daily functioning and may even lead some individuals to contemplate self-harm.
Given the severity of GAD, numerous studies have investigated various treatment approaches. Here’s what different researchers have reported regarding these studies.
- In the United Kingdom, the first thing doctors often try to treat anxiety is using medicines called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). But these medicines don’t work well enough for about half of the people.
- CBD might help calm people down, and studies in labs and with real people show this.
- Early studies found that people with GAD felt better when they took CBD medicines.
How the Study was Conducted
A study was conducted where the researchers followed STROBE guidelines and had ethical approval from the authorized Health Research Authority. Participants who agreed to join and were given cannabis-based medicines (CBMPs) were part of the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. Those with incomplete records or less than a month of enrollment were excluded.
Data Collection
The study understands how cannabis affects anxiety and related factors over time. This is how it goes:
- Patients were given either cannabis flower or oil, taken orally or by inhaling. The types included Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, or hybrids. Details of each patient’s prescription, including CBD and THC doses, were recorded.
- Information like age, gender, occupation, and body mass index was collected. Other factors, such as other health conditions and medication, were also noted. Patients completed questionnaires online at different times to track progress.
- The study looked at changes in anxiety using the GAD-7 questionnaire, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. It also checked for any adverse events or side effects.
- Researchers verified the data using descriptive statistics and different tests to see if there were any changes over time and if they were significant. They also looked at factors that might affect the results, like previous cannabis use or the type of product used.
- Some patients changed their CBMP during the study, so researchers did sensitivity analyses to check if this affected the results. They also looked at how taking antidepressants might impact the outcomes.
Effects of Cannabis Treatment for Anxiety
Results showed that using CBMPs improved anxiety, sleep, and quality of life for patients over 1, 3, and 6 months.
At 6 months, almost all patients had a significant decrease in anxiety levels, increased quality of life, and slightly better sleep scores. Many patients experienced clinically significant improvements in anxiety, quality of life, and sleep.
Adverse events were seen in about 13% of patients, which is similar to what’s seen in other studies. Severe side effects were rare. Patients who were new to cannabis were more likely to report side effects, but these were mostly mild.
Note: The study had some limitations. Most patients had used cannabis before, which could affect the results. Also, the study didn’t have a control group, so comparing the effects of CBMPs to other treatments is hard. There were some biases and missing data.
While the study showed promising results, more research is needed. Randomized controlled trials would help confirm if CBMPs are effective for treating anxiety. Despite the limitations, the study suggests that CBMPs could be a helpful option for people with anxiety, improving their symptoms and overall well-being.
How Cannabis Affects Anxiety
The cannabis plant contains over 100+ various cannabinoids, each with its own effects. THC and CBD are two of them, and they have different impacts on the body. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is like a control center in our body to keep things balanced. It regulates one’s mood, stress, and sleep.
THC directly binds to ECS receptors, affecting our brain’s signals, while CBD works indirectly, changing how receptors behave. THC’s psychoactive nature might affect anxiety levels, while CBD could help reduce anxiety without causing a “high.”
Cannabis Products to Try at a Weed Dispensary
Looking for ideal products you can try to ease anxiety? Take a look at the following options:
| Criteria | Cali Gold | Kush Cake | Tom Ford |
| Strain Type | Hybrid (Sativa Dominant) | Hybrid (Indica Dominant) | Indica |
| Flavours | Skunky & Lemon | Vanilla & Lemon | Citrus & Sour |
| THC | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| CBD | 0.6 | 0.5 0.5 | 0.5 0.5 |
| Description | Known for its cerebral effects followed by relaxation. Many anxiety-prone consumers praise it for its paranoia-free effects. | It uplifts mood and relieves stress. Ideal for late afternoon or evening. Many use this strain to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. | It induces relaxation, relieves stress, and aids sleep. Perfect for various conditions including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. |
Bonus Product:
CBD Oil
CBD Tears, or Full Spectrum CBD, come in 1ml doses. They’re a type of cannabis oil extract, also known as Phoenix Tears or Rick Simpson oil. This oil is made by extracting THC from cannabis using alcohol, resulting in a pure and potent product. Although not technically a tincture because the alcohol is removed through boiling, Phoenix Tears offers similar benefits.
Benefits of Phoenix Tears include:
- Anxiety Relief
- Nourishing the Skin
- Promoting Heart Health
- Stimulating Appetite
- Aiding Sleep
- Alleviating Nausea
Wrapping It Up
This groundbreaking study highlights the potential of cannabis in transforming anxiety treatment in the UK, opening new doors for more effective therapies. If you’re looking for a natural and innovative approach to managing anxiety, consider exploring the options available at your local weed dispensary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when selecting a cannabis product for anxiety treatment?
When choosing a cannabis product for anxiety, consider the cannabinoid profile (THC vs. CBD), the method of consumption (smoking, vaping, edibles, etc.), and the strain’s specific terpene profile, as different terpenes may have varying effects on mood and anxiety.
Is cannabis an effective long-term solution for anxiety treatment?
While some individuals may find short-term relief from anxiety symptoms with cannabis use, its long-term efficacy and safety as a treatment for anxiety are still being studied.
Regular cannabis use may lead to tolerance, dependence, and potential adverse effects, so see a healthcare professional before incorporating cannabis into a long-term treatment plan.
Are there non-psychoactive alternatives to cannabis for anxiety treatment?
Yes, several non-psychoactive alternatives to cannabis exist for anxiety treatment, including mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques (such as long and deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation), and natural supplements like magnesium or L-theanine. These approaches can complement or serve as alternatives to cannabis-based treatments for anxiety.
