Smoking medical marijuana helps relax the mind. As a result, many anxiety sufferers are considering it as an effective treatment option.
But, does cannabis help ease anxiety symptoms?
How does it work in the body?
Can you replace anti-anxiety medications with medical marijuana?
And, what’s the process of getting recommendations from medical marijuana doctors in Oklahoma?
This blog will help you get answers to these questions. Let’s start.
Does Medical Marijuana Help Anxiety?
To get an answer to this question, you need to understand what’s inside the cannabis plant.
Marijuana contains more than 100 active ingredients and compounds. THC and CBD are the two most important cannabinoids.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive cannabinoid. It provides mind-altering effects by attaching to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
Tetrahydrocannabinol has a similar chemical structure as anandamide. Neurotransmitters such as anandamide send chemical messages between nerve cells, thus altering functions such as concentration, thinking, memory, pleasure, etc.
CBD is also helpful in alleviating anxiety symptoms. Research says that cannabidiol interacts with various receptors, such as the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, the CB1R, etc., which are responsible for regulating anxiety-induced behaviors.
A 2010 study reported that CBD helped in managing social anxiety disorder. Based on brain scans, researchers revealed that CBD caused changes in the brain regions associated with feelings of anxiety.
According to medical marijuana doctors in Oklahoma, taking THC and CBD together can deliver stronger effects.
Moreover, inhaling cannabis brings relaxation and a sense of calm, thus reducing the effects of stress and anxiety on the mind and body. It was confirmed by a recent study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.
The researchers analyzed data from Releaf App, a real-time application that helps users to record their marijuana experiences. Using the app, the users can record factors such as symptoms they were experiencing before using cannabis, how marijuana helped, what are the most effective products, etc.
The authors of the study concluded that marijuana can be used as an effective, fast-acting medication for anxiety.
Marijuana For Sleep
Marijuana’s relaxing effects can help fight insomnia. According to the Sleep Foundation, anxiety is frequently related to sleep problems. Excess worry can make it difficult for you to sleep soundly during the night. Also, sleep deprivation can increase the risks of anxiety.
Want to learn more about cannabis for sleep? Check out our previous blog on how medical marijuana can help you with insomnia.
Marijuana vs Anti-anxiety Medications
Did you know about 10 percent of Americans are prescribed psychotropics?
Although anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants help anxiety sufferers ease their symptoms, they are not without risks.
For instance, taking benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness and memory problems. Moreover, patients may experience headaches, confusion, and vision problems.
However, mixing benzodiazepines or z-drugs with opioids may increase the risk of death.
On the other hand, marijuana helps reduce anxiety naturally & effectively. However, taking too much cannabis can cause a cannabis overdose, but it won’t kill you.
You can replace anti-anxiety medications with medical marijuana. However, you need to learn how to use the herb.
Tips to Use Cannabis by Medical Marijuana Doctors in Oklahoma
Choose The Right Consumption Method
The method of delivery of cannabinoids into the body greatly influences the effects of cannabis on your body and mind.
When you inhale cannabis, THC makes its way to the brain through the bloodstream instantly. Thus, smoking and vaping can help you with quick mind-relaxing effects.
But, when you consume marijuana edibles, cannabinoids are processed through the stomach. Thus, cannabis-infused foods and beverages take 30 minutes to 120 minutes to kick in.
So, you should select the right cannabis delivery methods based on your medical needs.
Take Appropriate Doses
If you are using cannabis for anxiety, you should carefully dose it. Research says that taking lower doses of high-THC strains may help anxiety while higher doses may worsen this medical condition.
However, high doses of high-CBD products can help anxiety.
So, how much cannabis should you take for anxiety? Well, it varies from patient to patient.
If you haven’t used cannabis before, we suggest you start with a low dose & see how it’s working for you.
You might have heard about the term “microdosing cannabis”. The concept is to take a very small dose that’s too low to deliver euphoric effects but helps stimulate the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Consume The Right Strains
Checking the cannabinoid profile of a strain is one of the best ways to evaluate how a marijuana high will affect you.
Some patients really enjoy the euphoric effects of THC while others may experience negative effects from it.
Moreover, the levels of other cannabinoids such as CBD also matter. By learning how different cannabinoids affect you, you can easily select the right cannabis strains for your medical condition.
Here are some of the best strains for anxiety sufferers recommended by medical marijuana doctors in Oklahoma-
- Granddaddy Purple
- ACDC
- Canna-Tsu
- Charlotte’s Web
- Ringo’s Gift
- Remedy
Also Read: THC and CBD: The Tale of Two the Most Famous Cannabis Cannabinoids
Access Medical Marijuana Legally Today
If you want to use marijuana for medical purposes legally, you need a recommendation signed by a 420 doctor.
Now, you get your medical marijuana recommendation online. Visit 420 doctors Oklahoma and see medical marijuana doctors in Oklahoma via a telemedicine platform. Here’s the process to get an MMJ card online-
- Sign up for an account online
- See a doctor via video call
- Get your MMJ recommendation via email
By getting a doctor’s recommendation, you can access medical marijuana dispensaries legally. Moreover, you can save cannabis taxes and get age relaxation.
Before you start using medical marijuana, make sure you learn about Oklahoma cannabis laws.
Covering it up, marijuana can help reduce anxiety by stimulating the endocannabinoid system. Studies have shown that cannabis is also effective in treating insomnia, which is linked to anxiety.
If you want to use medical marijuana legally, get an MMJ card. Talk to your doctor before starting cannabis treatment.
Have you ever tried cannabis for anxiety or other medical conditions? What’s your experience using marijuana? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.