A life without stress is a dream that adults can only imagine. Whether it’s family, work or health, stress can take any shape or form and spring from anywhere.
Now the worst part about stress is that it ruins your day or even week. And if something important happens to fall in your schedule during this time, the chances of it going downhill are high. So, what do you do in this case?
How about taking a deep breath and inhaling marijuana?
Marijuana or cannabis has evolved as a medical herb that holds the potential to treat a number of health problems and stress relief happens to be one of them. The popularity has risen to a level where patients can now consult doctors on their phone and get a medical marijuana card online to start using the herb.
Over the years, many cannabis consumers have reported feeling calmer and less stressed after consuming the herb. But is it true? If yes, does it apply to you? We’ll discuss all this today and help you decide if cannabis can be a solution to your daily stress.
Marijuana and Stress Relief: What Do Studies Say?
Photo by Len Mora on Unsplash
You must understand the legality of cannabis and how it affects the research and study of the herb. While cannabis is legal in most U.S. states, its federal status remains unchanged as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. For this reason, it’s not easy to conduct experiments and research on cannabis and its effects on health conditions like stress on a large scale.
However, the research on cannabis hasn’t reached a standstill due to these legal issues. Existing studies and data point towards the possible stress relieving effects of cannabis on the body.
Stress and the Endocannabinoid System
One plausible explanation of the stress relieving properties of cannabis is presented using the endocannabinoid system.
Now, when our body faces a stressful situation, it responds by undergoing a stress response. This includes impact on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and homeostasis. One of the many results of this impact is the reduction of endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol.
While anandamide regulates the levels of dopamine which lowers stress and anxiety, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol is associated with promoting pleasurable feelings. This clearly explains how the ECS has a role to play in our body’s stress response.
Now, how do we reverse this change? By introducing cannabinoids to the body with cannabis. These cannabinoids help bring back the state of homeostasis which may lower stress.
Other explanations include the impact of CBD in regulating the release of FAAH which is responsible for degrading anandamide in the body. And as discussed, anandamide may help lower anxiety and stress. Since there is no FAAH to break down the endocannabinoid, the stress-relieving effects persist.
Lower Doses of Cannabis for Stress Relief
The entire concept of the stress relieving aspect of cannabis arose from the anecdotal evidence and numerous studies that compared the effects of cannabis and placebo on stress.
One such study shed light on one important fact about using cannabis for stress- Dosage.
Three groups of people were given placebo and THC (high and low doses) to observe the effects of each case on the body. Towards the end of the study, it was observed that while neither placebo nor THC had an impact on cortisol levels and blood pressure, people who consumed low doses of THC, reported lower stress compared to those who consumed high doses or placebo.
Another key observation of the study was the development of negative mood among those consuming high doses of THC.
In conclusion, it is best to practice microdosing when using cannabis for stress since overdosing can have a negative effect on the body. Microdosing cannabis involves consuming small doses and increasing the amount over a period of time after carefully observing the effects.
NOTE: Cannabis doses for people can vary based on multiple factors such as metabolism, severity of stress and genetics. It is advised to consult a professional doctor for guidance.
The Content of Cannabis Matters
When using cannabis for stress, the content of the strain or cannabis product is just as important as the dosage.
After compiling the existing data, it is observed that the ratio of THC and CBD in a cannabis product can determine its stress relieving effects. The reports suggest that the CBD products must either contain high levels of CBD and THC or high CBD and low THC. In any case, patients should avoid using high THC strains as it can worsen the symptoms of stress.
Best Ways to Administer Marijuana for Stress
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Cannabis can be consumed in multiple ways. Each one of these methods are different from one another. These differences help you decide which one will be the best one for your needs. So, here is a brief introduction to some of the best ways to administer marijuana:
| Delivery Method | Characteristics |
| Edibles |
|
| Smokes |
|
| Tinctures |
|
| Topical Patches |
|
Make sure to get in touch with a professional before consuming marijuana or choosing a product.
Takeaway
There’s still a long way to go in terms of research related to medical marijuana and stress. But based on the existing evidence, you can decide whether or not you should consider using cannabis for your stress issues.
Cannabis affects your endocannabinoid system which can bring about more health benefits than just relieving stress. All these factors can combine and improve your overall wellbeing.
If you decide on using medical cannabis for stress, just remember these key points:
- Avoid high THC cannabis products.
- Stick to low doses.
- Consult a professional.
Sources
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317777
https://today.uic.edu/low-dose-thc-can-relieve-stress-more-does-just-the-opposite
https://www.chartattack.com/medical-cannabis-can-it-help-relieve-stress/
https://arstechnica.com/science/2018/04/here-are-the-types-of-marijuana-best-for-stress-and-anxiety-according-to-users/
https://www.inquisitr.com/4874599/marijuana-could-be-used-to-treat-stress-and-anxiety-depending-on-its-chemical-content-according-to-study/
https://cannigma.com/conditions/stress/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10368032/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318762
About Medical Marijuana Card Anaheim
Medical Marijuana Card Anaheim has been around for more than 18 years to offer quick consultations to all patients who wish to use medical marijuana. They host a team of professional doctors that offer online consultations to make the process of getting a medical marijuana card as convenient and hassle free as possible. They work on their belief that cannabis holds tremendous potential to treat and manage several health problems including stress, anxiety, pain and insomnia. For more information, visit https://medicalmarijuanacardanaheim.com.
