CANNABIS &
MENTAL HEALTH
Introduction
A
stigma has always surrounded cannabis that it is only used for recreational
purposes. However, the cannabis industry has evolved over the years, and so
have the uses of this amazing plant.
It
is now known that cannabis can treat various diseases, such as cancer, anxiety,
and even depression.
Cannabis and
mental health
Cannabis
can treat many mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and stress.
It has been used as a treatment for these conditions for centuries.
Cannabis
can help you relax, resulting in you feeling less stressed. Some people find
that the relaxing effects of cannabis make them feel more confident and able to
cope with their problems in other ways (for example by talking to friends or
family).
In addition, some people have reported that using cannabis makes them feel happier or more contented. Relieving symptoms such as stress and anxiety may also make it easier for you to sleep better at night - leading to improved mood during the day.
Dealing with
depression
CBD
is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has been shown to have anti-depressant
properties. It may help people with depression by increasing serotonin levels
in the brain, which can lead to an alleviation of depressive symptoms.
CBD may also help to regulate serotonin receptors in the brain, which could explain how it helps reduce anxiety and improve moods by affecting those receptors.
Pain and
Cannabis
One
of the most common reasons for using cannabis is to help with the pain. The
body has cannabinoid receptors connected to pain in the central nervous system,
so when you consume cannabis, you stimulate your body's endocannabinoid system.
This
can help alleviate some chronic pain, like headaches and lower back pain — but
not all types.
Cannabis
can also treat inflammation and sleep problems, including insomnia or disrupted
sleep patterns.
To
add to reducing stress and anxiety levels by acting upon these same receptors
in the brain, cannabis may also improve mood by releasing dopamine — a
neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure. If you are feeling down
after a long day at work or school (or both!), smoking some weed might lift
your spirits!
Several different strains are available on dispensary shelves today; each will produce slightly different effects regardless of whether it's smoked or consumed as edibles.
Anxiety and
cannabis consumption
If you struggle with anxiety, cannabis may help to reduce your symptoms. It can also help to increase relaxation and improve sleep, which all contribute to a better quality of life for those with anxiety.
The strain you
choose is one of the most important aspects to consider when treating your
anxiety.
When
it comes to cannabis and mental health, one of the most important aspects is
the strain you choose.
- For anxiety, look for
strains that have higher CBD levels since this cannabinoid has been shown
to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Cannatonic and AC/DC (which have
a high CBD: THC ratio) is the most popular strains among chronic or social
anxiety patients.
- For depression, try a
strain with higher THC levels, as research shows this cannabinoid can help
alleviate symptoms related to depression. Areca nut is known for its
anti-depressant properties. In contrast, Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) are
known for inducing euphoria while relieving pain associated with mood
disorders like depression or bipolar disorder.
- Finally, if you're
looking for both pain relief AND mood enhancement, then strain with THC
and CBD might be right up your alley! The headband is known for pain
relief while simultaneously elevating moods due largely to its balanced
blend of cannabinoids commonly found in cannabis plants.
Conclusion
When
treating mental health conditions, cannabis can be a powerful tool.
It's
important that you know what kind of strain will work best for your symptoms
and that you don't overuse it. We hope this post has given you a view into how
cannabis might help with common mental health issues.