Anxiety and depression are not recognised as qualifying disorders in all states. Please verify your state's laws.

Living with mental illness is difficult, and without the proper therapy, daily living may feel like an uphill fight. One thing is certain: you are not alone if you are suffering from a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression. The most common anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), affects approximately 3% of Americans annually, while approximately 7% of Americans experience one or more major depressive episodes each year.

Because the intensity and symptoms of mental health illnesses vary, they can be difficult to treat. Medical marijuana is one of several new choices emerging as a potential therapy for anxiety and despair. Although research on its usefulness is sparse, we have included any existing information you may be interested in knowing before taking cannabis for your mental health. It is critical to discuss medicinal marijuana use with your doctor in order to determine how it may interact with your other drugs.

What exactly is anxiety?

Many individuals have anxiety—you may be apprehensive before a major life change, such as relocating, or before appearing in a play. Healthy levels of anxiety come and go during the day; but, for persons suffering from an anxiety disorder, feelings of dread and fear can be continuous, severe, and even debilitating. There are many different kinds of anxiety, and just like with depression, people can have a wide range of experiences with anxiety illness. The following are some frequent symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD):

• Restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of worry, fear or uneasiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing

What exactly is depression?

Depression, often known as major depressive disorder, is a mood condition that produces great sorrow and a loss of interest in life and formerly loved activities. Those suffering from depression may experience emotions of hopelessness and worthlessness, as well as trouble carrying out everyday tasks at home and at work. Symptoms vary since everyone experiences depression differently, however they might include the following:

• General loss of pleasure in many activities
• Sadness or overall depressed mood
• Changes in appetite
• Oversleeping or trouble sleeping
• Tiredness or lack of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Difficulty focusing, making decisions and remembering things
• Slowed movement or speech
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Common therapies for anxiety and depression: Treatment for anxiety and depression is tailored to each individual and their specific symptoms. Both conditions are often treated with a mix of psychotherapy and medication, such as antidepressants. Changes in lifestyle, such as exercise, sleep, and a nutritious diet, can also assist. Furthermore, many patients have discovered that medicinal marijuana can help with anxiety and sadness. Here's all you might possibly need to know.

How marijuana alleviates anxiety

In addition to more standard therapies, research now indicates that medicinal marijuana may benefit those suffering from anxiety problems. The substance cannabidiol, or CBD, is the key element in cannabis that helps alleviate anxiety. CBD, unlike the more well-known chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana usage, has no psychoactive effects. Both chemicals are hypothesised to operate by interacting with the endocannabinoid system's CB1 and CB2 receptors.

People who took 300 milligrammes of CBD following a simulated public speaking exam had a significant drop in anxiety levels, according to a 2017 study of the potential benefits of CBD for panic disorder. A 2019 study also discovered that 300-600 mg of CBD effectively reduced anxiety in 57 adult males.

How to Use Marijuana to Treat Anxiety

Start slowly, especially if you're new to cannabis, to evaluate your sensitivity and find the dosage and strains that work for you. While lesser dosages of cannabis can help with anxiety, greater quantities of THC may aggravate your symptoms. Begin with a modest dose and gradually raise it as needed. Anxiety should be treated with cannabis that has less THC.

Indica vs. Sativa: Cannabis strains are frequently classified as "indica" or "sativa" in dispensaries. Indica strains have lower THC levels and are believed to have a soothing impact on the body, whilst sativa strains have greater THC levels and a more stimulating effect. It is more crucial to pick a lower-THC content when utilising medicinal marijuana strains for anxiety disorders than to focus on the indica vs. sativa differentiation. Higher THC dosages should be avoided since they may worsen your anxiety.

Best cannabis strains for anxiety

Many medicinal marijuana strains may be beneficial for anxiety. Here are a few examples of highly rated books:

• Grandaddy Purple
• ACDC
• Cannatonic
• Jack Herer
• Canna-Tsu
• Pennywise
• Northern Lights
• Harlequin

How marijuana can help with depression

The research on how cannabis affects depression is sparse, but with each new study, we learn a little bit more. Stress, it is believed, impairs the synthesis of endocannabinoids—or molecules that influence our emotions, behaviour, and more—and a lack of these chemicals can lead to depression. Cannabinoids such as CBD and THC are hypothesised to interact with endocannabinoid receptors, aiding in the restoration of the endocannabinoid system and reducing depression symptoms.

While medicinal marijuana may be beneficial for immediate or short-term alleviation of these symptoms, it is not advised as a main or long-term treatment for depression. Having said that, it may be useful as a mood enhancer in addition to your normal medication (as previously mentioned, patients should discuss using cannabis with their medical professional first).

THC has been demonstrated in animal experiments to promote serotonin synthesis, resulting in mood benefits; however, large dosages of the chemical may aggravate depressed symptoms. Non-psychoactive CBD has also been shown to reduce stress and enhance mood, so strains with greater CBD content may be a good alternative for individuals looking for depression alleviation.

How to Use Marijuana to Treat Depression

Individuals suffering from depression should pick strains with lower THC concentration because larger quantities of THC may aggravate symptoms. To begin, try a low-dose CBD strain and use it only as necessary. Again, using medicinal marijuana on occasion can be beneficial—but it should not be your primary mode of therapy.

Because each strain has a unique chemical makeup, the effects will vary significantly. Terpenes, which give cannabis its distinct flavours and fragrances, are also known to have stress-relieving qualities, and each strain has its own terpene profile. Don't be scared to experiment with a few different ones to determine what works best for you!

Best cannabis strains for depression

It may take some trial and error to get the ideal medical marijuana strain because it is all about discovering what suits your individual symptoms. These are just a few of the strains that have been shown to be effective for depression by others:

• Blue Dream
• Pineapple Express
• Harlequin
• Girl Scout Cookies
• XJ-13
• Sour Tsunami
• Jack Herer
• Blackberry Kush
• Grandaddy Purple

Medical marijuana legality

Anxiety and depression problems are not permitted usage in all places where medicinal marijuana is legal. First, check your state's rules to determine whether you may get a medical marijuana card for these symptoms. Here you get all information about how to get a medical marijuana card.