It can be overwhelming to deal with mental illness on your own, and without the proper therapy, life may seem like an uphill fight every day. Whatever the diagnosis, be it a mental illness or physical disease, one thing is certain: you’re not alone if you’re suffering from anxiety or depression. The most frequent anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), affects 3% of Americans yearly, while about 7% of Americans experience one or more major depressive episodes each year.
While mental health issues differ in degree and manifestation, they may be challenging to cure. Medical marijuana is one of the many potential treatments for anxiety and depression that is currently being studied. There isn’t a lot of study on its efficacy, but we’ve collected any relevant information that may help you decide whether or not cannabis works for your mental health. To discover how medical marijuana usage may affect your other medicines, it is critical to speak with your doctor about it.
What is anxiety?
Many people experience some form of anxiety: you may be anxious about a major life transition like moving or before performing in a play. Although healthy levels of anxiety are manageable, they may occur and fade away throughout the day for everyone; yet feelings of anxiety and dread can be constant, strong, or even debilitating for those who have an anxiety condition.
What is depression?
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a serious mood condition marked by profound sadness and a loss of interest in activities you used to like. People who are depressed may have feelings of disgrace and inadequacy, as well as difficulty performing daily tasks at home and at work.
How to use marijuana for managing anxiety
If you’re new to marijuana, it’s crucial to start slowly and figure out your sensitivity to determine the dosage and strains that work best for you. Cannabis (particularly higher amounts of THC) can increase anxiety in some individuals. Although lower doses may help to relieve anxiety, too much cannabis (particularly high levels of THC) can exacerbate symptoms. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it if necessary. Cannabis with a lower THC level is recommended for anxiety.
How to use marijuana for managing depression
Individuals suffering from depression should search for marijuana strains with less THC content since higher doses of THC might worsen symptoms. Use a CBD-rich strain with a low dose to begin, and only use it when necessary. Medical marijuana may be beneficial in some cases—but not as your sole form of therapy.
Every strain has its own chemical composition, which accounts for different effects. Terpenes, which contribute to the distinct tastes and scents of cannabis, are also recognized to have stress-relieving effects. Each strain has a unique terpene profile, but don’t be scared to experiment with a few different ones; you may find one that works for you!
Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. It is common for people struggling with one to also be experiencing the other, or even both simultaneously. This can make it difficult to find relief from either condition alone. However, these natural alternatives may help you address your anxiety and/or depression without resorting to pharmaceuticals. Medical marijuana has shown significant promise as an alternative treatment option because it does not come with many of these risks associated with taking prescription medications while still alleviating symptoms effectively enough for some patients who would otherwise be considered “treatment-resistant” based on their response to traditional therapies. Contact us if you think medical marijuana is a treatment option for you, and let us help you get your life back.
