Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is your body and mind’s way of protecting you from perceived danger. We all experience situational anxiety from time to time. It is a normal — and even healthy — part of life. But if you suffer from an anxiety disorder, you know how much havoc constant fear and worry can wreak on your daily life.
Unpleasant, But Not Untreatable
Because anxiety activates your sympathetic nervous system, it can cause a number of unpleasant mental and physical symptoms. There are several different anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, and phobias.
Anxiety symptoms include increased heart rate and blood pressure, racing thoughts, sweating, stomach upset or loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and more. By implementing cannabis medicine into your wellness routine, you may be able to reduce, or even eliminate, anxiety and its many unpleasant side effects.
The Role of Cannabis in Treating Anxiety
CBD and THC cannabinoids may both benefit people suffering from anxiety, and physicians generally recommend high-CBD, low-THC-based treatments. CBD is well-suited to treating anxiety because of its ability to decrease the body’s sympathetic response. This calms overactivity in the nervous system, helping to restore balance and relieve anxiety symptoms.
CBD has been shown to boost serotonin levels in the brain, having a similar — and potentially safer — effect to common antidepressants. It may also contribute to dilation of blood vessels, known as vasodilation, which can reduce high blood pressure. Studies have shown that cannabinoids even help regenerate neurons in the brain, which may positively impact memory and cognitive function.
The relaxing properties of high-THC products can help reduce severe symptoms, but its psychoactive effects can increase anxiety in some patients, therefore CBD is typically the preferred option.
Talking With Your Doctor
Medications such as benzodiazepines and antidepressants are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety. Unfortunately, these medications have been linked to negative health risks, including early-onset dementia, memory loss, and sleep disturbances. If you’re ready to explore a more natural remedy for anxiety, talk to your physician about your wellness goals and the potential benefits of cannabis medicine.
With the helpful guidance and knowledge of their doctor, many anxiety patients find cannabis to be an extremely effective alternative to prescription medications.
If you’re interested in getting your medical marijuana card, NETA is here to help.
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