How to Use Cannabis to Manage Anxiety

Features

• Cannabis can help calm you and soothe anxiety symptoms
• Different types of cannabis have different uses, benefits, and risks
• Discover why educating yourself is essential before trying it for anxiety relief

Why You Will Love This Guide

The cannabis plant has helped me and many people in my Well With Cannabis Community discover how to naturally manage anxiety – and we couldn’t be happier!

Now, we are on a mission to help folks like you discover how to use this magical plant as a safe part of your natural anxiety regimen.

However, if you are considering using cannabis to manage your anxiety, I want you to know two things first:

1. You have to think differently about THC and CBD
2. You have to get the dose right

Don’t worry; in this guide, we’ll explore why cannabis is a popular choice to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and help promote both mental and physical well-being in a safe and responsible way.

We’ll also break down what types of cannabis are best suited for managing anxiety in an easy-to-follow format, especially if you are brand-new to cannabis.

How Does Cannabis Work to Manage Anxiety?

Cannabis is a naturally-occurring, non-toxic plant that has long been used to manage anxiety and other issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

It contains different compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce therapeutic effects.

The two most abundant cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the euphoric effects associated with the plant, while CBD is the non-intoxicating compound responsible for the calming effects.

Many people report that these cannabinoids help calm their nervous system, allowing them to cope better with stressful situations and experience less intense levels of anxiety.

By working with the body’s natural body systems, cannabis can be a gentle yet effective to address anxiety without having to take pharmaceutical drugs that may come with side effects.

In most cases, cannabis is simply a tool and a part of a larger overall holistic lifestyle that can provide the best results.

How Can Cannabis Exacerbate Anxiety?

When it comes to using cannabis to manage anxiety, it’s important to be mindful and understand the potential risks involved.

Cannabis has become easily available, but without direction and education, you could do more harm than good when it comes to managing mood disorders.

Before getting started, it is important to understand that some aspects of cannabis may exacerbate your anxiety.

Aspects of cannabis that may increase anxiety:

• High levels of THC
• A particular marijuana strain
• The terpene profile of a strain

Let’s explore these aspects further, so you will know what to be aware of before getting started.

Avoid High Levels of THC

Have you tried cannabis once, a long time ago, maybe in college or in your teens, and had the WORST experience ever?

Heart racing, increased feelings of anxiety, even panic attacks? “But, I thought this was supposed to make me feel better?”

You likely consumed more THC than your body could handle, which sparked the added anxiety and panic.

It’s uncomfortable, but a totally normal experience; the psychoactive effects of THC can be too much if consumed.

We will discuss exactly how to dose THC for anxiety below, but always follow the golden rule – start low and go slow!

Note: In this context, we are talking about D9-THC, not D8-THC – which can cause anxiety for other reasons.

Don’t Skip The CBD

For anxiety, I recommend first starting with just CBD or using a combination of both CBD and THC together.

CBD helps to offset the unwanted effects of THC, makes the experience more gentle, and can help the experience be more comfortable.

People often talk about the ratio of CBD to THC.

For example: if you had a 10:1 ratio, it would be (10mg of CBD to 1mg of THC) and provide different effects than a 2:1 CBD ratio (2mg of CBD to 1mg of THC).

I always recommend experimenting with different levels of CBD and THC separately and together to see what your body responds to best.

Some people need a high CBD content, while others find that they need lower amounts of CBD, a different THC ratio, or lower doses to feel better.

Know Your Strain

People always ask me: “what are the best strains for anxiety?”

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to picking the right strain of cannabis.

We all have unique physiology and endocannabinoid systems, which means that one particular strain can produce unique effects.

A general guideline for selecting different strains is often based on the Sativa vs. Indica debate.

The three main Cannabis Sativa plant species are Indica and Sativa, and the lesser-known is Ruderalis.

Keep in mind most cannabis plants are not pure Indica or pure Sativa but rather hybrid strains of each, like White Widow.

The main differences in these species are visible in their physical characteristics; Indica plants tend to be short and bushy with fat leaves, while Sativa strains tend to be taller with skinnier leaves.

Indica for Anxiety

In general, consumers love Indica varieties because of their deep relaxation and sedative effects, which are often helpful for soothing chronic pain, muscle spasms, and other medical conditions. 

Many people lovingly refer to Indica as “in da couch” because that’s where consumers end up after enjoying Indica-dominant cannabis strains, making it an excellent choice for nighttime use and stress relief.

Reported effects of Indica include nausea relief, pain relief, and appetite stimulation, making it a good option for medical cannabis patients.

Popular Indica strains include Northern Lights, OG Kush, and Hindu Kush.

Sativa for Anxiety ⚠️

Other cannabis consumers love Sativa plants because they stimulate the mind.

As a result, users often feel high and energized after taking Sativa, making it perfect for daytime use.

Others report effects that also help to reduce anxiety and pain.

However, it’s important to note that some people feel unwanted effects from Sativa strains, notably increased anxiety. 

This may be related to the specific strain or the THC content.

For this reason, it is a good idea to avoid Sativa-dominant strain types when getting started using cannabis for varying anxiety levels.

Popular Sativa-dominant strains of cannabis include Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, Granddaddy Purple, and Jack Herer.

Don’t Forget the Terpenes

When discussing cannabis strains, we can’t ignore the importance of terpenes.

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for the smell associated with all things, including cannabis, other herbs, and essential oils.

Together with cannabinoids, they contribute to the entourage effect of cannabis.

There are many different kinds of terpenes, and different levels can be present in different amounts depending on the cannabis strain.

As you become more aware of your best cannabis strains, you will be able to identify which compounds help you feel your best.

Application Methods Matter

There are many different ways you can put cannabis in and on your body, which will impact your experience.

Flower buds, or marijuana, are probably the most common type of cannabis and are typically smoked in joints, blunts, or dry herb vaporizers.

Inhalation is preferred by many because it provides instant relief that can be felt within 1-3 minutes and lasts 1-3 hours.

When smoking, it’s very hard to control the dose, even if you just take a little hit, making this not the ideal option for tracking your dose.

Edibles and smoking are two different experiences, but in the long run, pre-dosed edibles are a good place to start because they will be more likely to produce a consistent and reliable dose and result.

There are also cannabis concentrates, tinctures, topicals, and more – all with slightly different uses and potential benefits.

When considering trying cannabis as a way to manage anxiety symptoms, read through my guide to cannabis application methods so you can decide which option is right for you.

Journal Your Experience

My last piece of advice is to use a cannabis journal, just like you would a food diary.

This can look different for everyone; you can use traditional pen and paper, the notes app on your phone, or I personally use and love the Gold Leaf journals.

These interactive journals come with many different themes, all with the same goal of creating a positive and rewarding cannabis experience.

When you can track your experience, you can analyze your data, begin to notice trends and make educated decisions moving forward.

This really helps give a bigger picture of what is working and what is not, and lets you know how to repeat the good and avoid the bad in the future.

Common Side Effects & How to Deal with Them

Medication can sometimes take a toll on your body, and medical cannabis users know that cannabis is no exception.

Common side effects of using cannabis for anxiety include dry mouth, increased heart rate, dizziness, and drowsiness.

It’s important to take extra care when experiencing any of these symptoms so that you don’t further aggravate your anxiety.

To cope with dry mouth and increased heart rate, it’s helpful to drink lots of water and consider reducing your dosage or trying a different strain when needed.

When drowsy, pay attention to how tired you’re feeling- if necessary, take a nap or rest until you’re feeling better!

Even taking a few CBD gummies can help to reduce the intensity of the experience. Find more tips and tricks for reducing a high here.

Remember that everyone has different reactions to cannabis and unique individual needs. Be patient and supportive of yourself as you navigate through this special journey.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking of using cannabis to manage anxiety, it’s important that you take the time to consider your options and make an informed decision.

There are many products available, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Everyone reacts differently to cannabis; it is important to do your research and understand how the specific product you are considering will affect you before trying it out.

Finally, it may also be beneficial to speak with a healthcare professional who can provide more information on the benefits versus risks of using cannabis for anxiety relief.

Taking these precautions will help ensure the best possible experience! Now, are you ready for a support system to guide you on your journey?

Join my private Well With Cannabis Community to gain thousands of new friends with the experience and advice you need to help you navigate the world of cannabis.

Podcast Episodes About Anxiety

If you’re struggling to manage anxiety on your own, just know that you are not alone! Here are all of the Well With Cannabis Podcast episodes that discuss using cannabis to manage anxiety.