Mental health is vital to our overall well-being. As such, there are many treatments available to improve mental health—including medical marijuana. Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been controversial for many years. It’s gaining more attention nowadays for potentially helping manage or improve mental health conditions. While some believe smoking cannabis is harmful, others argue for its significant positive impacts.
In this blog, we will explore the health benefits of smoking marijuana, shed light on how it can manage different mental health problems, and look a bit at the cannabis latest research.
Smoking weed has long been associated with adverse health outcomes. However, recent searches suggest that marijuana may positively impact mental health. Recreational marijuana use can certainly have negative consequences, but medical marijuana use—or using marijuana under a medical professional’s guide, offers several benefits.
Medical marijuana has shown significant benefits for individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. In fact, over 50% of cannabis users report using it to manage different mental health issues.
Cannabis as Medicine
Cannabis contains many compounds, with CBD and THC being the major active ones. Leveraging the therapeutic properties of these two can result in medicinal cannabis use. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. There have been findings that THC has anxiolytic effects, which can help reduce social anxiety disorders. CBD, or cannabidiol, is non-psychoactive and believed to have anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory benefits. It interacts with the brain to produce a sense of calm and relaxation. Together, they can work on managing mental health symptoms.
Also Read: Different Methods of Consuming Cannabis
Mental Health Benefits of Smoking Weed
The relationship between weed and mental health is complex. Some studies prove it helps, but the other half of these studies claim it worsens mental health symptoms; hence the importance of discussing it with your doctor before considering this treatment option.
Nevertheless, here are some ways weed has helped managed mental health or health benefits of smoking medical marijuana.
Stress Relief
Marijuana interacts with the brain receptors that control stress and anxiety. This leads to a decrease in stress levels. Hence, using it may help manage stress and tension and improve feelings of relaxation.
Pain Relief
THC and CBD have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing pain and inflammation, they improve overall relaxation. And relaxing the body and mind, it alleviates both pain and discomfort.
Anxiety Relief
CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system of the body. This system regulates physiological processes, such as sleep, mood, and appetite. The interaction between active cannabis compounds and the endocannabinoid system reduces feelings of fear and stress—the leading symptoms of anxiety.
Depression Relief
Marijuana can change the dopamine levels in your brain. This hormone regulates mood, pleasure, and motivation. Hence, it may positively impact mood, reducing feelings of hopelessness and sadness and increasing energy levels. It can temporarily induce feelings of euphoria, happiness, and relaxation. However, it’s important to note that cannabis may only act best as a temporary relief. Consult your doctor to find out about long-term treatment.
Improved Sleep
The calming effect of cannabidiol, or CBD, has been found to improve sleep quality. Improved sleep signifies enhanced mental health. Some studies have claimed that cannabis increases melatonin in your body, which has sedative effects and alters your sleep-wake cycle. If misused, they can worsen sleep disorders rather than improve them.
Improved Focus and Creativity
Dopamine is also associated with boosting creativity. This results from increased focus and attention when low doses of THC increase dopamine. However, keep in mind that higher doses may have adverse effects and can cause your focus and creativity. The results differ per person or are highly individualized, so it’s important not to get too excited but start slow.
Reduce Nausea
Anxiety also causes nausea. It’s a symptom of an overly stressed and anxious body. A study on using marijuana as an anti-emetic drug found that the plant can be an anti-emetic agent. It was believed to be efficacious to 50% of patients in the study with pre or post-chemotherapy nausea or vomiting. However, some respondents have felt adverse effects, so the findings need further research.
While there have several physical, mental, and overall medical benefits of marijuana, it is not without risk. It can also result in many unpleasant effects, such as paranoia and, ironically, depression. You need to consider many factors to ensure you get only the best of this plant.
One is asking yourself how long does weed stay in your system. The duration depends on even more factors, such as the strain’s potency, metabolism, and the amount of marijuana you consumed. Cannabis typically stays in an individual’s system for between three to 30 days.
Another vital factor are the cannabis strains for anxiety you choose to consume. Specific strains have different effects on the body. Make sure you select those that specifically address your mental health problems.
These three strains are among the most popular ones that relieve anxiety.
Jack Herrer
Jack Herrer is a balanced strain that contains moderate levels of CBD and THC, providing a good balance of physical and cerebral effects. This hybrid strain is known to energize and uplift mood as well as improve focus and creativity.
Granddaddy Purple
The granddaddy purple is an Indica-dominant strain that relaxes, helps reduces stress, and manages insomnia. Users commonly utilize it to treat pain and tense muscles. This strain contains camphene, a stress reliever, and linalool, a calming terpene that effectively manages stress or panic attacks.
Blue Dream
This strain provides balanced and uplifting effects. It’s high in THC but provides just the right calm and relaxation. It originated in California and is known to mitigate insomnia, anxiety, depression, and even chronic pain.
Finding the Best Cannabis Dispensary in California for Cannabis Strains
Looking for the right cannabis for anxiety can be challenging, but a reliable cannabis dispensary can help you navigate options. They will help you find the best strains that suit your condition. Of course, in conjunction with your doctor’s recommendation.
Greenstone offers various strains that target managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. The dispensary’s knowledgeable staff will help you find what you need and even provide information about the different effects, dosages, and more. Greenstone is the perfect place to start looking for these anxiety-managing strains as the shop only sources from legal growers. We have strict quality control to ensure your access to safe and effective cannabis products.
Conclusion
The relationship between weed and mental health is complex and requires further study. It was proven to impact some conditions positively but can also worsen symptoms in others. So while marijuana or cannabis has shown promise in treating mental health conditions, you must approach your use cautiously. The best treatment is still to seek help from medical professionals ASAP.
Before starting the treatment, ensure it is the right option for you. Discuss the plant’s potential health benefits of marijuana and risks with your doctor. As with any mental health treatment, you must monitor the many effects of marijuana and make adjustments as needed.
You may also consider visiting a medical marijuana dispensary in California City, where you can discuss your options with experts and access various anxiety strains. And when considering cannabis as a first-line or complementary treatment, get all your facts straight to make informed decisions about your health.
