Choosing the right Cannabinoids can be a little tricky. Whether you are a medical marijuana patient or just looking for a good strain to smoke at home, here are a few things you should know.
Indica vs. Sativa
Choosing the right marijuana strain for anxiety can help reduce your anxiety symptoms. But if you’re new to cannabis, you might not know what to look for. Luckily, you can get a little help from the experts.
Indica and sativa are two of the most common cannabis strains, and the effects vary depending on which one you choose. Sativa is best for energizing your mind and helping you concentrate. Indicas are better for calming you down and relieving pain.
Although there are many differences between sativa and indica strains, the best marijuana strain for anxiety is likely to be the one that works for you. First, think about what you want to achieve with cannabis, then go with your gut. If a particular strain doesn’t work, stop using it immediately.
Terpenes Help Relieve Pain and Inflammation
Several botanical compounds have been found to possess pain-relieving effects. For example, terpenes are natural chemicals found in plants that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties. They act by activating cell receptors in the ECS, which may help relieve inflammation. Several studies have also investigated their therapeutic effects on skin disorders.
A terpene called alpha-humulene has shown anti-inflammatory properties in a mouse model of allergic inflammation in the lungs. It also showed anti-histamine effects. It may have therapeutic potential for allergies and asthma. However, more research is needed.
Another terpene called caryophyllene is found in basil, cloves, and hops. It is a compound that binds to CB2 receptors in the central nervous system and peripheral immune system. It has a spicy, peppery scent. It is one of the primary terpenes found in cannabis. It is also one of the most studied terpenes for pain relief.
CBD Doses Reduce Anxiety Without Drowsiness
Among the many benefits of CBD is its ability to reduce anxiety without drowsiness. Although there are many questions about the drug’s long-term effects, several studies have shown that CBD can reduce anxiety symptoms.
In one study, a 300-milligram dose of CBD was shown to be more effective than a placebo. However, this dosage was only sometimes the most effective of all.
A better dose may depend on your body’s physiology and current medications. If you are considering using CBD or CBDA oil for anxiety, your doctor may be able to help you find the correct dose for you.
While the effects of CBD have been studied in animals, there has yet to be a lot of research on human subjects. Nevertheless, some studies show that CBD may improve sleep, especially if administered early in the day.
CBD Enhances the Effects of Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Using CBD in the context of exposure therapy has been shown to have anxiolytic effects. In addition to reducing anxiety symptoms, it appears to enhance the effects of exposure therapy by decreasing the likelihood of re-exposure to the stimulus that initially conditioned the fear. Moreover, it seems to inhibit the long-term adverse effects of stress.
Using a predator-prey model, CBD administered before or after extinction training reduced expectancy ratings during reinstatement. In addition, it increased skin conductance response during reinstatement.
In the prelimbic cortex, CBD showed anxiolytic effects in unstressed rats. It also reduced resting cerebral blood flow in the limbic and paralimbic areas. In addition, it reduced anticipatory anxiety associated with a SPECT imaging procedure in healthy volunteers. The anxiolytic effects of CBD in the prelimbic cortex may be mediated partially by activation of the 5-HT1A receptor. It may also partly involve activation of the CB1R.
THC Can be Aggravating for Those With Anxiety
Using cannabis for self-medication of anxiety symptoms may help alleviate anxiety, but the compound in marijuana, delta nine THC (THC), is also known to aggravate anxiety. In addition, several studies have shown that cannabis has an anxiogenic effect on humans. Despite the potential anxiolytic effects of THC, further research is needed to understand better the compound’s biological properties and the dosage required for therapeutic applications.
In addition, further research on the compounds in marijuana, terpenes, and other phytochemicals could yield more effective anxiolytic formulations.
In a human study, pre-existing anxiety and stress symptomology significantly predicted the self-medication of anxiety symptoms. A reciprocal feedback loop model was also incorporated, suggesting that cannabis use and anxiety may be associated with common factors.
In addition, several studies have shown that cannabis is associated with a decreased incidence of anxiety-related symptoms. However, these studies are limited by a lack of reliable data on the quantity of THC in cannabis. Therefore, future clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of cannabinoid therapy.