For many people, there is a clear connection between marijuana and anxiety. Whether that connection involves an increase or decrease in anxiety depends on a multitude of factors that vary between people. You know yourself and your body best, so if you’ve experienced that marijuana increases or decreases your anxiety, you’re right.
Understanding CBD vs. THC
The Cannabis sativa plant contains some 540 known chemical substances.1 Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are among over 100 other known cannabinoids.1 CBD is non-psychoactive and sourced from hemp while THC is psychoactive and sourced from marijuana.2
Both have been manufactured into various products including creams, edibles, flowers, pills, and vape concentrate. They provide medical benefits if used prescriptively. The method of consumption along with the amount consumed influences one’s mental state, but there is no practical known means of overdosing on CBD or THC.
Can Marijuana Ease Symptoms of Anxiety?
Physically, marijuana activates dopamine, which triggers the brain’s reward system. For many, the euphoric sensation upon consumption is one of a relaxed, peaceful state. General tension from typical daily stressors and the symptoms of anxiety they cause may be eased with low dosage, controlled marijuana consumption. That said, because everyone’s body chemistry is different, one person’s response to marijuana will differ from another’s.3 If the intended use is for any particular medical benefit, it is highly recommended that one speaks with a professional. Marijuana should not be used in lieu of more medically validated treatments.
Research has indicated that prescriptive efficacious doses may benefit treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders, including the treatment of anxiety.3,4 Some examples include social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and troubled sleep.4 In combination with psychiatric medication, marijuana may also assist with conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia. It should be noted that, at the time of writing this article, research of cannabinoids for medicinal use is still in its relative infancy.4
Can Marijuana Cause Anxiety?
Marijuana can cause anxiety as well. A primary cause of this is higher dose consumption.3 At higher doses, your brain chemistry becomes overexcited, which may lead toward a variety of anxiety-provoking symptoms including a racing heart, trouble focusing, paranoia, tingly body sensations, and more. Especially if one has not consumed marijuana before and does not know what to expect, the sensation can be overwhelming. The same can occur for those who consumed at one point but abstained for an extended period of time.
Marijuana, more often than not, is not a solution to a problem. Although marijuana may provide temporary relief from daily stressors, if used to avoid the problem, anxiety will only increase. Even with mental health conditions, marijuana may ease some symptoms but it will not effectively treat or cure the condition.
Self Medicating With Marijuana: What You Should Know
It is important to make an informed decision if choosing to self-medicate with marijuana. Even if it does provide temporary relief, it may exacerbate the issue. There is no medical benefit if the condition goes untreated. Speaking with a professional, reviewing credible research, and speaking with trusted others is a sound place to start.
How Can It Help?
Beyond easing anxiety for many consumers, marijuana has other psychiatric benefits. In a more expansive exploration of current research ranging from 2014-2019, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reported small to significant medical benefits for a variety of conditions. Although beneficial, it has not necessarily been proven more effective than existing treatments. But again, everybody responds to treatments differently.
Marijuana has been shown to help with the following conditions:1
- Pain
- Helping to decrease opioid use
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AID symptoms
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Movement disorders due to Tourette’s Syndrome (TS)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Nausea and vomiting related to cancer chemotherapy
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep problems
Marijuana is also potentially safer (physically) and less addictive than other prescribed medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines. Given that many prescriptive medications come with an abundance of potentially serious side effects, marijuana may prove to be a better alternative. Further, it may serve as an efficacious supplement to other medications.
Though this is still widely up for debate, there are also considerations that marijuana may prove useful in harm reduction therapies attempting to eliminate use of more harmful drugs such as opioids.1 The thought is to replace the more harmful drug with marijuana to curb cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing the individual to more clearly focus on a comprehensive recovery effort.
A major part of this debate is that marijuana still activates the pleasure pathway, the same as opioids and other harmful drugs. Essentially, the individual is trading one substance for another. On the other hand, those in favor acknowledge this potential, but they also recognize how quality of life for self and others may be restored.
How Can It Hurt?
Responsible consumption significantly reduces the most harmful of negative considerations when it comes to marijuana; however, that does not necessarily mean that you’re making the best or healthiest decision. Again, individual results vary.3
Negatives of using marijuana include:
- Legality: If marijuana is illegal in your state, you may face legal consequences if apprehended by the authorities. It is also important to note that marijuana is still outlawed on a federal level. Being knowledgeable of pertinent laws can save you from hash penalties ranging from fines to time in prison. If it’s legal in your state, there are still restrictions such as not driving intoxicated, purchasing from anywhere that is not state approved, or consuming in non-designated public spaces.
- Cost: Marijuana prices vary from state to state, but other options may prove more affordable while treating the condition or issue more directly. As marijuana consumption increases and costs go up, regularly purchasing marijuana can add up over time.
- Side effects: Although many consider marijuana worth the risk of side effects as compared to alternative options, it’s still important to note that there are side effects. Like any other potential substance of abuse, marijuana is addictive and does—at the very least—lead toward physical dependence. Despite the improbability of a marijuana overdose, there are short- and long-term health risks.
- Short-term health risks of marijuana are:5
- Altered senses, such as seeing brighter colors
- Altered sense of time, such as minutes seeming like hours
- Changes in mood
- Problems with body movement
- Trouble with thinking, problem-solving, and memory
- Increased appetite
- Otherwise avoidable accidents may more easily occur while under the influence
- Long-term health risks of marijuana are:5
- Problems with brain development: people who started using marijuana as teenagers may have trouble with thinking, memory, and learning
- Coughing and breathing problems if you smoke marijuana frequently
- Problems with child development during and after pregnancy if a woman smokes marijuana while pregnant
- Increased dependence: As with any other drug, including those prescribed, frequent consumption of marijuana does lead to physical dependence. Dependence is indicated by physical tolerance and withdrawal. Addiction need not be present for this to occur. It is a natural occurrence even if one consumes responsibly or as prescribed. Neurophysiological changes occur and have the potential to lead to further problems. When you progress into cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social problems consequent to use, addiction is generally indicated.
Other Factors to Consider When Using Marijuana For Anxiety
Other potential factors to consider in the discussion about marijuana and anxiety are whether or not you’ve spoken with a professional, whether you can afford it, and whether you are on any other medications.
Ask yourself these questions when considering marijuana for anxiety:
- Have I spoken with a professional?
- Is it legal where I live? If so, what are the laws concerning it?
- Do I need a prescription?
- Can I afford marijuana without missing other financial responsibilities?
- Is it truly the best treatment option for my anxiety?
- Do I have any other medical, mental health, or substance use disorders that may be further complicated by marijuana consumption?
- Am I currently taking any other medications that may be contraindicated by marijuana?
- Does my family, or do I personally, have a history with addiction?
- Do I believe that I can continue to use it responsibly over time?
- How will this impact my family and other loved ones?
- How will this impact other important responsibilities?
Though by no means exhaustive, these questions are a useful starting place. Should any concerns arise, then it may help to reconsider whether its consumption is the best decision.
Consumption
Marijuana may also be consumed in a variety of forms from flower to edibles to pills to transdermal patches to vape concentrates. Each form has a different time of onset as well as euphoric period. Further, the way one experiences the high may differ. Some may experience more of a head high while others create more of a body wave sensation.
Potency
Potency of the marijuana is another significant factor. Contemporary marijuana is significantly more potent than it was in the 60s and 70s, and today’s concentrated vapes may have upward of 85-90%. Given these differences, the effects of marijuana may vary from relatively minimal to significant impairment.
Prescription
As of 2021, marijuana is legal for adult recreational use in 16 states plus Washington D.C., whereas medicinal marijuana with a prescription is legal in 36.7 Having a prescription may provide additional benefits such as demonstrating true medicinal need with a formal diagnosis, managed care benefits, reduced or no taxes, or even entering the dispensary ahead of recreational purchasers. In any case, federal regulations actually deem it unlawful for one to purchase firearms whether using cannabis legally; this includes both recreational and medicinal use.8 Being aware of federal laws can also inform the best decision.
Understanding Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana addiction, clinically referred to as cannabis use disorder, is a pervasive medical condition in which one becomes reliant upon marijuana — physically, mentally, and emotionally. If addicted, you will continue using despite all consequences. Frequent and increased use are significant risk factors.
Alternatives to Marijuana For Treating Anxiety
There are numerous treatments options for anxiety that are well studied, safe, and shown to be effective at reducing anxiety and treating anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, prescribed medication, and lifestyle changes are among those treatment options that serves as a common alternative to cannabis.
Therapy
Speaking with a professional can help develop and reinforce a structured recovery effort. This may include exploring the source of anxiety, modifying maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, integrating healthy coping skills, and so on. Recovery from any mental health struggle can be challenging, and it makes all the difference to have a professional in your corner. Even if marijuana is helpful, therapy can ensure a comprehensive treatment.
Medication
Depending on the frequency and severity of anxiety, psychiatric medication may be warranted. In such cases, it is recommended to speak with a psychiatrist who is not only an expert with said medications but will also conduct a thorough assessment. Even if considering over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, supplements, or vitamins, it is recommended to speak with a professional first.
Non-Medical Alternatives
Fortunately, the sky is the limit insofar as non-medical alternatives for treating anxiety. Ideally, coping skills are healthy, enjoyable activities. Because individual preferences vary, what works for one person may not for another.
By no means all-inclusive, potential non-medical alternatives to reduce anxiety include:
- Meditating or praying
- Engaging in physical exercise (e.g., taking a walk, going to the gym, sitting in a yoga pose)
- Reading or listening to a book
- Watching a TV show or movie
- Listening to music or playing an instrument
- Going to a favorite place
- Tapping into your creative side by doing something artistic (e.g., painting, drawing, sculpting, writing)
- Connecting with a family member, friend, or other loved one
- Learning something new
Whatever it is, if it works, practice it intentionally and consistently. It is easy to forget our coping skills when in the heat of the moment. Ironically, this is when we need them most.
Final Thoughts on Marijuana for Anxiety
Hundreds of millions of people struggle with anxiety.9 Reaching out to a mental health professional is a great first step toward mitigating symptoms. Many people report using marijuana to cope with anxiety, especially social anxiety disorder.3 However, there are different responses to marijuana affected by many factors. Before reaching an informed decision about marijuana and anxiety, consider all factors mentioned in this article and beyond.
Additional Resources
- Mental Health America
- National Alliance on Mental Health
- MentalHealth.gov
- Online Therapist Directory: Sort therapists by specialty, cost, availability and more. Watch intro videos and see articles written by the therapists you’re considering working with. When you’ve found a good match, book an online therapy appointment with them directly.
Are you ready to connect with a therapist but feel a little overwhelmed by all your options? Speak with one of Choosing Therapy’s Client Navigators. Client Navigators are mental health professionals who will listen to what you’re looking for in a therapist and help pair you with the best possible fit. Getting started is free, easy, and confidential.
