With the coronavirus on everyone’s mind, we have seen an increase in people considering medical marijuana to help ease their anxiety.
This is something that, anecdotally, people have been doing for centuries, and we are beginning to see the studies and data that back this up the assertion that cannabis is a viable option for those suffering from increased anxiety and stress.
New to Medical Marijuana?
Everyone’s body reacts differently to cannabis, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are places to start when looking to use a cannabis products.
If you are new to cannabis we always advise “Start low, go slow”. Everyone’s body chemistry is different, and how cannabis interacts with that system is unique. Dr. Ethan Russo refers to this as endocannabinoid tone; an individual’s level of endogenous (internal) cannabinoids that will affect how phyto (plant based) cannabinoids interact with the system. Basically, your body produces chemicals like THC and CBD, and these chemicals are how your body keeps many different systems in balance. Whenever a system in our body is over or under-stimulated, it produces these chemicals to help bring that system back into balance.
A dose is different for every Body
An ideal human body doesn’t have issues maintaining balance between its systems, but for many reasons including biology, diet, or trauma, we may not be producing enough of these stasis-inducing chemicals. This can be exacerbated by external stresses, especially in times like we’re currently experiencing.
A body out of balance may produce symptoms like anxiety, inflammation, pain, nausea, or sleeplessness. When our systems need more help maintaining balance, it may require higher dosages of cannabinoids to achieve optimal results. We have had guests come in that have never used cannabis that have very high tolerances and require very high dosages to help alleviate their systems. It’s not bad to have a high tolerance, it just means your body requires more cannabinoids to achieve the desired results.
CBD Effects
If you are new to cannabis, then starting with a high CBD product could be the best way to go. CBD’s inherent ability to regulate things that are over-stimulated seems to be very effective for reducing anxiety. Different ways of using cannabis are going to provide different effects. Eating an edible or using a capsule or tincture can provide long lasting relief, sometimes lasting up to 8 hours. However edible products can take anywhere from 30 minutes to up to 2 hours to begin to feel the effects. In a stressful situation the long delay in onset can be less than ideal. Inhalation of a smokable product like from a pipe or vaporizer cartridge can provide more immediate relief. The effects from a smokable product will typically last 1-2 hours.
For many a combination of products to provide immediate and long-lasting relief will be the most effective option.
CBD Products
Pictured above: Fairwinds Am/PM Relief tinctures, Plantworks Lazy Susan flower, Heylo Remedy vape cartridge. These products all contain high CBD levels.
THC: Keep the Dose Low, But Present
For those that are already using cannabis recreationally but might want something for anxiety, there are a few ways to go about this. THC has something called biphasic effects, this means a small amount and large amount will have opposite effects from each other. THC in small amounts regulates neurotransmitters and can help to calm down over stimulation related to anxiety or pain. However, in large amounts THC will stimulate those receptors and might induce anxiety.
To make sure you don’t get too much THC at once and induce anxiety, try packing small bowls, or only taking one or two hits at a time from a vape pen or dabs. By taking a smaller dose and self-monitoring how you’re feeling, you can really get a good sense of where you’re at. You can also use products that have equal amounts of THC and CBD, we refer to these as 1:1 ratio products.
Today you can get smokable, edible, and topical products in 1:1 ratio, so whatever your preferred method of consumption The Novel Tree Medical will have an option for you. With the 1:1 ratio, we find that there is typically enough THC to get the enjoyable recreational benefits from cannabis, but also enough CBD to ensure that there isn’t too much over stimulation from the THC. For many, this balance works well for anxiety, pain, and sleep. For immediate relief try an inhalable product like a vaporizer cartridge, or for longer lasting effects try an edible or tincture.
1:1 Ratio Products
Pictured above: Fairwinds Release tincture, Raven Grass Gilda vape cartridge, Washington Bud Co. flower. These products all contain equal amounts of CBD and THC. This is known as a 1:1 ratio.
Take Care of Yourself
There is a reason that in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic cannabis has been deemed essential by many states including Washington. The times can feel overwhelming but taking the time to care for yourself by getting physical exercise, taking a few minutes to quietly meditate, or smoking a joint with a 1:1 ratio are all great ways to help deal with anxiety. Feel free to call or email us to speak to a Department of Health Certified Medical Cannabis Consultant if you have any questions about incorporating cannabis into your life.