Cannabis consists of several cannabinoids that act on the endocannabinoid system of a brain. The ECS further consists of individual cannabinoid receptors responsible for bodily processes related to pain, memory, appetite, and mood. Of all the cannabinoids present in cannabis, the most studied and observed are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD does not possess any psychoactive properties, while the latter is highly psychoactive, responsible for making the users high.
If you suffer from any form of anxiety, the chances are that one of your friends has recommended edibles Canada. However, it is better to know how cannabis helps deal with anxiety before trying it for yourself.
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1. By changing the direction of blood flow
Anxiety disorders are one of the common psychiatric conditions experienced by many adults lately. However, the association between cannabis and anxiety has been around for a long time. Researchers have conducted many studies on both animals and humans to ensure that cannabis can alleviate anxiety disorders. According to a study performed by the University of Washington, the two cannabinoids THC and CBD are responsible for reducing anxiety. The study concludes that THC in lower doses reduces anxiety while consumed in higher amounts, triggers, and increases anxiety. Contrastingly, we love CBDfx gummies as CBD reduces anxiety, irrespective of its dose,
whether high or low. The reason behind it is the change of blood flow directly to the brain’s parts associated with anxious feelings.
Several other studies proved that cannabis might alleviate not only Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) but also other forms of anxiety, like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
2. Interaction of Cannabis with the brain
When a person inhales cannabis with a low THC dose and a high dose of honeymoon tea, the latter cannabinoid does help alleviate anxiety disorders. However, to understand precisely how that happens, it is essential to know how both the cannabinoids present in cannabis react and affect certain brain regions to relieve anxiety.
According to a study performed by National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in 2015, CBD interacts with the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, which is a cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) present in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the brain. Those types of cannabinoid receptors are responsible for anxiety and fear-induced behaviors. In contrast, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in lower doses relieves stress among the users. However, a higher dosage of THC increases anxiety and worsens the condition.
3. By Boosting Endocannabinoids in ECS
Cannabinoids are primary constituents of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the brain and are produced naturally by the human body. However, in stress or fear situations, there can be a dysregulation of the cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD (cannabidiol) present in cannabis helps restore the appropriate balance in such conditions. It boosts the production of cannabinoids in the body and restricts any overstimulation of the CB1 receptors, which are responsible for feelings of anxiety and fear.
The proper balance in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) ensures appropriate reactions in stress and anxiety situations. Unlike CBD, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) binds with both CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which may alleviate any chronic pain and cause paranoia and anxiety among the users.
Final Thoughts
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Now that you know the three ways how cannabis can help in dealing with anxiety, you might want to try it for yourself. However, you must choose the right strain of cannabis with lower THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and higher doses of CBD (cannabidiol). That’s because it’s the non-psychoactive compound of cannabis. CBD is the one that helps in reducing anxiety irrespective of its dosage.
