This blog post will answer the question,” Does weed creates anxiety?” and cover the topics like, how weed (Marijuana) and anxiety are co-related followed by what could be the benefits or the side effects of weed, varying from one person to another.

Although there is no specific answer to it, the following blog will provide an overall impression of it, which might prove to be helpful for many people. Therefore, read the blog till the end.

Does weed create anxiety?

Yes, weed can create anxiety. Although many people have claimed weed to be helpful for anxiety and stress, while some other people have proved to be a triggering agent. 

Certain symptoms shown along with weed-induced anxiety are:

• racing heartbeat
• dizziness and sweating 
• a feeling of detachment from the present situation
• negative thoughts
• mood changes
• hallucinations
• a lower level of motivation
• feeling sad, lost, or depressed
• shaking or sweating
• breathing problems

These are sensations one commonly goes through after the consumption of weed. The good news is that these sensations do not last for long and vanishes within 10-15 minutes. But what we need to know is that what is the reason behind these reactions or sensations and how they can be avoided. 

How are weed and anxiety-related?

Anxiety is a combined feeling of nervousness, worry, or tension, relating to a specific event or situation. The Cannabis spp. contains around 500 phytochemicals, which includes nearly 100 cannabinoids. Weed or Marijuana is a drug extracted from the cannabis plant. The use of weed is still illegal in many states due to a lack of medical evidence and the risk of misuse.

Hence, the properties and use of most cannabinoids are yet to be discovered. The main chemical component which is responsible for most of the intoxicating effects is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is produced by the leaves and buds of the female cannabis plant. It produces the “high” sensation when consumed by smoking hence also known as psychoactive. The other compound, cannabidiol (CBD), is a nonpsychoactive compound that has a wide range of therapeutic purposes.

When it is smoked, the chemicals make their way from the lungs into the bloodstream, which rapidly makes them to the brain. Simultaneously, the reaction results in the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Interestingly, THC binds with the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain while, CBD along with THC binds to the CB1 receptor, which brings a feeling of relaxation within the consumer. 

How is marijuana used?

Marijuana or weed is a greenish-grey mixture of the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Some smoke marijuana by making hand-rolled cigarettes called joints, and by also putting it in water pipes called bongs. While some others like rolling it in in cigar wraps called blunts. For medicinal purposes, it can also be used in foods such as brownies, cookies, or candies. 

Does weed give any kind of relieving effects?

Yes, in most people weed also shows reducing effects like relaxation, calmness, improve sleep, and cure insomnia. Hence, it is used as a drug to treat disorders such as:

• panic disorder
• sleep disruption
• social anxiety

What do weed- anxiety-related studies say?

In a study (2010), CBD was found to reduce anxiety symptoms in people with social anxiety disorder. In another study (2018), medical use of cannabis showed an effective reduction of anxiety and stress up to 58%.

Therefore, for years health care professionals have been using it as a drug to help people from overcoming their disorders. But, it is to be noted that, the clinical use of cannabis has not been established yet. But what happens with most individuals is that they start to experiment with cannabis to get rid of their anxiety.

The feeling of high sensation makes them feel that their anxiety is coming to an end. And to keep that feeling constant, they keep on using it again and again which later on results in addiction. Eventually, the cannabis stops working as it once did, and their anxiety will be left at a heightened level, comparative worse than it originally was. 

What does overuse of weed can lead to?

The desire of getting high can lead to overdose. It can immediately show the following symptoms:

• hallucinations
• high blood pressure
• headache
• panic attacks
• seizures
• heart attack
• nausea or vomiting

The situation can worsen if it is combined with alcohol. If the situation does not come under control within a limited time period, consultation with a physician is a must. Any previous medical history of asthma, and heart disease, drug overdose can also create a problematic situation. Therefore, it is better to take prevention rather than regarding later on.

• overdose can be prevented by:
• avoid using in combination with alcohol
• controlled use of marijuana
• drinking sufficient amount of water at intervals

And if situations go out of control, seek professional help immediately.

Fatalities because of cannabis have increased from 8-17% within a year, from 2013 to 2014. Therefore, to avoid such conditions critical or emergency care is always available in all the hospitals. It includes inpatient and outpatient treatment and also partial hospitalization procedures. 

Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.

How to use Marijuana smartly?

If someone is curious about trying weed, these are few points that should be kept in mind:

Controlled use: Take under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner. In that way, overdosing or misusing can be avoided.

Bring the balance between THC and CBD: Try to use more amount of CBD over THC to have a better experience rather than having panic attacks which are induced by THC.

Monitor the consumption levels and the effects: After taking the doses, one should the behavioral changes. Time-to-time monitoring can give an idea about the accurate amount of dose that can be taken. 

Under the guidance of the therapist: It is best prescribed to be taken under the knowledge of the health care provider. In that way, overusing, uncomfortable physical and emotional changes can be avoided.

How to handle weed-induced anxiety?

• keep calm and remind yourself that everything is under control
• if the effects are adverse, take lemon sugar water
• trying not to be on empty stomach
• take some deep breaths. Avoid breathing too fast. An alternate nostril breathing technique is also recommended
• wash face, hands with cold water. Try not to worry more about the situation and divert the mind by talking about small walks, stretching, yoga, etc.
• try some aromatherapy with herbal plants like lavender, lemon. This aroma can lighten up the mood immediately 

What are the other ways to deal with anxiety?

Yes, there are more preferable ways to deal with anxiety such as:

• yoga
• meditation
• talk more about it with family, close friends 
• take the advice of therapist or counseling sessions

To conclude, natural therapies are always recommended to deal with anxiety, rather than the use of drugs like weed or marijuana. Because this is going to cure temporarily and the latter life effects can turn out adverse. Also, the effects are very much dependent on age.

To have a better experience, one can try using it after a certain age limit. But if someone wants to try or experience the “high” sensations can try it under the prescribed guidelines of a therapist or healthcare professional.

What we recommend for curbing Anxiety

Below are some of the services and products we recommend for anxiety

Online Therapy

• Online therapy is another thing we should all try. We highly recommend Online therapy with a provider who not only provides therapy but a complete mental health toolbox to help your wellness.

Anxiety Weighted Blankets

• Anxiety Weighted Blankets are by far the number 1 thing every person who suffers from anxiety should at least try. Anxiety Blankets may improve your sleep, allow you to fall asleep faster and you can even carry them around when chilling at home.

Light Therapy

• Amber light therapy from Amber lights could increase the melatonin production in your body and help you sleep better at night.  An Amber light lamp helps reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep and increases overall sleep quality.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is marijuana or weed?

Marijuana or weed is a greenish-grey mixture of the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant.

How is marijuana used?

Some smoke marijuana by making hand-rolled cigarettes called joints, and by also putting it in water pipes called bongs. While some others like rolling it in in cigar wraps called blunts. For medicinal purposes, it can also be used in foods such as brownies, cookies, or candies.

Marijuana is a medicine or addiction?

The main chemical component which is responsible for most of the intoxicating effects is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is produced by the leaves and buds of the plant. The parts of the plant (leaves, seeds, flowers) give a “high” sensation when smoked or taken with edibles. This high feeling can eventually turn out into addiction and result in adverse health disorders.

Health risks of marijuana?

The health risks of marijuana are:

• anxiety
• panic attacks
• racing heartbeat
• dizziness and sweating 
• a feeling of detachment from the present situation
• negative thoughts
• mood changes
• hallucinations
• a lower level of motivation
• feeling sad, lost, or depressed
• shaking or sweating
• breathing problems

What can marijuana overdose lead to?

Overuse or overdose can lead to the following conditions

• hallucinations
• high blood pressure
• headache
• panic attacks
• seizures
• heart attack
• nausea or vomiting

What can be the effects of marijuana with alcohol?

Alcohol and marijuana at the same time are likely to result in greater impairment. Using marijuana and alcohol at the same time may also lead to increased heart rate, panic attacks, and heart attacks. It is always recommended to take a doctor’s advice before taking any medications. 

References

Does cannabis cause or treat anxiety?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/marijuana-and-anxiety

H. Kimberly. CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?. 2020.

Alan Carter, Pharm.D..Marijuana and Anxiety: It’s Complicated. 2019

https://www.healthline.com/health/marijuana-and-anxiety

Deanna Debara. Chill or Anxious AF? How Weed Affects Anxiety..2019

https://greatist.com/health/your-brain-on-marijuana

Cannabis- Induced Anxiety Disorder

Cannabis-Induced Anxiety Disorder

Marijuana. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 2020

Sharpe, L., Sinclair, J., Kramer, A., de Manincor, M., & Sarris, J. (2020). Cannabis, a cause for anxiety? A critical appraisal of the anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties. Journal of translational medicine, 18(1), 1-21.

Crystal Raypole. How to Handle a Cannabis-Induced Panic Attack. 2020

https://www.healthline.com/health/marijuana-panic-attack

Marijuana and Public Health

https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/faqs.htm

Marijuana Overdose Symptoms, Signs & Treatment. American Addiction Centers Editorial Staff. 2021.

https://drugabuse.com/drugs/marijuana/overdose/