How can cannabis help in the management of anxiety disorders?
While the abuse of marijuana and other drugs may contribute to anxiety, medicinal cannabis has been proven to actually relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders in the long term. This is primarily due to two of the compounds that are present in cannabis: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both of these compounds are known for having therapeutic effects on anxiety disorders when taken at the right dosage.
What is an anxiety disorder?
An anxiety disorder is a type of mental health disorder that’s characterised by feelings of anxiety, stress, worry, and fear. Some of the most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, and panic attacks.
Anxiety disorders can have a serious impact on mental health and significantly affect a person’s quality of life. They can make it harder to do simple things like go to work and meet friends, and they can cause further problems such as depression and insomnia. The standard treatments in the UK for anxiety disorders include therapy and medications.
How cannabis can help patients to manage anxiety
There are lots of reasons why anxiety sufferers may find relief in medicinal cannabis. Some of the effects of cannabis directly reduce anxiety symptoms, while others may indirectly impact how patients are feeling.
Anxiety relief: Medicinal cannabis can directly relieve anxiety because both CBD and THC are linked with feelings of relaxation and euphoria at low doses.
Depression: Some studies show that cannabis can reduce the symptoms of depression and other disorders that may interact negatively with anxiety.
Pain relief: If anxiety is partially caused by ongoing pain or discomfort, cannabis has been shown to be effective as a form of pain relief, particularly in the case of neuropathic pain.
Sleep: Cannabis can improve sleep and regulate sleep patterns by preventing night wake-ups and insomnia, which in turn can reduce the symptoms of anxiety in some people.
At the right doses, both CBD and THC can provide significant relief to people suffering from anxiety disorders no matter the cause of their anxiety.
Get in touch
If you’re suffering from an anxiety disorder or you’re interested in finding out more about how medical cannabis could provide relief from pain, depression, and anxiety, get in touch with us today at the London Cannabis Clinic.