Medical Marijuana for Anxiety Disorder

What Is Anxiety and What Are Its Symptoms?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress characterized by feelings of worry, apprehension, and/or fear about the future. However, disordered anxiety can interfere with one’s daily activities and overall well-being.

There are many types of anxiety disorders, including the following:

• Generalized Anxiety: Persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of life.
• Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks and the fear of experiencing more attacks.
• Social Anxiety: Intense fear of social situations and being judged or evaluated by others.
• Specific Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights or spiders.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Experiencing unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety following a traumatic event, causing flashbacks and severe anxiety.

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Excessive worrying
• Irritability
• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, shortness of breath, or muscle tension

The Endocannabinoid System and Anxiety

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, stress response, and anxiety levels. This intricate system consists of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes that work together to maintain homeostasis within the body.

Research indicates that the ECS may influence anxiety by modulating neurotransmitter release and neuronal plasticity. Specifically, the activation of cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1, has been linked to reduced anxiety symptoms.

Can You Get a Medical Marijuana Card for Anxiety?

Only a few states recognize anxiety as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. Those states are as follows:

• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire (approved July 12, 2024 – will take effect Sept. 10, 2024)

However, those aren’t the only states in which you can get a medical marijuana card for anxiety. The following states allow doctors to prescribe medical cannabis to any patient whom they decide would benefit from it:

• California
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Missouri
• New York
• Virginia
• Washington D.C.

What’s more, many states approve patients with conditions similar to anxiety, such as depression (Alabama), OCD (Michigan and Minnesota), and PTSD (Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia).

Keep in mind that several other states have regulations permitting doctors to prescribe medical marijuana under specific conditions. This means you may still be eligible for a medical marijuana card for anxiety, even in states not listed above. We recommend consulting official websites for your state’s medical marijuana program to learn more.

How to Use Marijuana for Anxiety

There are many ways to consume medical cannabis today. Some of the best consumption methods for managing anxiety include:

• Vaping: This method involves heating cannabis flower or oils to a temperature that releases active compounds without combustion. Vaping can produce fast-acting effects, making it a favorite choice of those seeking immediate relief from anxiety.
• Edibles: Consuming cannabis-infused food products can provide long-lasting effects, typically ranging from four to eight hours. However, it’s important to note that edibles can take 30 minutes to two hours to kick in.
• Tinctures: These liquid extracts are placed under the tongue for quick absorption into the bloodstream. Tinctures offer a controlled dosing option, allowing users to customize their intake based on their needs. They typically start working within 15 to 45 minutes.
• Topicals: Though they’re not commonly used for anxiety, cannabis-infused creams and balms can be utilized to alleviate the physical tension that often accompanies anxiety.
• Smoking: Smoking weed remains a popular way to reduce anxiety due to its near-immediate effects. However, though it provides rapid relief, it’s important to be mindful of how much you consume to avoid adverse effects.

Ultimately, the best consumption method for you will depend on your needs and goals. Here at The Sanctuary, we recommend consulting a medical marijuana doctor for guidance.

Best Marijuana Strains for Anxiety

When it comes to managing anxiety, certain marijuana strains–particularly indica strains, which provide relaxing effects–are known for their ability to alleviate anxiety. Here are some of the best on the market today:

• Lavender: Known for its soothing aroma and relaxing properties, this strain can help ease anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
• ACDC: A high-CBD strain with low THC levels, ACDC is ideal for individuals looking for relief from anxiety without the psychoactive effects.
  Granddaddy Purple: This indica strain is famous for its relaxing properties, providing a sense of tranquility and relief from stress.
• Jack Herer: A hybrid strain that combines uplifting effects with a sense of focus, Jack Herer is great for those who want to manage their anxiety while staying productive.
• Blue Dream: This popular hybrid offers a balanced and gentle high, making it suitable for daytime use.

What Are the Potential Risks and Side Effects of Using Cannabis for Anxiety?

While many patients find relief from their anxiety by using cannabis, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. Some of the most common ones include:

• Heightened anxiety/paranoia
• Physical effects (increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dizziness)
• Memory loss
• Decreased motivation
• Higher tolerance for cannabis
• Cannabis use disorder
• Cannabis withdrawal syndrome
• Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (rare)

As long as you consult a physician before using cannabis and follow that physician’s instructions, your odds of experiencing the aforementioned effects will be low.

Conclusion

Though more research needs to be done, medical cannabis represents a viable treatment option for those struggling with anxiety. There are many ways you can consume marijuana to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, as well as many strains you can use to that end. As always, be sure to approach cannabis use with caution and be mindful of the risks and side effects involved.

If you want to use medical marijuana to alleviate anxiety or another qualifying condition, The Sanctuary Wellness Institute can connect you with a doctor and guide you through the process of obtaining an MMJ card.