Weed And Social Anxiety

Jake Peter
December 17, 2023

Social anxiety is a pervasive mental health challenge that afflicts a significant percentage of the population. The condition can make it quite difficult for individuals to function in social settings. Those who suffer from social anxiety may experience intense fear of judgment and embarrassment in social situations. This can lead to avoidant behavior and negatively impact their quality of life.

Cannabis use is often considered a way to alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress. However, some people believe that marijuana can worsen symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD). In this article, we will explore the relationship between weed and social anxiety, examining both its potential benefits and risks.

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder and What Are the Symptoms?

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by intense feelings of fear, self-consciousness, and embarrassment in everyday social situations. Individuals with this disorder often worry excessively about being judged, criticized, or humiliated in public. They can go to great lengths to avoid social situations, which can limit their activity and disrupt their lives.

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be physical, emotional, and behavioral. Physical symptoms often include blushing, rapid heartbeat, trembling, sweating, and nausea. Emotional symptoms may include intense fear of interacting with strangers, fear of situations in which you might be judged, and fear of acting in a way that might cause embarrassment or humiliation. Behavioral symptoms often involve avoiding social situations to the extent that it limits your daily activities or causes significant distress.

How Can Marijuana Be Helpful for Social Anxiety?

Marijuana–particularly strains high in CBD–has been found to potentially alleviate symptoms of social anxiety. The compounds within cannabis, known as cannabinoids, interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which helps regulate a variety of physiological and cognitive processes, including stress response.

Studies suggest that CBD has anxiolytic properties that can reduce anxiety. When used appropriately, it may help individuals with social anxiety to feel more relaxed, less self-conscious, and less fearful of social interactions.

How Can Weed Make Social Anxiety Worse?

While some people use weed as a form of self-medication for their social anxiety, the drug can also exacerbate the problem. The psychoactive component of weed known as THC can induce heightened feelings of fear and paranoia in some individuals, particularly when consumed in high doses. When used in social settings, these feelings can amplify pre-existing anxieties, causing the individual to feel more self-conscious and apprehensive about their interactions.

Furthermore, heavy use of weed can lead to dependency, creating a cycle in which the individual feels they need to use weed to cope with social situations. However, subsequent use only further intensifies their anxiety. It’s important to remember that reactions to weed can vary greatly among individuals, and what may alleviate symptoms in some can worsen them in others.

What Kind of Weed Helps with Social Anxiety?

Certain cannabis strains and products have shown potential in alleviating symptoms of social anxiety. Strains high in CBD, such as Charlotte’s Web and ACDC, are commonly recommended due to CBD’s anxiety-reducing effects. In terms of products, CBD oils and tinctures can provide relief without the need for smoking, making them cleaner and more discreet.

It’s imperative to consult a healthcare provider before beginning any cannabis-based treatment for social anxiety, as individual experiences with cannabis can vary widely.

Why Choose the Sanctuary?

At The Sanctuary Wellness Institute, we guide patients through every step of obtaining a medical marijuana card in order to make the process as efficient and hassle-free as possible. Choosing The Sanctuary means choosing a partner committed to your wellness journey. It means being part of a compassionate community that understands the challenges of social anxiety and supports the use of medical marijuana as a potential therapeutic tool.
Contact us today to learn more about how you can procure an MMJ card and start reaping the benefits of medical cannabis.