Marijuana is as widespread as ever, thanks to changing laws and social attitudes. What you and many Americans may not know is that marijuana links directly with increased anxiety. If you smoke weed and suffer from anxiety, look into inpatient anxiety disorder treatment centers. Read below to learn more about marijuana and anxiety.
Marijuana: Chemicals and Consumption
Marijuana comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. People use cannabinoids, chemicals within the plant for their relaxing or psychoactive effects. Two of the most common commercial types of these chemicals are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is relaxing, but is not psychoactive like THC — you may see CBD products at your local 7/11, for example. THC, on the other hand, is psychoactive, which is why marijuana is a scheduled substance. There is usually a mix of both CBD and THC in weed.
Users consume marijuana in many forms and through many implements. Users smoke weed in rolled-up blunts, or in water-filled pipes called bongs. Some users inhale high-potency marijuana oils called “dabs” using heated glass nails and bong-like implements. THC vapes also exist. The CDC has warned against their use after an outbreak of lung injuries and illnesses related to black-market THC vapes.
Others eat or drink “edibles” made with THC. The methods vary from user to user based on personal preference.
Does Marijuana Make Anxiety Worse?
Marijuana and anxiety are linked. Marijuana lowers anxiety in some users but heightens anxiety in other users. Anxiety sufferers asking, “does marijuana make anxiety worse?” should know that smoking weed isn’t worth the risk. Using marijuana to combat anxiety has adverse effects on some users, and better alternatives exist.
Studies show that CBD reduces anxiety while THC heightens it. Most marijuana has a mix of both CBD and THC. Pot also comes in many strains, making it challenging to link specific strains and anxiety causally.
The Endocannabinoid System, Marijuana, and Anxiety Are Natural Cannabinoids
The human body produces some cannabinoids naturally as part of the endocannabinoid system. These internal chemicals fine-tune communication between neurons. When people ingest THC, the chemical overwhelms the system and affects the neurons. THC slows down a person’s reaction time, affects memory and judgment, and in some users, causes anxiety. Some users feel mellow, while others become paranoid due to the change in the endocannabinoid system.
Alternatives for Anxiety Relief
Marijuana and anxiety don’t mix well, as seen above. Both medical and non-medical options for anxiety relief exist. If you don’t want to take anti-anxiety medication, try out exercise, meditation, or yoga. If marijuana and anxiety have negatively affected your life, see our list of services below.
Promises Behavioral Health Programs and Services
Conquer your addiction. Create the life you always wanted. You can do that here at Promises Behavioral Health. We have a variety of centers to choose from, including:
- Medical drug detox centers
- Outpatient drug rehab centers
- Eating disorder treatment centers
- Drug rehab for professionals
- Men’s addiction treatment centers
- Women’s addiction treatment centers
At our centers, we offer several programs, including mental health services. Our programs include:
- 12-step support groups
- Acupuncture therapy
- Anger management therapy
- Art therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Cognitive processing therapy program
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy
Please contact us if you have questions about marijuana and anxiety. We are here to help you on your journey to recovery.
Marijuana and Anxiety
You don’t have to ask, “does marijuana make anxiety worse?” if you stop using. Let us help you through one of our drug addiction treatment programs. Contact Promises Behavioral Health at 844.875.5609 to learn more about what we have to offer you.