Can THC Help Ease My Anxiety?

For many of us, anxiety is an issue that looms over us on a daily basis. Relief of those stubborn symptoms can be extremely hard to find. As cannabis use has been more widely accepted and less taboo, people have been using THC as an exceptional form of anxiety relief! How you ask?

First, we need to look into the part of your body that processes THC, your endocannabinoid system.

What is your Endocannabinoid System?

Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a primary regulatory system found throughout your body responsible for the regulation of vital body and organ function. Your ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids and enzymes. The two cannabinoid receptors are primary in the function of your ECS, transmitting messages (neurotransmitters) throughout your body in order to keep it in optimal condition. The cannabinoid receptors that make up your ECS are CB-1 and CB-2, which play different roles in the function of that system. CB-1 is commonly found in the brain and nervous system whereas CB-2 receptors are primarily found throughout our immune system, but many tissues contain both types of receptors. When cannabis is used, THC will bind to these receptors that in turn activate neurons in your body that affect the mind and the body. Neurons contribute to the processing of information in the body, thus when THC binds to these neurons, various functions of the brain and body can be turned on and off and the effects of the THC can be felt.

Your Endocannabinoid System, Anxiety, and THC

Now, the question is how this system is affected by anxiety. Your ECS is responsible for the transmission of anxious, fearful, and stressful responses. Because this system is primarily used to keep your body under optimal condition, transmitting these responses throughout your body is the natural “flight or fight” response. It’s your body accustoming itself to what’s happening around you, ensuring that you are responding to an anxious situation with the proper emotional reaction. The networks that run throughout the endocannabinoid system are high functioning in stress and reward for your body. This means that these networks establish an equilibrium between distress and well-being which allows your body to regulate its responses. Ideally, the body will react to situations in a way such that the distress network and well-being network fluctuate together. The density of CB-1 receptors found in the amygdala and hippocampus of the brain supports the idea that the endocannabinoid system regulates anxiety, as the amygdala’s primary function is to process fearful and threatening stimuli, and the hippocampus primarily regulates learning and memory.

For those who have indulged before know the effects THC can have on the body, a sense of calmness that allows for ideal relaxation. But what are the effects of THC on anxiety? How can it help ease, and in some cases completely eliminate the symptoms of anxiety?

When cannabis is consumed, THC will flood the ECS and attach to the endocannabinoid receptors excessively. Now that these receptors are blocked with THC, the ability for these receptors to transmit natural human responses is interfered, throwing your ECS off balance. For this reason, we aren’t able to have the opportunity to feel the symptoms of anxiety. While the THC is attached to the endocannabinoid receptors in the ECS, it becomes extremely difficult for the body to transmit the response to anxiety, thus not being able to feel the anxiety. Additionally, because the endocannabinoid receptors are found in so many different parts of the brain and body, the effects of THC are wide ranging. Not only can THC block the response to anxiety, but it can also bring us an array of different side effects that puts our body in a state of calmness. With the paired blockage of endocannabinoid receptors and the general symptoms felt when consuming cannabis, THC is widely used by individuals that are faced with anxiety on a daily basis.

Treating Anxiety with THC

Now that we know how our body responds to anxiety, THC, and how they work together, we can look at the best way to treat your stubborn anxiety symptoms! When treating anxiety with THC, we’ll want to look at strains that have a lower concentration of THC. THC is said to be biphasic, meaning THC can either improve or promote symptoms of anxiety. High doses of THC can lead to a triggering of anxiety symptoms. Additionally, frequently using high doses of THC can result in the development of chronic anxiety. That being said, THC is still a very common form of anxiety relief when used in smaller doses. For treating anxiety, it’s said CBD and THC are the most effective when used separately. The recommended starting dose for THC consumption in order to decrease symptoms of anxiety range from 1mg-3mg. In terms of CBD, the dosage is a bit different as CBD affects the body differently. THC offers fast, onset relief to anxiety symptoms when used correctly.

In terms of strains, it’s said that cannabis strains containing the terpenes Limonene, Linalool, and Myrcene work best for treatment of anxiety. Limonene is said to be an anxiolytic (anxiety reducer) and an antidepressant simultaneously, and is one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis. For strains specific to Limonene, Tangerine Dream, and OG Kush are the way to go. Linalool, another terpene found in cannabis, is said to work as a light sedative. This terpene is considered minor, but the effects of it can be endless. What makes Linalool such a powerful terpene is its effects that it has on the serotonin receptors in our brain. Serotonin is responsible for stabilizing our mood and emotional well-being, and linalool is said to promote the release of serotonin in the body. Strains specific to Linalool are Bubba Kush as well as any “Purple” strains. Our final anxiety fighting terpene, Myrcene, is another very abundant terpene found in cannabis. It’s said to be the most potent terpene to use to combat anxiety! This is because of the way it reacts with naturally occurring THC within the cannabis. This terpene has the power to supercharge the effects felt by THC, giving you a more effective, long-lasting, and more relaxing high.

Choosing The Right Strain

Now that you understand the ways THC can combat anxiety, it’s time to choose the right strain so you can lessen your anxiety symptoms. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place! We have an amazing selection of flower for you to choose from, for super low prices! We wanted to list a few strains that you can add to your next order! These strains are sure to kick any stubborn anxiety you may be facing.

Jet A – This Indica Dominant Hybrid carries a heavy all around head and body high that is sure to bring you the relaxation you need. Its dominant terpene is Limonene!

Here’s where you can find our Jet A flower: https://thehealingcowellness.com/product/jet-a-indica-dominate-28-thc-the-healing-co/https://thehealingcowellness.com/product/jet-a-indica-dominate-28-thc-the-healing-co/

Caramel Cream – This is another Indica Dominant Hybrid that offers long lasting, euphoric and uplifting effects. This strain is sure to put you in the right mood to make your day! The dominant terpene found in this delicious strain is Myrcene

Here’s where you can find Caramel Cream flower: https://thehealingcowellness.com/product/premium-small-buds-the-healing-co/

Lemon Haze – Lemon Haze is a Sativa Dominant Hybrid strain whose smell alone will bring you joy. Smelling like citrus with earthy undertones, this strain is sure to bring back memories of the cabin. Its dominant terpene is Myrcene!

Here’s where you can find our Lemon Haze strain: https://thehealingcowellness.com/product/lemon-haze-by-the-healing-co/

Green Crack God – This strain is a Sativa Dominant Hybrid which is sure to bring you the feelings of both an Indica and a Sativa strain. You’ll feel the calming body effects that you feel when smoking an Indica, with the uplifting effects felt when smoking a Sativa. It’s dominant terpene is Myrcene.

Here’s where you can find our Green Crack God strain: https://thehealingcowellness.com/product/gods-green-crack-sativa-dominate-hybrid-the-healing-co/

More Information

This was a lot of information to take in! If you have any questions, feel free to email us at [email protected]. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have!