Can anxiety be cured with cannabis? Let’s clarify

Modified on: 19/04/2024

HERE’S WHAT THE SCIENTIFIC DATA SAY ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CANNABIS TO COUNTERACT ANXIOUS STATES

Anxiety is a disorder that affects many people around the world.

Just think that in Switzerland alone, in 2015, as many as over 3 million people suffered from chronic anxiety. In the United States, recently, it has been found that as many as 6.8 million people suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (DAG).

Alarming data!

Usually, to limit the symptoms of anxiety and depression, antidepressants, benzodiazepines and many other drugs are used that cause the onset of countless side effects.

And that’s why many people have wondered if it is possible to replace them with CBD.

Can anxiety be cured with CBD cannabis?

The research results carried out on the subject are encouraging, but if you want to know more, we recommend that you continue reading this article.

Below, we will find out if taking advantage of CBD weed to relax and to fight anxiety and depression could be a good idea or not (of course, in countries where doing so is legal).

CBD cannabis against anxiety: does it work?

Anxiety, palpitations, fear, tremor… These are all reactions that our body develops to defend itself from any threats.

When you go through particular periods or follow traumas of various kinds, however, the body may manifest these moods, accompanied by other disabling symptoms, even when in theory, it would not be necessary.

Unfortunately, states of anxiety (which can be generalized, social, etc.), panic attacks, tachycardia, and depression can negatively affect the lives of those involved. Therefore, resorting to drugs is almost obvious, and their side effects do not take long to occur.

In recent times, however, we often hear about people who have tried to cure anxiety with cannabis, particularly with CBD hemp, a plant with high levels of CBD and a very low percentage of THC.

Does it work?

Are the positive effects of CBD on anxiety and depression proven?

Or are just rumors?

Until now, numerous scientific studies carried out worldwide have shown that cannabidiol (CBD) can interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the human endocannabinoid system and serotonin. Therefore, this active ingredient can affect the regulation of mood, emotions, and sleep.

However, according to many well-known scientific organizations, our data so far is not enough to consider CBD an actual cure.

For this reason research continues, also under the decidedly encouraging results of some tests.

Read also: Hemp protein: opinions about properties, benefits, and contraindications

CBD for anxiety and depression: what do the test results say?

To determine whether the intake of marijuana with a high CBD content can be helpful to counteract the effects of anxiety, depression and panic attacks, it is necessary to have many data in hand, which can only be obtained thanks to examinations and surveys.

Below, we want to talk about three of the most well-known positive results.

A study published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Let’s start with what was reported in the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) archive.

In this article, we talk about a test that involved laboratory guinea pigs suffering from the most common symptoms of stress and anxiety. This study showed that CBD administration caused both the animals’ behaviour and their physiological conditions (such as heart rate) to return to normal.

Furthermore, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported the results of some clinical and laboratory tests carried out on humans, during which CBD was used.

What came out of it was that cannabidiol, taken by some patients suffering from anxiety, managed to facilitate the performance of stressful tasks such as public speaking.

In other cases, however, the intake of this substance has managed to help subjects suffering from post-traumatic stress forget the most painful memories and sleep better due to the decrease in nightmares.

CBD has also been found to improve the overall condition of patients with social anxiety disorder.