How to Avoid Cannabis-Fueled Anxiety

Cannabis-fueled anxiety is actually a real thing believe it or not. While some individuals medicate with cannabis to relieve their anxiety others become very anxious and paranoid after smoking or consuming cannabis products. There is, in fact, a very scientific reason as to why this occurs. In each and every one of our bodies, there is what is known as an endocannabinoid system. This system includes what are known as CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout your body including your brain. In individuals who suffer from anxiety, the cannabinoid contents of their endocannabinoids systems are typically low. This is why when they consume cannabis they find relief from this anxiety as their endocannabinoids systems are better balanced.

Your body naturally produces cannabinoids that are similar to the ones that are absorbed by your body when you consume cannabis. However, in those who are not used to the additional cannabinoids from cannabis, the THC content in most cannabis strains can “overexcite the neural pathways and lead to anxiety and paranoia” as Leafly so eloquently put it.  This overexcitement in the neural pathways are what leads individuals to have feelings of anxiety or paranoia.

There are a few different ways that you can help to avoid cannabis-fueled anxiety. There are two main cannabinoids found within cannabis strains. These are THC and CBD. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid which can help in relieving anxiety so if you are one who suffers from cannabis-fueled anxiety it is recommended that you try strains with higher CBD content. The higher CBD strains are also commonly associated with lower THC counts. THC is what causes the anxious feelings in most people who suffer from cannabis-fueled anxiety so these strains are recommended as they are less likely to cause the consumer to encounter such feelings.

A lot of the times individuals suffer from cannabis-fueled anxiety because they simply consumed too high of a concentration of cannabinoids. This is typically the result of consuming cannabis extracts or edibles. Cannabis extracts are typically consistent of 60% or better THC content and edibles are absorbed through your digestive track and tend to have stronger and longer lasting effects than other consumption methods. It is recommended that if you suffer from cannabis-fueled anxiety that you consume cannabis by vaporizing or smoking and consume it in smaller doses rather than eating edibles and taking rips from the dab rig!

Sometimes cannabis-fueled anxiety can simply be brought on by the situation or setting in which you are in. Consuming cannabis is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience so always make sure that you are in a comfortable setting where you are naturally relaxed before you consume cannabis.

For those who suffer from cannabis-fueled anxiety finding the strain that is perfect for you can sometimes be a challenge as each strain offers different compound profiles which result in different effects. It is recommended that those who suffer from cannabis-fueled anxiety try to lean towards Indica strains as they provide more relaxing effects as opposed to Sativas that typically provide more intense and energetic effects.

These are a few of the ways that you can help make your cannabis consumption experiences the best that they can be. Remember cannabis is harmless, but as with anything there is a limit and you should always consume responsibly.