Stress is part of who we are as human beings.
You need stress to help you overcome challenges and obstacles and find solutions in your daily life.
But that beneficial stress is stress in manageable quantities, and by manageable, we mean it doesn’t affect your life negatively.
However, the stress everyone is facing in today’s world is anything but positive. It probably hits from all angles. What triggers stress are things in your life that cause emotional and physical tension.
You could be stressed about work, school, relationships, and even social life.
Cannabis for Stress
You’ve probably come across people who champion marijuana as a remedy for stress and anxiety. Such claims are not really unfounded, as those who use the drug seem to be reaping its benefits.
But is there some science behind any of it?
There is, and it’d help to know what cannabis is and how it interacts with the human body.
What is Cannabis
The word cannabis has two definitions.
Technically, cannabis refers to the plant or a variety of flowering plants belonging to the species C. sativa. The species has three known subspecies recognized as C. sativa, C. indica, and C. ruderalis, of which the most cultivated and bred are the first two.
Also known as marijuana, the plant has long been used for fiber and medicinal purposes. What makes the plant unique is that it contains more than 500 chemical substances.
The word cannabis or marijuana also refers to the drug made from the plant’s dried flowers, which contain a psychoactive chemical known as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
How Does Cannabis Relieve Stress?
It begins with the chemical compounds present in the plant. There are many, but studies have focused on a special group of these chemicals called cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are special because they interact with a system in the human body called the endocannabinoid system. This system uses natural cannabinoids in your body to control the effects of neurotransmitters, but it can also use plant-based cannabinoids like those in marijuana.
It’s worth knowing that you have cannabinoid receptors throughout your body expressed in the brain, central nervous system, and immune system. The cannabinoids containing therapeutic properties interact naturally with these systems.
When it comes to stress, the two main cannabinoids known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have shown potential. Some studies show that both CBD and THC can relieve stress and anxiety.
That said, other studies suggest that the psychotropic nature of THC may cause anxiety in large doses.
However, much of the evidence considers both compounds beneficial for stress and anxiety relief, especially when combined
Tips to Help You Manage Stress with Cannabis
We’ve established that the cannabinoids in cannabis can help relieve stress. These tips will show you how to reap these benefits:
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Try CBD Strains
CBD is known for its soothing and numbing effects that make it ideal for easing physical tension and boosting your mood.
On the other hand, THC is more energizing, even if it may uplift your spirits. If you’re looking for ultimate relaxation, consider CBD-rich strains, often indica-dominant marijuana strains.
Alternatively, you can use pure CBD oil derived from hemp, a cannabis plant lacking the psychoactive compound THC.
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Get it Legally
Purchasing marijuana from the street is dangerous. There’s a risk of possible contamination with other chemicals throughout the production process.
Getting your weed from a legal dispensary in your area is safer. That way, you can ask questions about chemical composition and get recommendations specific to stress relief.
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Mind the Dosage
If you’re using medical cannabis for stress relief, it’s crucial to watch your dosage because of THC.
The THC in your stash or edibles may have the exact opposite effects in high doses. Most users recommend small doses to avoid the chance of THC-induced anxiety.
Instead of smoking a joint for stress relief, you may want to use edibles or tinctures that are much easier to dose.
Veriheal explains further the connection between THC and anxiety and what you should do to avoid the negative effects.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis may be the answer for relieving your stress because it does have stress-relieving properties.
However, it’s always advisable to talk to your healthcare provider before engaging in alternative therapies. Your medical background may make marijuana use risky for you, and that makes a doctor’s guidance crucial.