As humans, we all face anxiety from time to time. It can be a survival mechanism warning us of potentially dangerous situations. But for many, anxiety can spiral out of control, causing distress when no danger exists. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. An estimated 30% of American adults develop an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. If you’re wondering about using cannabis for anxiety, we’ve put together this blog to walk you through the ways it can help or hurt. 

Can THC help with anxiety?

Many people self-medicate with cannabis for anxiety (whether they’re aware of it or not.) But there are so many different types of products out there, it’s impossible to offer a one-size-fits-all solution. 

According to research from the University of Washington, THC may help with anxiety in low doses. In high doses, it can make anxiety worse. The research also indicates that CBD appears to help with anxiety at all tested doses. 

Now, this study is from 2017 and does not encapsulate all of the factors related to cannabis and anxiety. Notably, the study also concludes that cannabis may help with anxiety in the short term, but long term use of cannabis for anxiety may increase one’s risk of substance use disorders. 

While we don’t have a lot of comprehensive studies on the matter, research like the UW study can help us get a better idea of the relationship between cannabis and anxiety. We can also look at anecdotal evidence from people who have shared good and bad experiences related to using cannabis for anxiety. Some studies have noted that anecdotally, many people claim to find success using cannabis to help anxiety. 

We have many customers visit our Eastside dispensary looking for cannabis products to help with anxiety everyday. Some people are looking for a little extra boost to help relax, while others are seeking additional ways to manage an existing anxiety disorder. 

Our staff is happy to point you in the right direction, but keep in mind that we cannot provide medical advice. If you are concerned about anxiety, please visit your healthcare provider before deciding if cannabis is a good addition to your lifestyle. 

Cannabis for anxiety tips 

Figuring out what products work best for your needs can take a bit of trial and error. Fortunately, with legal access to cannabis in Issaquah and the surrounding cities, you can walk into a dispensary and pick between hundreds of options. 

Some people prefer to consume low doses of edibles to reduce their anxiety whereas others prefer smoking. Edibles generally take 30 minutes to two hours to kick in and last a long time, while smoking provides immediate effects. 

Regardless of which product or consumption method you choose, always start low and go slow. Try a small amount, wait to see how the effects feel, and then decide if you want to adjust your dose. 

Consider CBD for anxiety 

Researchers have found CBD may be effective for anxiety in all doses. If you’re looking for a way to manage anxiety with cannabis, consider including CBD in your routine. 

Many of our North Bend dispensary customers opt for products with a combination of THC and CBD to combat anxiety. If you’re interested in trying a product with both THC and CBD, try to find a balanced blend of at least 1:1 THC and CBD. Or, go for a product that has a higher ratio of CBD to THC. 

You can also use a CBD product without any THC. CBD does not get you high, but it can potentially provide anxiety-relieving effects. 

Don’t rely solely on cannabis 

We applaud anyone taking charge of their mental health. While we have seen first hand the many positive ways cannabis can help anxiety, we also know that other lifestyle factors are crucial to keeping anxiety under control. 

Cannabis can be a wonderful tool to relax, unwind, and settle the mind. But it shouldn’t be relied on as a sole form of anxiety relief. Incorporating cannabis into your routine alongside regular exercise, therapy, mindfulness, and other tools to keep your mind healthy is a wise approach. 

Ready to try?

We hope this blog gives you a better idea of how cannabis may help with anxiety. But keep in mind that just because it works for some people doesn’t mean it will work for you. Many factors can contribute to varied levels of relief. 

You will likely need to experiment a bit before you find the right product or dose for your desired effect. Start low, go slow, and approach it with an open mind. 

As we said earlier, none of this information is medical advice. We are just showcasing the research and anecdotal evidence related to cannabis and anxiety. Speak with a healthcare provider if you’re concerned about your anxiety and, if you have the option, consider speaking with a therapist to talk through your experiences. 

Any of the knowledgeable budtenders at our Snoqualmie cannabis store are happy to help you find the right product for your lifestyle and needs. Check out our online menu or stop by and say high today!