Does Cannabis help with anxiety?

Cannabis — a tool for managing anxiety, but not a cure

To be relaxing on a remote beach, with a joint in your hand and no care in the world sounds like a dream. Beam me down Scotty! Unfortunately the transporter technology has a ways to go before we’re watching the sun set and sipping mai tais with our bubba kush. Today, the reality is a mash-up of uncertainty, increasing expenses, inflation, seasonal or year-round depression and our own individual personal hardships — leaving many of us overwhelmed, stressed out and looking for solutions.

Anxiety and related disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions in North America. While first-line antidepressant treatments have proven effective, they often come with significant side effects, prompting many individuals to explore alternative options. In comes marijuana and out goes the stigma behind it. Cannabis has gained popularity as a natural remedy for a wide range of medical and mental health issues, with anxiety ranking among the top five symptoms for which North Americans use medical marijuana.

Many people turn to cannabis, whether through vaping or other forms of consumption, to unwind after a stressful day or manage anxiety — one of the most widespread mental health concerns today. However, while cannabis can reduce anxiety in some individuals, it may actually worsen it for others, particularly with higher-potency strains.

At this point, researchers are still uncertain about whether cannabis is more likely to reduce or trigger anxiety.

“As for anxiety, the bottom line is that we still have a lot to learn,” said Devan Kansagara, a professor of general internal medicine at Oregon Health & Science University. “We really don’t know yet.”

What is clear, however, is that a variety of factors influence how cannabis affects a person’s anxiety levels. For example, an individual’s mental state before using cannabis can determine whether it alleviates or heightens anxiety. Studies show that cannabis may amplify emotions someone is already experiencing.

Does Cannabis help with Anxiety? — Gender Differences

Gender may also play a role in how cannabis impacts anxiety. A 2020 study found that women, especially those who use cannabis infrequently, were more likely to experience feelings of anxiety, nervousness, or restlessness. “Gender could influence every aspect of cannabis use,” said Esther Choo, an emergency medicine professor at Oregon Health & Science University. “So, it’s not surprising to see gender differences in responses to cannabis.” However, Choo cautions that the research in this area is inconsistent. “We don’t have clear evidence that women consistently experience more negative effects from cannabis, such as anxiety, compared to men,” she added.

The Role of Cannabis Strains

The type of cannabis consumed can significantly impact whether it alleviates or intensifies anxiety. Different strains have varying levels of THC, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana. According to Ziva Cooper, director of the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, studies comparing cannabis with a placebo show that, at lower doses, cannabis may reduce anxiety. “But at higher doses, participants often report increased anxiety compared to a placebo,” she explained.

Consumption Methods

How cannabis is consumed also affects its potential to reduce or worsen anxiety. Smoking or vaping cannabis delivers THC to the bloodstream — and thus to the brain — more quickly than edibles. Inhaling cannabis smoke results in effects within minutes, while the effects of edibles typically take 30 minutes to an hour to fully kick in.

“In some cases, someone may take an edible, not feel its effects right away, and then consume more, thinking they haven’t taken enough,” Cooper explained. “This can lead to an overwhelming dose of THC, which might trigger anxiety, impairment, and discomfort.”

NOTE: It’s important to wait at least 30 to 40 minutes before deciding to consume more if you’re using edibles.

For anyone looking to experiment with cannabis, but prefer not to inhale, edibles are a nice, convenient option. In Canada, packages containing edible products are legally limited to a maximum of 10 mg of THC — great for beginners but somewhat disappointing to those with higher tolerances. Speak with a bud tender at your local dispensary to help guide you in choosing the best blend to suit your needs. Remember the golden rule with edibles — start low (dose) and go SLOW.

The Complexity of Cannabis

Cannabis is a complex plant containing over 100 different cannabinoids. THC is just one of these compounds, and the balance of cannabinoids in a particular strain can impact how a person feels.

CBD (cannabidiol), another cannabinoid found in cannabis, may have a calming effect without the psychoactive “high” produced by THC. One study showed that CBD can prevent THC and other cannabinoids from binding to certain receptors in the brain, potentially reducing THC’s psychoactive effects.

“While THC can reduce stress at lower doses, higher doses can induce panic, paranoia and anxiety. CBD, on the other hand, has shown to decrease feelings of stress and anxiety at all doses.” — Dr. Amanda Kingston, Psychiatrist

Preclinical research suggests CBD may hold promise for treating anxiety disorders. While cannabis could eventually become a treatment option for anxiety, experts emphasize that it should not be viewed as a long-term solution. For sustainable anxiety management, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapies are likely more effective.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, your best option for getting initial help is to speak with your healthcare provider. Don’t be afraid to open up to friends and family who you know are good listeners. Alternative treatments such as cannabis is not a one-size fits all solution and may not be suitable for everyone so it is encouraged to openly talk about it and do further research on how to help alleviate those stressors in your life. 

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