Are you feeling too stressed out? You’re not by yourself. Cannabis is being used as a natural remedy to treat anxiety in many Americans who suffer from it as a result of their sedentary lifestyle. Because it affects our body’s ECS system, medical marijuana is frequently used to promote relaxation and lessen stress. Although the studies back this up, it’s crucial to remember that the right dosages of marijuana work better. However, it is always advisable to speak with an MMJ doctor before beginning to use marijuana for medical reasons.
This post will discuss the benefits of cannabis for stress relief and how to include it in your wellness regimen.
What Do Research Studies Reveal?
The ability of cannabis to reduce stress at varying dosages was examined by a Chicago team. 42 healthy volunteers, ages 18 to 40, who had some prior cannabis experience but were not regular users, were the subjects of the study. Three groups of participants were formed:
- Low-dose: 7.5 mg THC
- Moderate-dose: 12.5 mg THC
- Placebo: 0.0 mg THC
In order to prevent negative effects from higher doses, Prof. Childs clarified that these doses are comparable to a few puffs of a cannabis cigarette. Double anonymization was used in the study.
Testing Conditions
Five days apart, participants attended two four-hour sessions at the University of Chicago. To allow the THC to enter their bloodstream, they took a few puffs during each session and then relaxed for two hours.
Task 1 (Stress-Inducing Tasks):
- Preparation: Participants prepared for a simulated job interview for ten minutes.
- Mock Job Interview: A five-minute interview with lab assistants during which their performance was displayed on a video screen without any feedback.
- Cognitive Task: For five minutes, participants were told to subtract 13 from a five-digit number in order to count backwards.
Task 2 (Non-Stressful Tasks):
- For five minutes, participants discussed a favorite book or film with lab assistants.
- Five minutes were spent playing solitaire.
Before, during, and after each activity, the participants’ stress levels and sentiments regarding the tasks were noted. At regular intervals, measurements were made of heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol, a crucial stress hormone.
Results
Low-Dose Group (7.5 mg THC):
- Compared to the placebo group, they reported feeling less stressed after the public speaking task.
- After the task, stress levels decreased more quickly.
Moderate-Dose Group (12.5 mg THC):
- Reported feeling more depressed both before and during the tasks.
- The tasks were rated as more difficult and dangerous.
- Paused more frequently during the simulated interview.
Placebo Group:
- Did not present a reduced level of stress after the public speaking activity.
- The levels of reported stress and moods characterized the subjects in this group as significantly lower than those of the moderate-dose group.
Physiological Measures: Before the exercise, there were insignificant differences in the physiological indices of cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure across the three groups.
It is argued by the study of the effects of marijuana that people can now partake in a small quantity of THC and reduce stress since it is proven clinically. This means that when a patient is undergoing coffee consumption, they should note that higher intensity may cause an increase in anxiety and depressive-like symptoms, bringing into focus the aspect of intensity.
How Cannabis Helps Relieve Stress and Anxiety
This is how the two active ingredients of cannabis, THC and Marijuana, give signals to the body to ensure that people are relaxed and do not worry. The following are some of the main benefits that can, therefore, be attributed to marijuana when it comes to stress relief.
- Reduces Anxiety: This can be of assistance since anxiety is among the stress-related conditions that patients can control.
- Enhances Sleep: Sleep is also believed to be one of the best ways to boost mental health since it also reduces stress. Namely, the kind of cannabis that is the Marijuana-for-stress kind may contribute greatly to the management of stress through improvement of the sleep regime.
- Improves Mood: Marijuana has a psychoactive effect that relieves stress, thereby giving people the “high feeling”. Using good emotions, you can fight off some strenuous events in life. This assertion is true in light of the following reasons.
- Reduces Pain: Stress is occasioned by pains that are either acute or chronic in nature. Because of this, it can be understood that cannabis can reduce pain and stress associated with the same after taking its analgesic effect.
- Encourages Relaxation: This is one of the qualifying properties of marijuana in that it helps in stress relief. This can reduce the stress load on the mind and body and, as a result, make someone more relaxed and healthy.
Effective Ways to Use Marijuana for Stress Relief
Choosing the Right Strain
As we have known before, not all varieties of marijuana are the same. In this case, some strains can help reduce stress as compared to other strains of cannabis. Here are some suggestions:
- Indica Strains: Indica strains are mostly recommended to induce relaxation effects. This is the kind of strain that will suit you most probably if you just want to sit back and enjoy some TV show or a movie.
- Hybrid Strains: The medium-acting cannabis that comprise the features of both sativa and indica are referred to as the hybrid strains.
- Marijuana-Rich Strains: The common ones also lower stress since they contain higher amounts of Marijuana with less THC as compared to those above.
Different Ways to Consume Marijuana
There are several ways of using marijuana based on the condition of the patient and the kind of outcome that one wishes to achieve. The following is a procedure on how to use marijuana and the benefits it has when it comes to stress.
- Smoking and Vaping: The medical marijuana makes use of cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream of the body; that is why when people smoke or vape the substance, the effects are almost immediate; they are provided with instant stress relief.
- Edibles: This is perfect in as much as one wants a long-lasting high; edibles offer it to him or her. When ingested orally is absorbed by the body and taken through the digestive tract, which results in its slower but longer elimination. Since it is a long-lasting, ingested product, cannabis should be used when dealing with stress.
- Tinctures and Oils: The gland under the tongue allows the passage of tinctures and oils into the blood circulation system. It can be more effective and beneficial than the ingestion of edibles and, without any doubt, can possibly help to fine-tune the dosing. Due to the differences in their concentrations, one is able to rectify the dosage subjected to the client depending on his/her stress level.
- Topicals: Topicals are applied directly on the skin, and these are useful in the treatment of pains and inflammation that is localized. Such influences can also help to relax the body under conditions that may create stress.
Here, cannabis consumption techniques have a variety of possibilities to control stress and can be adjusted as much as preferred and needed.
Legal Guidelines and Safety Tips for Using Marijuana
Therefore, one must establish the legalities involved when taking marijuana to ease stress. Currently, the usage of cannabis is legal in some states but prohibited in some others; therefore, before you use it, try and take your time to research the marijuana laws in your state. But firstly, to find out what is effective for you, take a smaller portion of the dose and gradually increase it if needed. It is recommended to consult a health officer, especially if you have health problems.
Summing Up!
Stress can be defined as the detrimental experience that affects both the body and mind and has numerous effects caused by cannabis. Some of the known benefits of cannabis include helping one to unwind and find some solace in their lives, especially if they are suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, and sleeping disorders. If used properly, it offers a safe and efficient means of consumption and should be chosen based on the strain and mode of use, which should also be recommended by a healthcare provider.
Marijuana has its perks, and it is time to embrace it and get on the road to reduce stressful living. You must first apply for a Delaware medical marijuana card online, which allows you to legally possess marijuana in your state and protects you from facing legal consequences, before you can use it for medical purposes.
