The COVID-19 crisis has had a huge effect on mental health on a global scale. The effects of social isolation on mental health cannot be underestimated. For many, lack of social contact has caused a huge spike in anxiety and depression levels. Life may be slowly returning back to normal, but many people are still coping with these feelings as they slowly readjust.
Anxiety can be a difficult condition to diagnose. It’s not necessarily a visible condition, so many people struggle to realize that they are suffering from it at all. There are many symptoms of anxiety, which vary from person to person. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Racing thoughts
- Insomnia
- Tiredness
- Headaches and nausea
- Worry and self-doubt
- Physical tension
Social anxiety, which is anxiety brought on by social situations, is common after long periods of isolation. Many people will find it difficult to go back into social settings, surrounded by large groups of people again, after spending so much time alone.
Can medical marijuana help anxiety?
The good news is that medical marijuana (MMJ) can certainly help people suffering from anxiety. There are many ways to treat anxiety, and many people use a combination of these in order to get the best results. Examples of common anxiety treatments include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Reading
- Meditation
- Talk therapy
- Physical exercise
Many people will combine use of MMJ with one or more of these treatments. It may take some trial and error, but with time you will find the combination that works best for you. For now, we will look at the ways in which medical marijuana, and particularly CBD, can help reduce anxiety levels caused by social isolation and COVID-19.
What type of medical marijuana is best for anxiety?
MMJ strains that are higher in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can often have negative effects on anxious people and cause raised anxiety levels. It is best for those who are anxious to choose strains of MMJ that are low in THC. Nowadays, there are many hybrid strains that fit this bill.
Sufferers of anxiety should opt for strains higher in CBD (cannabidiol). CBD is another key element of medical marijuana, and is the ingredient most associated with relaxation and treatment of anxiety disorders. CBD has been shown to be very effective in multiple therapies, offering comfort to many people suffering from anxiety. It affects the mood-altering parts of the brain to bring about increased feelings of relaxation. There are ongoing studies into the positive effects of CBD in other areas; it has been shown to greatly reduce nerves associated with public speaking, for example.
What CBD method is best for anxiety?
Strains of MMJ that are high in CBD and low in THC are best for anxiety. Remember: THC can raise anxiety levels! Luckily, the ongoing growth of the MMJ industry in the U.S. means that CBD-high strains of MMJ are available in many different forms such as pre-rolls, edibles, lotions, and tinctures. Your local dispensary should have a range of option to suit your needs, and the staff can provide advice as needed.
How can I access CBD?
Your MMJ card is the best way to safely and easily access strains of MMJ that are high in CBD. These strains typically have the best results when treating anxiety, and can certainly provide relief for those suffering from anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Your MMJ card allows you to purchase MMJ at dispensaries in your state (for more information on the specific rules and regulations surrounding the purchase of MMJ in your state, check out this info). Each state has a different set of rules regarding the use and purchase of MMJ, so it’s best to check the specific information depending on your location.
Getting your MMJ card is simple and can be done completely online with MMJRecs. Click here for more information on qualifying conditions for your state, and to set up an online consultation today!
Featured image by Joice Kelly on Unsplash