For centuries, Cannabis has been seen as a prominent component to treat both physical and psychological issues.
Though there has been a lot of debate across different countries regarding the legalization of the drug, in the last few years, thanks to several scientific tests and trials, the therapeutic benefits of consuming cannabis diamond extracts have gained a lot of traction.
One of the more popularly known benefits of cannabis is the reduction in stress and anxiety levels. According to a study conducted in 2010, using cannabis as an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drug has shown promising results.
Cannabis comprises approximately 120 ingredients, out of which the two primary compounds are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). While THC handles the high, CBD is known to have pacifying properties.
CBD Oil
In this study, the researchers used CBD oil. When given CBD oil, the participants showed a temporary yet notable reduction in their anxiety levels. It was found that CBD oil was effective because it could regulate the blood flow to certain anxiety-causing regions of the brain.
Another research carried out in September 2021 by the Medical University of Carolina had similar findings. The researchers found out that most of the participants who were using CBD oil showed less intense symptoms of anxiety and depression. For a short period, the participants observed less mental activity, relaxed muscles, and improved energy levels.
With each new study, there is growing evidence that cannabis has the potential to provide relief to people suffering from anxiety. However, at this point in time, we can’t call it a complete cure for anxiety, and here’s why:
1. Sometimes it can not react well with people:
Cannabis has 2 key components, THC and CBD. When taken in small doses, both of them can provide a sense of calm. But high amounts of THC have been seen to increase anxiety and restlessness further.
2. It doesn’t have a long-lasting effect :
Even though it provides much-needed relief, the effects of cannabis don’t last very long. All the studies mentioned above had a very similar outcome. The participants had reported re-experiencing anxiety soon.
Researchers claim that at present, cannabis alone isn’t enough to treat anxiety permanently. It can only be effective when combined with other modes of treatment like therapy, lifestyle changes, etc.
Conclusion
The bottom line is, even though cannabis has been shown to provide relief for some, it isn’t always recommended by scientists, nutritionists, and therapists primarily because other treatments like therapy or pharmaceuticals have been shown to have more long-lasting effects.
In addition to calming effects, medical marijuana can increase alertness and increase concentration. It can also lower cortisol levels, a sign of stress and can dull the person's reaction to stress.
This property is a game-changer for those seeking a natural treatment for anxiety. Using cannabis to treat this condition does not lead to any harmful side effects, another significant benefit of the herb.
Lastly, to answer the question, can cannabis reduce anxiety? Yes, it can.