More people are turning to THC to treat anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder as more states legalize marijuana for medical and recreational purposes (GAD). Despite the lack of scientific research in this area, there are anecdotal and recent scientific reports that THC induces a calming experience that temporarily helps many people’s anxiety symptoms.
Different people react to THC in different ways. Additionally, a single person may respond differently to various THC vapes. Therefore, its effects can occasionally be quite unpredictable. The THC that can make someone feel entirely at peace can also have adverse effects. Let’s explore the question of whether THC Vape can reduce anxiety.
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the compound that offers cannabis most of its psychological effects. As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it functions similarly to the body’s naturally occurring cannabinoid chemicals (NIDA).
Specific brain regions connected to thoughts, memory, pleasure, coordination, and time perception contain a concentration of cannabinoid receptors. According to NIDA, THC binds to and activates these receptors, altering a person’s memory, delight, movements, cognitive thinking, concentration, coordination, and sensory and time perception.
One of the many substances present in the resin that the marijuana plant’s glands secrete is THC. The reproductive organs of the plant have more of these glands than any other part of the plant. In addition, this resin contains additional cannabinoids, which are substances specific to marijuana.
How effective is THC vape for anxiety?
Anandamide, a chemical found in our brains, shares many structural similarities with THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. THC enters your body through vaping, where your body sort of recognizes it. The THC binds to cannabinoid receptors, altering what we consider “normal” mental function and producing a high. So the condensed version is that.
People have been using marijuana as unconventional therapy for anxiety for a long time. However, it’s now more typical to turn to marijuana as an anxiety remedy as marijuana use for medicinal and recreational purposes continues to become legalized in many states.
Although there aren’t many studies on THC vaping and anxiety, particularly long-term effects, many anxious people find that THC helps them. Unless, of course, they experience an adverse reaction like I previously described.
Many factors affect how the THC affects people, which are outside our control. For example, age, body fat, and genetics are a few internal factors that affect how we react to marijuana. But, unbelievably, the conditions of the marijuana plant’s growth and harvest can affect how we feel when using it.
THC vape’s ability to affect the neurotransmitter GABA, which can halt anxiety in its tracks, is one reason it has such a calming effect. Benzodiazepines, a class of widely prescribed anti-anxiety medications, work by increasing GABA levels! When used frequently, THC vaping can also reduce cortisol, the stress hormone.
Low-THC vape, accessible these days, is a more widely accepted and less divisive alternative. You won’t get very high from it, but you will experience reduced anxiety.
There has been some encouraging THC research! For example, in one study, those who received 7.5 milligrams of THC after the psychosocial test reported less stress than those who received a placebo. In addition, their stress levels subsided more quickly after the test.
Benefits of THC for anxiety
Enhances Sleep
People with health issues like anxiety and chronic pain frequently experience sleep disturbances. Studies in these populations demonstrate that THC products can reduce short-term sleep issues, sleep disturbances, and the total time needed to fall asleep. However, uncertainty exists regarding whether THC directly impacts sleep quality or whether better sleep results from a decrease in chronic symptoms.
Combat PTSD
According to estimates, 24.4 million Americans, or 8% of the population, currently experience PTSD. It can cause crippling symptoms like agitation, extreme anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and social isolation. However, THC has proven to be a powerful PTSD treatment option.
Some psychiatrists assert that the only effective treatment for PTSD is cannabis high in THC. However, according to studies, several PTSD-related symptoms, such as agitation, depression, insomnia, flashbacks, and nightmares, are lessened by THC. This implies that people with PTSD can finally get the restful sleep required to recover and find balance in their lives.
Short-term relief from depression
The scientific community has only recently begun investigating THC’s impact on anxiety, and the results show some immediate advantages. For example, researchers from Washington State University discovered in a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders that smoking low-dose THC vape can significantly lower short-term levels of self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress. However, continued use doesn’t appear to result in any long-term symptom reduction; it may gradually worsen depression in some people.
Risks of using THC vape for anxiety
Beyond just getting you high, marijuana has numerous physical effects. For example, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive effects, causes the high feeling you might experience after smoking or consuming marijuana.
There are risks associated with using THC vaping, and frequent or long-term use has been linked to many potential side effects, including:
- Psychiatric Disorders at Higher Levels
- Dependence on Psychology
- Increase in Symptoms of Long-Term Memory Loss
- Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome
Conclusion
It’s critical to select premium goods from reliable, trustworthy retailers when using THC vaping to reduce anxiety. You won’t always find a THC vape that is of a high caliber. THC and other phytochemicals are in this product in varying ratios and concentrations. Researching each ingredient listed on the label is essential before making a purchase decision. It will be easier to determine whether THC is genuinely helping you treat anxiety if you use the correct delivery method and dosage. However, some risk factors are involved in anxiety, and using THC vaping alone is insufficient to treat chronic anxiety symptoms. The underlying cause of your anxiety must still be addressed. THC vape is merely an adjunctive treatment.
