Many people use weed as a way of coping with anxiety, unaware that in the long-term they could be making their symptoms worse. The link between marijuana and anxiety is complex, and using weed, especially to excess, could do more harm than good.
Can weed cause anxiety? What impact does tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have on the brain? Read on to learn the answers to those, and other, common questions about marijuana and mental health.
Why Some People Use Cannabis to Manage Anxiety
If someone is feeling anxious or distressed, it’s natural for them to want to reduce those feelings. According to a recent study published in Frontiers Mental Health, 41.2% of adults struggling with mental health report having tried self-medicating for their conditions. Two common substances that people indulge in with the goal of altering their mood are weed and alcohol.
Self-medicating can be an attractive option for a person dealing with anxiety. It offers a rapid change in how you feel and seems attractive in the short term. But it isn’t good for you in the long term. Self-medicating addresses the feelings, not what’s causing them.
Over time, a person who self-medicates may find themselves needing increasingly large doses of their drug of choice to manage their feelings or may find themselves experiencing side effects due to their drug use.
Short-Term Relief vs. Long-Term Effects
The short-term effects of marijuana make it appealing to someone who is struggling with anxiety or stress. However, long-term heavy use of marijuana can have a serious negative impact on a person’s life.
The short-term effects of marijuana include:
- Euphoria and relaxation
- Altered senses (such as the world seeming brighter)
- Lowered blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Short-term memory impairment
- Distorted time perception
Over a longer period, however, a person might experience side effects such as:
- Impaired memory even when not under the influence of the drug
- Difficulty learning new things
- Dependence on the substance
- Chronic anxiety
- Depression
- Marijuana-induced psychosis or schizophrenia
- Increased risk of respiratory infections and cardiovascular issues
- Reduced motivation in their day-to-day life
- Increased risk of reproductive issues
Fortunately, many of the long-term negative effects of marijuana use are temporary. If a person abstains from marijuana use for a prolonged period, they will most likely find that their mood and mental clarity recover. However, individuals who start using marijuana during their adolescence may be at risk of severe cognitive side effects.
Signs That Self-Medicating Is Making Anxiety Worse
When people self-medicate with marijuana to manage their anxiety, they usually feel an increased sense of calm and relaxation immediately after indulging in the drug. They might also find that they sleep better after taking marijuana.
These effects come from the THC in the marijuana. With occasional low doses, THC can help to manage anxiety. However, it’s difficult for people who are self-medicating to control the dose they take, especially if they’re not using medical marijuana, where the strength of the drug is regulated.
At higher doses, THC can make anxiety worse, not better. In addition, it’s not a drug that’s intended for long-term use. Some people notice symptoms such as:
- Elevated heart rate
- Paranoia
- Racing thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating
Because of these symptoms, it’s better to seek professional support for anxiety. FHE Health offers both substance abuse treatment programs and therapy for people who are struggling with anxiety.
THC, CBD, and the Anxious Brain
The active compounds in cannabis are known as cannabinoids. The two main cannabinoids that people think of when they’re discussing the effects of marijuana are THC and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is a psychoactive substance. It creates the “high” that people associate with weed. It’s also thought to have an impact on brain development, which is why it’s not recommended for people to engage in recreational marijuana use in their teenage years.
In contrast, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body. It doesn’t affect mood or cognition in the way that THC does. Rather, it regulates appetite, stress and inflammation. It’s the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD that make it popular with people who are experiencing chronic pain.
In low doses, CBD and THC can help to calm a person and reduce their anxiety. However, at high doses, THC can cause anxiety, and there is some research that suggests CBD has the potential to damage neurons.
The Link Between Cannabis Use and Panic Attacks
Most people who use cannabis occasionally and who choose strains with a relatively low level of THC find they can do so without adverse effects. However, there’s evidence to show that chronic use can trigger panic attacks.
If an individual is susceptible to schizophrenia, paranoia, or panic attacks, heavy use of marijuana may trigger those conditions. This risk is one of the reasons that it’s not a good idea for a person who is experiencing anxiety to try to self-medicate.
At FHE Health, we work with people who are struggling to deal with anxiety and other mental health challenges. Our treatment approach looks not only at the symptoms, but at the underlying causes, and arms people with the tools they need to cope with their emotions on an ongoing basis.
Healthier Alternatives to Manage Anxiety
Rather than attempting to mask anxious feelings by self-medicating, consider using mindfulness and meditation, or finding a way to reframe how you think. Consider these strategies to manage anxiety:
- Spend a few minutes meditating every day to clear your mind
- Engage in regular exercise to reduce stress and improve your mood
- Practice deep breathing as a way to slow your heart rate and get anxious thoughts under control
- Seek out a therapist offering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to reframe anxious thoughts
- Keep a journal and write down what you’re anxious about, to give yourself some perspective
- Practice self-care to boost your well-being and make it easier to regulate your mood
Get Help With Substance Abuse Today
Using marijuana to help with anxiety might seem like a good idea, but it isn’t a permanent solution. Long-term marijuana use can be harmful and could lead to more severe symptoms. Rather than using marijuana for anxiety, a better approach would be to seek help from a trained therapist to learn to cope with the condition.
FHE Health offers several treatment options, including CBT and individual or group therapy sessions for anxiety and mental health challenges. We also offer substance abuse programs for those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. Contact us now to book a consultation with a counselor and start on the road to a healthier lifestyle.
