Mental health plays a key role in how you perform your daily tasks. Stress, anxiety and depression can lead to lack of focus, sleep problems, etc., thus affecting the way you think and make decisions. There are various medications to combat these illnesses. However, cannabis can also be used as an effective treatment option.
So, does marijuana actually boost your mental health? How to access it legally? Read on to get answers to these questions.
Marijuana Provides Relaxation
When you smoke cannabis, you experience calming effects. Its cannabinoids (THC and CBD) interact with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system, thus boosting mood and other functions.
About 40 percent of cannabis consumers agree that the herb helps them relax.
Research says that THC, an active compound in cannabis, helps individuals deal with stressful situations. However, taking higher doses may increase stress levels.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that helps in reducing anxiety and stress without making consumers high. It can also counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD products can be used for treating depression, anxiety, etc.
Marijuana Treats PTSD
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is caused by a traumatic event, such as a rape activity, loss of a loved one, natural disaster, etc. PTSD sufferers often experience flashbacks and nightmares, which cause panic attacks. In some cases, these symptoms can result in suicide.
Cannabis can help patients suffering from PTSD. Research says that the herb can reduce activity in amygdala — a brain region linked to fear responses.
Some studies suggest that cannabinoids in cannabis could help in controlling traumatic memories.
Related– How Exactly Cannabis Works For PTSD [Fully Explained]
CBD offers calming effects, thus promoting sleep. THC helps in reducing the amount of REM sleep. However, long-term use of high-THC products may impair the quality of sleep. So, make sure you talk to your doctor to seek professional help for using medical marijuana card. Most importantly, select the right strains.
Here is the list of cannabis doctor approved strains for PTSD-
- Blue Dream
- Harlequin
- Master Kush
- OG Kush
- Pineapple Express
Marijuana Improves Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behavior. This psychological condition is affecting about 2–3 percent of people worldwide.
CBD can help in relieving OCD symptoms. According to a recent study, CBD resulted in a 60 percent reduction in compulsions. Researchers examined the effects of cannabis on 87 patients.
Studies show that taking CBD with THC & terpenes may enhance benefits. The phenomenon is called the entourage effect. Select the right strains and ease your OCD symptoms effectively.
Is it a good idea to give cannabis to children suffering from OCD? Well, you should avoid this. THC may affect the process of brain development in children. Also, some manufacturers mislabel CBD products, they contain detectable levels of tetrahydrocannabinol.
Marijuana Helps Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes changes in mood, activity levels, and ability to perform daily tasks. About 4.4 percent of American adults experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives.
There’s some scientific evidence that marijuana improves brain function in patients suffering from bipolar disorder. Its cannabinoids interact with receptors in the brain, thus improving attention and boosting mood.
Top marijuana strains for bipolar disorder are-
- AK-47
- La Blanca Gold
- White Durban
- White Knight
- Limon
Marijuana Treats Dementia
Dementia is characterized by impairment in memory, thinking and other brain functions. Patients with this disorder often have confusion with time/place and struggle planning things or solving problems.
Dronabinol can help reduce behavioral disturbances in patients with dementia. It’s a prescription drug containing THC.
Studies also show that THC can slow the formation of amyloid plaques, which kill brain cells, thus causing Alzheimer’s disease.
Top strains for dementia are — White Russian, LSD, Lavender Haze, and Acapulco Gold.
Marijuana Side-Effects
Taking large amounts of high-THC cannabis may lead to various side effects. These include anxiety, heart attack, and psychosis.
Additionally, using marijuana for a long time can lead to dependence. However, if you stop using cannabis, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These include lack of sleep, shaking, headache, nervousness, and change in mood.
Inhaling large amounts of cannabis for a long time is not safe. This is because, marijuana smoke contains a wide range of carcinogens that can cause lung issues, change in blood pressure levels, and increase heart rate.
How to reduce the risks? Follow these strategies-
- Don’t consume too much
- Choose the right consumption methods and strains
- Avoid mixing cannabis with other substances such as alcohol
- Consume cannabis in a safe place
So, don’t start using cannabis without talking to your doctor. After analyzing your medical condition, they can suggest the right way to use the herb.
Covering it up, cannabis can help manage various mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, etc. Its cannabinoids interact with the receptors in the brain, thus improving mood, sleep, memory, etc.
However, marijuana can cause various side-effects. So, avoid self-medicating on cannabis. Talk to your doctor to get sound advice for dosage, strains, etc.
You need a california medical marijuana recommendation letter to access medical marijuana legally. Visit Online Medical Card to apply for your MMJ evaluations online. Here’s the process :
- Sign up for an account online
- See a cannabis doctor via video call
- Receive your MMJ recommendation via email