How to Avoid &/or Manage Cannabis-Induced Anxiety (Part Three)
Part three in our blog series, Understanding the Relationship Between Cannabis and Anxiety
Written By: CannaRanda B
“Educated – Medicated – Dedicated”
Maybe you have had an overwhelming experience with cannabis. Why would you want to try something that may have caused anxiety, paranoia, or even an uneasy or seasick feeling? I can understand how that kind of experience could easily affect your perception of cannabis because, at one time, that was me. However, a little education and research led me to some successful tricks to manage possible cannabis-induced anxiety and even enjoy cannabis recreationally, which I would like to share with you!
In my previous blog, we discuss cannabinoids as a major component of cannabis; however, also found in cannabis are terpenes. You can find these in all plants that have a smell. In fact, it is what gives them a scent! They are also what are responsible for the effects that may be present in that plant. For example, lavender contains a terpene named linalool. When inhaled, it has calming, anxiolytic properties, making it popular and useful in essential oil. Linalool is present in cannabis! So as you can imagine, cannabis that smells floral is likely to contain linalool and can have a calming and anxiolytic effect!
If you are looking to enjoy a cannabis high that is less likely to overwhelm and leave you with a bad time, beta-caryophyllene is another fantastic terpene to look for. You can find caryophyllene in pepper, cloves, and rosemary. I have had a lot of luck finding this terpene in kushes and even some “sativa” strains with peppery or spicy notes in the nose, like Golden Goat. Knowing these terpenes and their smells can expand your options. Many people think that “sativa” strains are not an option for them because of cannabis-induced anxiety. Now we are finding that with the right cannabinoid and terpene profile, you can still enjoy cultivars that inspire energy, creativity, and amplify social settings.
When looking at the plant as a recreational tool, it is important to also keep in mind that THC, in large doses, can induce anxiety, even with these magical terpenes. I suggest looking for cultivars that have lower THC contents, particularly when looking for a more uplifting experience. You can also try starting with what is known as a “type 2” flower, meaning it has high content of both THC and CBD for a more mellow result. As previously discussed in part one of this blog series: Physiology of Anxiety & Cannabinoids, CBD can counteract negative effects and discomfort that can be present if your high is too overwhelming.
People refer to it as the “Panic Button.” For my own recreation, I keep a CBD vape or pre-roll handy for immediate relief should I find myself uncomfortable from my cannabis experience. Chewing on peppercorns can also help with anxious feelings brought on by cannabis, as they contain caryophyllene! Sounds crazy, but it has the possibility to help!
To set yourself up for the best experience, make sure you are in a comfortable setting, appropriately hydrated and keep some good snacks handy. Food can reduce a “high” by speeding your metabolism burning through it quicker. Cannabis makes food taste better due to the higher release of dopamine, so this is a good idea either way! If you are concerned about overindulging in the munchie phase of cannabis, keep healthier snacks or a meal prepared.
All of this information can be quite overwhelming to take in, but with an educated budtender it is possible to medicate and recreate. That’s what we are here for at Urban Farmacy! With our budtenders, you can discuss your fears or concerns and together we can find the best options for you! Hope to see you soon!
Resources
THE JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS Vol. 318, No.
Esther M. Blessing,1 Maria M. Steenkamp,1 Jorge Manzanares,1,2 and Charles R. Marmar1
“Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders” Oct 2015
Scott Shannon, MD, ABIHM, Janet Opila-Lehman, ND
“Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Oil for Pediatric Anxiety and Insomnia as Part of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report” 2016 Oct 12
Bergamaschi MM1, Queiroz RH, Chagas MH, de Oliveira DC, De Martinis BS, Kapczinski F, Quevedo J, Roesler R, Schröder N, Nardi AE, Martín-Santos R, Hallak JE, Zuardi AW, Crippa JA.“Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients.” EPUB 2011 Feb 9.
2018 Project CBD “The Endocannabinoid System”
Sachin Patel and Cecilia J. Hillard “Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics July 2006”
Jasmeer P. Chhatwal and Kerry J. Ressler “Modulation of Fear and Anxiety by the Endogenous Cannabinoid System”
STEPHEN MAREN “The Amygdala, Synaptic Plasticity, and Fear Memory”
Charles I. Shelton, DO “Diagnosis and management of Anxiety Disorders” The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, March 2004
Authors Kathuria, S Gaetani, S Fegley, D et al. “Modulation of anxiety through blockade of anandamide hydrolysis“ 2003
Ozge Gunduz-Cinar,1 Matthew N. Hill,2 Bruce S. McEwen,3 and Andrew Holmes1
“Amygdala FAAH and Anandamide: mediating protection and recovery from stress” 2013 Oct 25
Copyright © 2006 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Gary L. Wenk Ph.D. “Why Do Munchies Taste so Good When You’re High?“
Photos: https://www.pexels.com/search/cannabis/
