Cannabis is an excellent all-natural treatment option for many conditions, including chronic pain, depression, social anxiety, stomach ailments, and cancer treatment's side effects. The problem? Not all cannabis strains offer the same response and benefits. In fact, some high potency products may lead to increased anxiety symptoms.

Does Medical Cannabis Cause or Treat Anxiety?

That's a great question. The answer isn't simple. There are hundreds if not thousands of cannabis sativa, indica, and hybrid strains. Each has a different naturally occurring formula of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals. 

The key to using medical cannabis and experiencing the benefit of all the major and minor cannabinoids while still offering pain relief is finding the right ratio. Marijuana products and dosing isn't an exact measurement yet. It's also challenging to measure servings with marijuana smoke compared to using herbal cannabis oil. 

Using Marijuana to Reduce Social Anxiety Disorder

A popular reason for using the all-natural, legal drug is to help with social anxiety. The cannabis plant has a long history of putting a smile on patients' faces and easing their fear of crowds, parties, and other social events. 

However, there's a fine line between the therapeutic effect of marijuana and the mental health consequences of high THC content with little CBD, the compound more commonly associated with the hemp plant. 

Research confirms this response. For consumers with related mood disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, cannabis strains with a balanced THC ratio with CBD provide the best results.

Tips for Minimizing Anxiety & Mental Health Issues with Medical Marijuana  

The truth is today's marijuana has much higher THC levels than at any point in recorded history. It's not because of evolution but instead advanced cultivation and cloning techniques. On the bright side, the same changes that are increasing the psychoactive effect are making it possible to improve CBD oil quality. 

Speaking of CBD oil, the nonintoxicating marijuana cannabinoid may reduce the anxiety-inducing effects of cannabis strains with high THC content. Keep an isolate nearby. Although 50mg to 75mg of pure CBD will make you sleepy, it also has the potential to negate your anxious feelings. 

Pay attention to the types of products you choose. Marijuana edibles and other concentrates are popular, but they're powerful. They can cause an unpleasant reaction for people with or without anxiety disorders and similar mental health issues, such as depression that often occurs with anxiety. 

Medical cannabis providers, patients, and dispensaries see the value in marijuana plants with a lower THC concentration and more CBD and minor cannabinoids to improve the therapeutic effect. 

Consumers with anxiety conditions should look for marijuana cultivars with lower THC levels and more CBD content than traditional high potency cannabis products. These can offer pain relief without increasing your anxiety symptoms. 

Between available research and patient testimonials, all marijuana strains are not the same. The slight difference in the terpene profile or THC content can make the difference between relief from pain, depression, and social panic and an increase in anxiety symptoms. Choosing the right cannabis potency and method of delivery is vital to an anxiety-reducing experience.