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Anxiety disorders affect almost 30% of adults at some point. The official number is speculated to be even higher, as many people will dismiss the condition as “just feeling nervous.” Anxiety is not just a mental disorder. It can also manifest as a physical condition when ignored for a long time. Physical pain and lack of sleep are common symptoms that stem from anxiety.
Despite anxiety holding the power to degrade one’s quality of life, most people suffering from it do not like the idea of popping pills to feel better. This is why many alternatives for prescription pills cropped up. And cannabis happens to be one of them. Especially CBD and THC.
Both cannabinoids, by themselves or together, can help lower anxious feelings and other symptoms that ensue. However, despite cannabis proving to be a natural and effective treatment option, it can worsen the situation too if not administered properly. This is why there’s something that you must ensure to truly experience the anti-anxiety properties of CBD and THC – Finding the right CBD:THC ratio for yourself.
Not sure what that means? We’ll discuss the concept of ‘ratios’ and the best CBD:THC ratio for anxiety in this guide.
Medical marijuana refers to the medical use of the cannabinoids derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant to treat medical conditions or symptoms. It’s different from recreational use of cannabis in the sense that when using cannabis and its derivatives for medical reasons, you do so with medical advice and in regulated quantities.
When using medical cannabis, you also need to having a legit recommendation from a licensed physician. State laws are different in all states, however, every state mandates medical patients to have a recommendation in order to use cannabis medically. Patients can always visit a nearby clinic or connect with doctor via reliable telemedicine platforms such as Online Medical Card and get approved for a medical card. If you are getting a rec for anxiety, you can always consult the doctor about the best CBD:THC ratio for anxiety for you.
Now, the cannabis sativa plant consists of more than 500 compounds, of which more than a hundred are cannabinoids. You may be familiar with the most common cannabinoids – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It is the chemical compound responsible for imparting the infamous “high” to marijuana consumers. When you consume marijuana, the THC present in it binds with the receptors that are a part of the endocannabinoid system.
So, what makes it so well known? Well, THC is not only psychoactive, but it also provides many medicinal benefits, as we will read in more detail later on.
Cannabidiol or CBD is also a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It is very popular as it imparts the same medical benefits as THC, but without any intoxicating effects. You can also take it in larger quantities than THC.
Now, out of the two, THC is much more potent. So, can you consume it as a beginner? The answer is yes! It all depends on what quantities it is present in, and how much CBD is there to balance it out in a particular strain or product. This is the reason why you need to understand the importance of CBD:THC ratios. Let’s find out more about the topic.
It is important to understand the CBD:THC ratio because the effects that you will experience, whether good or bad, are directly dependent on the CBD:THC ratio. For instance, let us consider a product with equal amounts of THC and CBD, meaning that they are present in 1:1 ratio. This ratio is often referred to as the “Golden ratio” as it is the most suitable for achieving the entourage effect.
The entourage effect refers to when other compounds in the cannabis plant work in coordination with THC, to elevate its therapeutic effects. This is not possible when you consume a product or strain with only CBD. So, when CBD and THC are present in equal amounts, a.k.a., in a 1:1 ratio, this effect is the strongest. However, it can also be achieved through other ratios.
Now, THC is known to bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are a part of the endocannabinoid system and are present throughout the body. This system is responsible for regulating many important functions, such as memory, body temperature, feelings of pleasure, hunger, sleep, immune responses, and more. As a result, consuming THC helps alleviate a variety of symptoms.
CBD, on the other hand, does not bind with these receptors with the same affinity as THC. However, it regulates THC’s potency. Therefore, it is important to find the ideal ratio where CBD and THC work together perfectly to manage your symptoms.
A quick glance at a cannabis product’s label will be able to tell you if it is THC or CBD dominant. The next time you walk into a medical marijuana dispensary, pick up some products and read their labels. You will notice a lot of terms and varying CBD:THC ratios. Combining these two in specific amounts allows users to experience ideal results, with little to no side effects.
So, Let’s look at some common CBD:THC ratios, and understand how they work for anxiety, pain, and regulating sleep.
Before we begin, let’s understand some key points.
Taking THC alone may make anxiety worse for many individuals. It is also not suitable for beginners as taking it alone would cause intense psychoactive effects. An equal amount of CBD allows you to combat the psychoactivity, while also make you feel calm and collected. Thus, it is the perfect ratio to regulate anxiety.
However, this ratio isn’t very effective for dealing with pain and inducing sleep. It is best for those who want to treat anxiety symptoms during the day as opposed to treating them at night.
Products with nine to ten times the THC than CBD are great for those who suffer from chronic pain, migraines, insomnia, and nausea. However, you must keep in mind that THC is great for dealing with anxiety at lower doses, but will cause a counter effect when consumed in heavy quantities; especially without enough CBD.
Products with double or four times CBD than the amount of THC are also great for dealing with anxiety. They do not impart any psychoactive effects but still allow you to reap the benefits of THC. Such ratios are great for people who have been suffering from anxiety for some time and cannot find relief from products with lower potencies.
Marijuana products or strains with 10 times higher CBD than THC are perfect for those who want to experience soothing effects. The small amount of THC helps maximize the effects of CBD. Such quantities are good for regulating sleep and anxiety but may not be ideal for dealing with severe pain.
Products with no CBD and only THC are not suitable for treating anxiety. They will only benefit people dealing with intense chronic pain and those who wish to consume cannabis for its intoxicating effects.
These are some common ratios you’ll come across when buying cannabis products.
Once you settle on an ideal ratio, you can move on and think about the best ways to consume cannabis. You can choose from edibles, tinctures, flowers and alternative methods of consumption, such as dabbing.
The 1:1 is most suitable for medical use, so here are a few strains with this ratio you can try:
Although there are many benefits to using medical marijuana for anxiety and its symptoms, it may also have some risks associated with it. Of course, when you begin using something new to treat a problem, you need to be aware of the potential risks.
As mentioned earlier, consuming a high amount of THC can lead to high levels of anxiety. To understand why this happens, you will first need to learn about the amygdala, which is a part of the brain that is in charge of regulating your fight or flight response.
However, that is not all; the amygdala is also responsible for regulating feelings of anxiety, stress, and paranoia. According to a study, when you consume too much THC, the receptors in your brain are overstimulated. As a result, you may feel paranoid and anxious.
So, if you are not suffering from severe pain or have a low tolerance, it is best to not consume high amounts of THC.
The good thing about medical marijuana is that you will feel the results within a short time period. So, it is great for when you need help with sleeping, low appetite, pain relief, etc., but it won’t provide you long term relief. Thus, you have to keep consuming it. And if you are someone who likes to consume CBD or THC by using smokables, you are also exposed to the risks of smoking such as lung damage. Fortunately, there are many different methods smokeless methods you can try if you are to use cannabis for anxiety on a daily basis.
On the other hand, there is also no research indicating that anti anxiety medication will help you get permanently better. Most users stay on the medication and develop a dependency. As a result, getting off of it is also a process that needs to be medically administered. So, cannabis doesn’t seem like an option you cannot consider.
If you plan on using medical marijuana, but have no prior experience, we recommend keeping the tips below in mind.
To prevent worsening your anxiety symptoms, follow these tips:
Too much of everything is bound to have a bad effect. So, if you do not have any experience with marijuana, it is best to start small, with a lower dose. Consult a professional to understand more about the process of microdosing and how to go about the same.
By now, you already know not to consume too much THC. Similarly, you should also remember to pick a product/strain that has higher amounts of CBD as opposed to THC. This will allow you to feel much more relaxed and control your anxiety symptoms. CBD is also great for managing pain and inducing sleep.
Just like any medicine, marijuana can interact with other medicines, as well as supplements and vitamins. You can either research the interactions yourself or seek medical advice.
If you want to consume cannabis responsibly, make sure that you only source it from a government regulated dispensary. Doing so ensures that you get quality products that are safe for consumption. Moreover, buying the same from an illegal source will land you in legal trouble. You should also be aware of your state laws at all times.
No, you should never replace medication on your own. If you are already taking prescription medicine for anxiety, you need medical help to gradually get off it. On the other hand, if you are not on any medication and still want to turn to cannabis for treating anxiety, you can proceed with a consultation. Let’s see why a consultation is necessary.
It may not be necessary to get a recommendation for marijuana if you live in a recreational state. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should not get it. You see, when you go to a doctor for 420 evaluations, they will evaluate your medical history and give you advice accordingly.
As a result, you would be well aware of the quantity you should consume. This allows you to consume marijuana safely and prevent any side effects from overdosing. In some cases, users may even consume a lot less than needed as they aren’t aware of the dosage.
Moreover, it is not advisable to self-treat for any illness so you shouldn’t attempt to cure your own anxiety either. Thus, it is best to get a recommendation from a marijuana doctor to treat anxiety and its symptoms.
It is important to keep the ratio of THC to CBD in mind when you purchase medical marijuana to treat anxiety. For any guidance, it is best to get in touch with a medical marijuana doctor. Do not self-diagnose.
If you are looking for a reliable place to get an MMJ card online, visit Online Medical Card. We provide quick consultations and affordable medical cards to patients.
https://www.healthline.com/health/marijuana-and-anxiety
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/AnxietyTreating/story?id=4660266
https://www.healthline.com/health/marijuana-paranoia
https://www.thehigherpath.com/golden-ratio-of-thc-cbd-entourage-effect
https://www.cannasouth.co.nz/2021/cbdthc-ratio/
https://dailycbd.com/en/ratios/pain/
https://www.healthline.com/health/physical-symptoms-of-anxiety
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