All over the world, people have a love for cannabis that runs deep. The cannabis plant dates back to ancient times, so its therapeutic effects have been helping and healing for centuries. As the industry has grown through the years, so has the product selection, and not to mention, the potency has skyrocketed! As a result, of these amazing THC strains and products, some of us may have experienced the anxiety that can sometimes accompany THC. This is more accurate for those who already deal with daily generalized anxiety, but it can really surprise any of us. So, what can you do to tackle this issue? CBDfx offers gummies for pain/anxiety and it’s a great way to curb that anxiety because the CBD compound actually lessens the effects of THC. You can also start learning a little more about strains, so you know exactly what works best for you and what sets those anxious feelings off. Let’s look at this a little closer.
There are over a hundred compounds found within the plant and they all serve their own purposes and have their own effects. The compounds we’re most familiar with are THC and CBD, but other compounds like CBG, CBN, and CBGA are breaking out on the scene with an increase of studies centered around them for more information pertaining to their capabilities. These compounds can either have psychoactive effects (THC) or non-psychoactive effects (CBD); furthermore, those THC compounds are able to cause anxious feelings because they can overstimulate your amygdala. This is the part of the brain that controls those anxiety-based emotions. Many people smoke to have fun with friends, relax, boost appetite, relieve stress or pain––the list goes on––but sometimes smoking can take a wrong turn and leave you with some of those unwanted effects such as anxiety and/or paranoia. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking at products that contain THC.
Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid––Which One Sets You Off?
Indica strains are most commonly used to tackle anxiety, but sometimes, they can still produce tightness in your chest and an underlying feeling of panic. Honestly, the best way to find strains that don’t induce anxiety is by doing your own experimentation. Trial and error! Sure, you can figure out as a general rule of thumb that Sativa dominant hybrids don’t work for you, but it really just comes down to the genetics of the plant compared to the genetics of your body. Knowing your strains and how you personally react to them can help you avoid anxiety induced by THC.
According to Leafly & Whistler Therapeutics’, some of the best Indica strains for anxiety are Bubba Kush, Skywalker Og Kush, Blueberry Lambsbread, and Kosher Kush.
As far as sativas, most people who suffer from anxiety swear them off and put them on the list of no no’s. This has a lot to do with the intense cerebral effects that sativas can create and if you’ve ever dealt with anxiety, you know that not being able to turn your brain “off” can result in tons of issues.
Consume Smaller Amounts
If you must consume, then try to consume smaller amounts of THC so you don’t activate the amygdala. If you’re eating an edible, try micro-dosing. You can do this by cutting the edible into fours and then cutting one of those squares into four. The best advice is to start slow and work your way (tolerance) up. Even though CBD is used for therapeutic purposes, it’s best to start slow with it as well. Moderation friends!
CBD Products
As stated earlier, sometimes we’re blindsided by a strain we thought would work, or maybe you even indulged a little too much in your favorite edible and now you’re totally freaking out. Whatever the case, any kind of CBD product you have will curb that anxiety as it negates the effects of the THC compound. The only thing here to really keep in mind is that CBD takes some time to kick in, so the quickest way to tend to the issue is by taking a few pulls of a CBD Vape Pen. These pens take effect quickly because it’s going right into your bloodstream via the lungs, and that equates to relief, in minutes. You can also look for CBD Gummies as well, they’re just going to take a little longer.
Caution with Concentrates
For obvious reasons, it’s generally advisable to avoid cannabis concentrates at all costs to avoid THC induced anxiety. It’s not that concentrates are guaranteed to send you over the edge, but it can often be difficult to accurately measure how much THC is in any given dose. Concentrates and extracts can contain anything from 20% to more than 70% THC (in extreme cases) and you won’t know how much is in there until it’s in you. For reasons of pure common sense, therefore, steering clear of concentrates is advisable.
Stay Hydrated and Sustained
Last up, evidence would seem to suggest that hunger and hydration influence the extent to which our bodies react to THC. Specifically, anyone who’s undernourished or dehydrated at the time is far more likely to have a negative or extreme reaction to the intake of cannabis or cannabis products. Hydration in particular has a huge impact on the body’s ability to handle and process what goes in, so be sure to stay adequately hydrated when using cannabis products of any kind.
A Final Word
Unfortunately, anxiety is one of those things that never ceases to amaze us with how often and how intensely it can ruin our ability to focus and feel “normal”. This is even more true when it just comes “naturally”, but when it comes to us as a result of THC we ingested by choice––it just hits different. With these tips, you can figure out how your body responds to THC and how to combat it if you need some relief!
