For many, stress can be hard to manage. Prescription stress medications can be addicting, which is why many people prefer a more natural route to stress management. Cannabis is an option many people choose. But does it actually help relieve stress and is there any science to back up anecdotal claims?
Science Behind Cannabis And Stress Management
The cannabis plant is high in a variety of cannabinoids such as CBD, Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, CBG, CBC, etc. Cannabinoids interact with receptors throughout the nervous system which can help regulate cortisol production. Cortisol has been observed in lower concentrations when the body is introduced to cannabinoids.
Cortisol is considered the primary stress hormone. It increases glucose in the bloodstream. This effect is natural; however, chronically high cortisol levels are harmful and can result in anxiety, depression, and irritability. Cortisol has powerful effects on many neurotransmitters.
In fact, chronic mental stress is tightly linked to a variety of health problems; this is partly due to the chronically elevated levels of cortisol.
Insufficient Research
Research and studies on the effectiveness of cannabis on stress have been rare and limited. Often these studies will only look at strictly derived THC and not the whole spectrum of cannabinoids and other phytochemicals present in the plant. Because of limitations on studies imparted by regulations, the number of studies needed to prove a benefit has been limited.
This study that has participants inhale cannabis in their own homes found that those using cannabis higher in CBD had better results in reducing stress than those with higher THC. Based on this study, CBD in conjunction with THC appears to be a very important factor in stress reduction.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032718303100
Study Results
While studies are rare, the ones that have been performed show promising results for cannabis as an effective stress management treatment.
During this study, participants inhaled cannabis and tracked these symptoms.
- Depression – reduction in 89.3% of sessions
- Anxiety – reduction in 93.5% of sessions
- Stress – reduction in 93.3% of sessions
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Are you worried about developing any of these conditions? Are you already suffering from one or more? Schedule an appointment with Warner Orthopedics & Wellness today for an evaluation and to discuss treatment options with Dr. Warner and her dedicated team!
