The Marijuana Myth

Marijuana for Anxiety

Many individuals suffering from anxiety are leaning on the purported benefits of cannabis to manage their symptoms. However, current scientific research suggests that cannabis may not only be ineffective for treating anxiety but could potentially exacerbate the condition.

The cannabis industry has seized the opportunity to market its products as a remedy for anxiety. This has attracted a large number of consumers who are struggling to find effective treatments, especially in a landscape where affordable and accessible mental health resources are scarce and traditional medications fall short for some.

Fueling this trend is the widespread belief that cannabis can alleviate anxiety. Despite this popular sentiment, there is a limited body of unbiased scientific research to validate the effectiveness of cannabis for treating anxiety-related disorders. In fact, some studies indicate that cannabis, especially products high in THC—the psychoactive component responsible for marijuana’s intoxicating effects—may worsen anxiety symptoms.

Research conducted on this concluded:

• Dose-Dependent Effects: Studies suggest that cannabis’s impact on anxiety depends on the dose. Lower doses may have anxiety-reducing effects, while higher doses can exacerbate anxiety. A 2017 study in the “Journal of Affective Disorders” found that low THC doses reduced stress, while higher doses had the opposite effect.
• Short-term vs. Long-term Use: Research differentiates between short-term and long-term THC use. While some individuals may experience temporary anxiety relief with short-term use, long-term or chronic use can potentially worsen anxiety symptoms.
• Individual Variability: People respond differently to THC due to factors like genetics and personal anxiety history. This individual variability makes it challenging to make generalizations about cannabis’s effects on anxiety.
• THC-CBD Ratio: Cannabis contains THC and CBD, and some studies suggest that CBD may have anxiety-reducing properties. The ratio of these compounds in cannabis products can influence the user’s experience.
• Clinical Reviews: Reviews of clinical literature, such as one in “The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry” (2018), emphasize the need for more rigorous, controlled studies to understand cannabis’s potential risks and benefits, including its effects on anxiety.
• Population Surveys: Large-scale surveys have indicated a connection between high THC use and anxiety or depression symptoms. However, these are observational and can’t establish causation.

Teen Use (Parents, this is not the “weed” from your youth)

A growing trend is the widespread use of cannabis among teens. The relationship between the medicinal use and legalization of cannabis and its use among adolescents is a complex and evolving topic. Adolescent cannabis use has been the subject of various scientific studies, many of which have raised concerns about its impact on developing brains. Below are some key findings from such studies:

• Cognitive Impairment: Regular cannabis use during adolescence has been associated with long-term cognitive deficits, including decreased IQ, impaired learning, memory issues, and attention problems. A study in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” showed a significant IQ decline in regular adolescent cannabis users.
• Mental Health: There’s growing evidence that cannabis use during adolescence can worsen underlying mental health issues and increase the risk of disorders like depression, anxiety, and psychosis. A review in “JAMA Psychiatry” linked adolescent cannabis use to an increased risk of depression and suicidal behavior in later life.
• Increased Risk of Substance Abuse: Early cannabis use can lead to a higher likelihood of using other illicit substances and developing substance abuse disorders later in life.
• School Performance: Cannabis use among teens has been associated with poor academic performance and an increased likelihood of dropping out of school. Research in “The Journal of School Health” found lower completion rates among cannabis-using students.
• Brain Development: The adolescent brain is still developing, and cannabis use can interfere with this process, potentially leading to permanent changes in brain structure and function.
• Social Consequences: Aside from cognitive and health issues, cannabis use in teens can lead to lower life satisfaction and achievement, as supported by a study in the “Canadian Medical Association Journal.”
• Gateway Drug Theory: While debated, some studies suggest that cannabis use may serve as a gateway to other, more harmful substances, especially when initiated at a young age.
• Addiction and Dependence: Adolescents are at a higher risk of developing cannabis dependence. A study in “Addiction” found higher rates of cannabis dependence among those who started using in adolescence.

Given the inconclusive nature of research on marijuana’s benefits, particularly with high THC strains, caution is essential, especially for children and adolescents. Unauthorized consumption also poses risks, including potential contamination with substances like fentanyl, which can lead to overdose and fatal outcomes.

To explore alternative treatments for anxiety and other mental health issues, reach out to us today at (772) 584-3083.