Cannabis and Stress Relief

Introduction

From work pressure to personal challenges, stress has become a common part of our daily lives affecting our well-being in countless ways. Many people use weed as a choice to help ease their stress and put them in a good mood, making it a popular substance for managing stress and anxiety. But is it true that cannabis can be an effective tool for managing stress? Let’s find out.

Key Takeaways

• Stress is the body’s internal response to an external trigger which can cause sleeplessness, a racing heartbeat, and muscle tension.
• Cortisol is the stress hormone and cannabinoids in cannabis can lower cortisol levels.
• Using weed in lower doses can reduce stress while using higher doses can worsen it.
• The combination of cannabinoids and terpenes can help promote calm and relaxation.
• Terpenes that help promote stress relief are linalool, limonene, alpha-pinene, and beta-caryophyllene.

Stress represents the body’s internal response to an external stimulus or trigger. The symptoms of stress may include sleeplessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, irritability, digestive issues, and a racing heartbeat. Normally, humans can have stress from time to time, however, ongoing stress can lead to the development of stress and anxiety disorders.

What does science say about cannabis and stress management?

Cannabis plants contain a variety of cannabinoids, chemical compounds that offer several distinctive effects, that interact with receptors in the nervous system which help regulate cortisol production. Cortisol is considered the primary stress hormone that increases glucose in the bloodstream which can be natural. However, when the individual has chronically high cortisol levels, that’s when it’s harmful and can lead the individual to anxiety, depression, and irritability. The expert found that cortisol levels are lowered when the body is introduced to cannabinoids.

Cannabis can be an efficient way to relieve stress due to the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is a complex network of receptors in the body that runs together with the nervous and immune systems. The body’s endocannabinoid system can be important in several physiological processes including fear, stress, mood, anxiety, and appetite regulation. When cannabinoids like THC and CBD enter the body, they bind to the endocannabinoid receptors resulting in a biological response that regulates behavioral response to stressful situations.

Microdosing is Key to Stress Relief

Even though stress relief properties are one of the most prominent effects of weed, researchers suggest that using cannabis for stress and anxiety relief could be most effective when microdosed. Cannabinoids, particularly THC, have biphasic effects, meaning that they can help alleviate stress and anxiety in low doses and they can also promote stress, anxiety, panic, and paranoia when taken in higher doses. 

CBD also gives similar effects when consumed in low to moderate doses. To support the claim, this 2018 study practiced with the participants inhaling cannabis in their homes revealed that people who use CBD-rich cannabis have better results in reducing stress than those who use cannabis with higher THC. In a similar way, minor cannabinoids, like THCA, THCV, and CBG all positively impact anxiety and play a role in relieving stress.

However, while many people reported to have positive effects from using cannabis to help manage stress and anxiety, it’s not for everyone. Those who were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder as well as those with a family history of psychosis should not use cannabis. Specifically, cannabis products with high THC, are increasing the possibility of exacerbating symptoms or inducing risky decisions.

Can’t Forget About Terpenes!

Different combinations of terpenes to varying doses of cannabinoids may determine the effect of cannabis strains or cannabis products. It may also help promote a sense of calm and relaxation. For example, beta-caryophyllene has stress-busting properties. When beta-caryophyllene is combined with high amounts of THC, THCV, limonene, and pinene which also deliver stress relief properties, it may make some people feel energetic. Therefore, the combination of THC, THCV, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and pinene can be useful for those needing a daytime boost and is usually taken in low doses.

Best Terpenes for Stress-Free Mind and Body

• Linalool: A popular terpene known for its floral scents and commonly can be found in lavender. The natural aromas of linalool have been known to calm aggressive behaviors and alleviate anxiety or stress with their soothing effects. 
• Limonene: Limonene can be found in citrus fruits – they can reduce stress levels along with other properties such as anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. It also boosts serotonin levels which is similar to what some antidepressants do.
• Alpha-Pinene: Just like the name suggests, alpha-pinene has its aromas associated with pine trees and conifer trees. The terpene is efficient in reducing anxiety and depressive-like behaviors and alleviating your mood instead.
• Beta-Caryophyllene: Beta-caryophyllene is one of the terpene molecules that target the CB2 receptor of the endocannabinoid system which can help fight off anxiety and depression. It can be found in numerous plants such as black pepper, rosemary, and hops. 

Recap

Cannabis is increasingly popular for stress relief, with many using it to improve their mood and manage anxiety. Due to cannabinoids like THC and CBD in cannabis which interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), it regulates cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Microdosing THC and CBD is key to effective stress relief, as low doses can reduce stress, while higher doses can worsen it. Additionally, certain terpenes like linalool, limonene, alpha-pinene, and beta-caryophyllene enhance cannabis’s calming effects, making it perfect for managing stress.

FAQs

What strain of weed relieves stress?

OG Kush 

OG Kush produces a euphoric feeling which may help decrease stress, anxiety, and depression, making it a reliable strain for those seeking stress relief. It has a woody and earthy taste with its unique aroma of pine notes and a hint of lemon. The strain may also help alleviate headaches and migraines.

Sour Diesel

Another best strain for stress and anxiety. The strain produces a lemony and lime flavor. Sour Diesel has fast-acting effects that cause users not only to feel energized but also induce a dreamy feeling. Other sensations associated with Sour Diesel also include mental stimulation, positivity, and mindfulness.

Jack Herer

A sativa-dominant weed strain produces an appealing orange-lemon aroma and flavor with pine undertones. Jack Herer offers a perfect balance between cerebral and physical effects resulting in promoting deep relaxation.

Blue Dream

Originating in California, Blue Dream is one of the most popular strains that offer a sweet, earthy, and berry aroma. The strain allows users to mitigate stress, depression, chronic pain, difficulties with concentration, insomnia, and anxiety.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies weed strain is made from a combination of OG Kush and Durban Poison. This potent strain offers THC levels ranging from 25% to 28% promoting relaxation and happiness. Due to its potency, using it in low doses can be one of the most effective strains to relieve stress and anxiety along with other conditions such as physical pain and depression.

Is Indica weed good for stress?

Indica weed is a renowned type of cannabis that helps with increasing deep relaxation and sleep. Therefore, using indica weed will make you more calm and laid back from the previous racing thoughts and overall stresses. This type of weed has strong sedative effects due to its high CBD content, making it the best strain for inducing sleep and reducing pain – perfect for nighttime use.

Can I use Sativa weed for stress?

Sativa weed when compared to Indica weed tends to have lower doses of CBD and higher doses of THC. That’s why sativa produces stimulating, energizing, and anxiety-reducing effects, making it perfect for daytime use.

Does CBD weed help with stress?

CBD may help reduce stress by enhancing the endocannabinoid system to send signals to the brain to help manage stress. According to a 2021 study and 2023 research, CBD has shown its potential for reducing stress-related behaviors and is an enhancer of the endocannabinoid system, making CBD an effective stress reducer.

How quickly does CBD calm stress and anxiety?

The effects of consuming CBD orally such as oils, edibles, or capsules will begin to work within 30 minutes to 2 hours. On the other hand, the effects of smoking or vaping CBD oil or cannabis buds will appear almost immediately.