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, reporting it helps ease their stress and puts 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 may be associated with lowered cortisol levels.
- Using weed in lower doses can reduce stress while using higher doses can worsen it.
- The combination of cannabinoids and terpenes may 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. Experts have found that cortisol levels may be lowered when the body is introduced to cannabinoids.
Cannabis is often reported by users as an efficient way to help 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, potentially resulting in a biological response that helps regulate 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 may help alleviate stress and anxiety in low doses, but some users report 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, are anecdotally linked to positively impacting anxiety and may play a role in helping to relieve 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 is often reported to have stress-busting properties. When beta-caryophyllene is combined with high amounts of THC, THCV, limonene, and pinene, which are also anecdotally linked to stress relief properties, it may make some people feel energetic. Therefore, the combination of THC, THCV, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and pinene, some users report it 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 anecdotally known to calm aggressive behaviors and may help alleviate anxiety or stress with their soothing effects.
- Limonene: Limonene can be found in citrus fruits; some users report it can help reduce stress levels. It has also been associated 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 often reported to be efficient in potentially reducing anxiety and depressive-like behaviors and may help alleviate your mood instead.
- Beta-Caryophyllene: Beta-caryophyllene is one of the terpene molecules that target the CB2 receptor of the endocannabinoid system, which some users report may help with 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 has been associated with regulating cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Microdosing THC and CBD is key, as some users report low doses may help reduce stress, while higher doses could potentially worsen it. Additionally, certain terpenes like linalool, limonene, alpha-pinene, and beta-caryophyllene enhance cannabis’s calming effects, making it a popular choice for those seeking to manage stress.
FAQs
What strain of weed relieves stress?
OG Kush
OG Kush produces a euphoric feeling which users report may help decrease stress, anxiety, and depression, making it a popular 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 be associated with helping to alleviate headaches and migraines.
Another strain that some users report is good for stress and anxiety. The strain produces a lemony and lime flavor. Sour Diesel has fast-acting effects that some users report not only make them 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, which some users report results 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 is reported by users to potentially help 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%, and users report it promotes relaxation and happiness. Due to its potency, some users report that using it in low doses can be one of the most effective strains for helping 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 users report may help with increasing deep relaxation and sleep. Therefore, some users report that using indica weed could potentially make you feel more calm and laid back from racing thoughts and overall stresses. This type of weed is often reported to have strong sedative effects due to its high CBD content, with some users finding it helpful for inducing sleep and potentially reducing pain, making it a popular choice 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 is often reported to produce stimulating, energizing, and anxiety-reducing effects, making it a popular choice 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 associated with enhancing the endocannabinoid system, with some users reporting CBD as 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.