Understanding Medical Restrictions

If you suffer from anxiety and live in a state with legalized medical marijuana, you may be curious about how cannabis can help you. Many people find that medical marijuana can be an effective natural remedy for anxiety and studies have shown it to be much less addictive than other anxiety treatment options, like Valium or Xanax. Before you head to your local dispensary, however, there are a few things to keep in mind:

The Marijuana Strain Matters

One important detail to keep in mind is that marijuana comes in different strains, and the specific strain you purchase will have a big impact on how effective it is for treating your anxiety. Marijuana comes in sativa, indicia, or a hybrid of the two. Sativa tends to be more energizing and stimulating and can actually exacerbate anxiety in some people. Indica, on the other hand, promotes relaxation and a feeling of calm and peace, making it the most popular strain for treating anxiety.

Indica can make you sleepy, so another option is to try an indica-Sativa hybrid. These offer the relaxing and anti-anxiety benefits of indica with a hint of the energizing effects of sativa. Indica used only at nighttime and a hybrid during the day when you need to be more alert can be a good solution.

Medical Cannabis Comes in Different Forms

While you can certainly purchase loose marijuana to smoke from a pipe or vaporizer, that is not your only option. Edibles made from indica marijuana or vape pens with an indicia cartridge offer flexible options. Edibles come in the form of candy, cookies, or even tinctures that you drop into beverages.

Consider Complementing with Therapy

While medical cannabis can be very helpful for treating the symptoms of anxiety, it doesn't necessarily help you get to the root of the issue. In some cases, anxiety is rooted in traumatic or confusing events or relationships from your childhood or past. Processing the causes of your anxiety with a therapist can help you feel even better and give you new tools for facing life with more peace and confidence. In addition to therapy, practices such as deep breathing, meditation, writing in a journal when you are anxious, or yoga can also be helpful. 

As you can see, medical cannabis can be a great option for someone suffering from anxiety. Just follow these tips and be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning a new treatment.