West Virginia’s medical marijuana program grants access to cannabis as medicine for patients with many different conditions.
Anxiety is one condition that medical marijuana patients are often faced with, whether it’s anxiety from using cannabis, anxiety about using cannabis, or anxiety that is relieved by cannabis; patients who are already anxious can find themselves at a crossroads when dealing with medical marijuana.
And there are some cannabis products better than others for both treating or preventing anxiety. In this article, we’ll cover the best types of cannabis for anxiety and which products to avoid if you’re prone to anxiety!
The Worst Cannabis Products for Anxiety
High THC Products May Trigger Additional Anxiety
While many people find that cannabis alleviates their anxiety, for some, cannabis may increase anxiety.
Anxiety from cannabis use could be a result of many different factors such as your biology, predetermined notions about cannabis, the type of cannabis that you’re using, or any number of things. It’s important to identify the source of your anxiety if you find that it’s increased with cannabis use.
While many types of cannabis products can help relax and soothe an overactive mind, certain types of products can overexcite people and increase energy, so it’s important to know which ones to look for and which ones to avoid.
Products with high THC percentages (20%+ THC), such as high-THC cannabis flower and concentrates, can be very potent and overwhelming for patients who haven’t built a tolerance to THC. It’s best to avoid these if you’re prone to heightened anxiety.
Sativas, Concentrates, & Edibles Should Be Avoided if You’re Prone to Anxiety
Although many people find sativas to be energetic and uplifting, people who are prone to heightened anxiety already might find the effects somewhat disagreeable.
While sativas may cause anxiety for some patients, it won’t be true for everyone. It’s perfectly alright to experiment with different strains and THC percentages to find the right balance for you, and taking a slow approach will help ease that process.
Leave sativas on the shelf and grab yourself an indica or a hybrid instead. The effects are more physical in nature and typically offer a more relaxed “high” rather than the energized high of a pure sativa.
Concentrates should mostly be avoided for patients with heightened anxiety too, because the high THC percentages are often enough to cause anxiety on their own.
Edibles are another cannabis product that may cause some people heightened anxiety, because THC is much stronger when you consume it through the digestive system so a smaller dose packs a bigger punch.
Vape cartridges can sometimes be found with lower THC percentages, and microdose edibles typically come in < 5mg doses. Sativa-dominant hybrids, which, when paired with low THC content, can be very easy to handle.
Best Cannabis Products for People With Anxiety
Low-THC/High CBD Cannabis Flower, Indicas, & Hybrids
One way to make cannabis much easier to approach for people with anxiety is to keep the THC to a minimum and look for high CBD strains. Low-THC cannabis flower would be flower with less than 20% THC (think 12% - 15%). High CBD cannabis flower typically comes in a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio.
Low-THC cannabis flower offers a smoother and softer approach to cannabis, and it’s often much easier to handle for patients with a low tolerance or beginner patients.
High CBD content can help calm the effects of THC and make the experience even calmer, and science backs this up.
Indica cannabis strains are the go-to approach for patients with anxiety, and hybrids are great day time strains for people who don’t want the sleepy effects of a pure indica. Hybrids are some of the most popular strains nowadays, and there’s plenty of options to choose from with hybrid cannabis strains.
How to Approach Cannabis When You Have Anxiety
If you are prone to anxiety and experience heightened anxiety from using cannabis, there are a handful of things you can do to change how your experience is perceived.
Depending on the condition that you’re looking to treat, you may be able to find non-psychoactive cannabis products that can provide medicinal effects.
There’s nothing wrong with not enjoying the psychoactive effects from cannabis; it’s certainly not for everyone.
If you are looking to change how the effects of cannabis feel for you, there are a couple of ways to go about it.
Switching out strains and trying out new products is one of the best ways to find cannabis that is more agreeable to you. No two strains are alike, and your biology or preferences might make one strain more enjoyable over another.
Another option for becoming more comfortable with cannabis is to be consistent and take small jumps rather than huge leaps. Having a thorough medical marijuana treatment plan that keeps you on a regulated schedule can help you work out a dosage regiment that suits your life and gives you relief. This can make a big difference as your tolerance increases.
As your tolerance increases, the effects of cannabis will slowly become diminished over time, making them less aggressive and more passive. For patients with anxiety, this is a sweet spot where cannabis can do its work while offering a very light experience, and the only way to get there is with consistent dosing.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Certification in
West Virginia
Getting a medical marijuana card in West Virginia is one of the easiest things you can do! You can get your West Virginia medical marijuana certification today by consulting with one of our qualified physicians who will walk you through the process of getting your medical marijuana card and begin your journey to relief with cannabis as a medicine.
To get access to medical marijuana in West Virginia, patients must first obtain a medical marijuana certification from a qualified physician.
Take the steps to schedule your medical marijuana evaluation appointment today and get access to legal marijuana products available at dispensaries!
Being a West Virginia medical marijuana patient allows you the freedom to take your medication the right way for you. We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way! Feel free to give us a call at 877-303-8424, and we can answer your questions about getting a medical marijuana card in West Virginia.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
West Virginia Marijuana Card’s mission is to help everyone achieve
wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana.
Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for
our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at 877-303-8424, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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