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It’s no secret that anxiety and depression can be tough to manage. Of course, the worst part is if you’re dealing with episodes of acute stress or a long-term mental health condition.
You may have already tried traditional treatments like therapy and medication but are still searching for a more effective way to manage your symptoms. If so, cannabis edibles are an option you don’t want to pass on.
There has been cannabis edibles craze due to its ability to manage several health issues, including anxiety and depression. The active compounds called cannabinoids found in cannabis products are particularly effective in reducing stress and improving overall mental health.
Let’s dig deeper into how cannabis edibles work and what makes them a practical option for managing anxiety symptoms.
Edibles are cannabis-infused foods, drinks, and snacks consumed to ingest the compounds found in hemp. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles enter the bloodstream through digestion and may have intense and longer-lasting effects on the body. That’s why it’s essential to take them with caution.
A cannabis product interacts with the endocannabinoid system for a relaxing effect. So, when you eat cannabis edibles, your liver processes the active cannabis compounds — THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) — into molecules that your brain can more easily process.
This process is called metabolization; it changes how long it takes for the effects to be felt and how long they will last. For example, edibles typically take an hour or two to “kick in” and last up to eight hours or longer.
So while edibles may take longer to kick in, they also provide longer-lasting relief than inhaled marijuana products like vapes or joints. Depending on your specific needs, this could be better suited for someone looking for help with anxiety symptoms over a sustained period.
Using cannabis edibles for anxiety offers many potential benefits. For starters, they give a more consistent and predictable dose than inhaling marijuana, which can vary depending on the strength and quality of the flower.
Additionally, consuming edibles drives a long experience. The therapeutic benefits can last up to 6 hours, allowing you to manage your symptoms better and experience consistent symptom relief.
Edibles may also relieve smoking stress, as you don’t have to worry about managing a bong or rolling papers. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any smell sticking around on your clothing or in your home.
Lastly, provided you find an edible responsibly tested for potency and quality control measures, there is no risk of respiratory irritation or lung damage. Again, this is quite contrary to smoking cannabis in traditional forms.
When managing generalized anxiety disorder, it’s necessary to understand what type of marijuana edible is the best option for you.
There are different types of edibles, like CBD oils or gummies, and they all treat anxiety disorders. It’s left to you to pick anyone that suits your current mood or taste.
Tinctures are a liquid cannabis extract that you can put directly into your mouth or add to your food and drinks.
They are preferred by people who want a faster-acting product than edibles like gummies or chocolate bars that take longer to digest. In addition, tinctures aid precision with your dosage since they typically come with droppers that measure exact milligrams per serving.
Gummies are the real deal that gives exact doses of cannabis in an easy-to-consume form. They come in many different flavors and shapes and can be found in most states where marijuana is legalized.
Although they aren’t fast-acting, gummies are perfect for people who struggle with the taste of cannabis. They usually mask the flavor nicely.
Some brands even offer specialized gummies explicitly designed for anxiety relief, so look out for those.
These are classic edible options. They are the best bet for those who love chocolate and want something sweet. Chocolate bars are the best escape from the sugar crash that comes with regular chocolate bars. Cannabis-infused bars also come in many strengths, even if it only contains trace levels of THC. Find one that works best for you and your needs.
When finding the correct dosage and potency for anxiety, most people use low doses and gradually increase them until they figure out the ideal amount.
Generally, an individual without cannabis experience should begin with a low dose of about 5-10 milligrams (MG) of THC.
If you don’t feel any effects after two hours, increase your quantity until the desired result is achieved. And if you’re starting to feel more anxious or uncomfortable, reduce your dose accordingly. You need to understand that CBD products may cause anxiety at high doses and heal it at a small dose.
Some experts suggest that edibles containing CBD and THC are a safe way to self-medicate anxiety and depression because both compounds work together differently.
For instance, CBD has been found to help relieve anxiety and depression symptoms while also providing relaxation and calming sensations that help with sleep.
THC provides euphoric effects and relief from physical pain and discomfort. Therefore, it’s ideal for helping you feel relieved from anxiety symptoms like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.
To determine the best dosage for your daily life, it pays to experiment by trying various amounts of THC levels versus CBD.
So you can find what works best for your individual needs. Everyone’s biology is different, so what works for others might not work for you.
Like some other medications, edibles for anxiety and depression have potential side effects you should be aware of.
The most common side effects include feeling anxious or paranoid, having hallucinations, experiencing an increased heart rate, and impaired motor skills. Depending on the person and the dose ingested, the effects can last 6-12 hours.
While there hasn’t been much research to unveil the exact mechanism by which marijuana edibles treat mental disorders, study shows THC can influence your thoughts. Yet it won’t give you the classic “high” experienced when smoking cannabis.
The benefits of marijuana edibles should be weighed against the potential risk of side effects like impaired motor skills and increased heartbeat.
Finding a reliable source of edibles that heals anxiety symptoms is crucial, but you must also factor in the local laws.
Buying edibles is much easier in Canada since any authorized shop selling cannabis items will have them. Still, you must be cautious of black-market cannabis.
If you’re in a state with strict cannabis laws and no dispensaries near you, don’t worry—other options are still available. For example, you can always find companies that provide mail-order services and ship edibles right to your doorstep (again, depending on local laws).
That said, be sure to do your research before ordering from an online service. For example, check out reviews of the company’s cannabis products on social media and forums. Or reach out via telephone/email support so that customer service can walk you through the process.
To sum it up, edibles for anxiety inhibit anxiety and depression. In addition, they provide a natural and safe option for discreet consumption.
Ensure you research the product, understand the dosage, and read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. Then, with the right product, you’ll find relief and improved well-being in the long term.
