In the United States, the interest in marijuana use for various conditions is on the rise. In fact, more studies have been conducted on how it works in the body, and is it safer than medications. The majority of them have found that marijuana provides natural results.
As of June 2018, a CBD-based drug named Epidiolex has been approved by the FDA for two severe forms of epilepsy. However, if you want to use high-THC products, you need a medical cannabis card Anaheim. With the card, you can access state-licensed dispensaries and save money on cannabis taxes.
Let’s learn about the top 4 mental health conditions marijuana can help.
It Fights Anxiety
In the United States, more than 40 million adults are suffering from anxiety and other related disorders. Patients with this condition can experience excessive worrying, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, etc.
Chemical compounds (called cannabinoids) can help ease anxiety symptoms effectively. Science says that when you consume cannabinoids, they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, thus boosting sleep, mood, memory, and various other functions associated with mental health.
A 2017 study found that marijuana is effective in improving cognitive abilities, thus helping patients with anxiety and depression.
CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana can help increase the levels of serotonin, just like SSRIs do. CBD can help anxiety patients relax their bodies and mind.
Related- The Science of Cannabidiol – Why Doesn’t CBD Get You High?
According to a study published in 2018 in the Journal of Affective Disorders, marijuana reduced stress, anxiety, and depression effectively. Moreover, researchers found that long-term cannabis use may worsen depression symptoms. So, talk to your doctor to seek help for using medical marijuana for anxiety.
When using marijuana for managing anxiety symptoms, you should consider the delivery method. Remember, concentrates may contain up to 80 percent of THC, thus delivering stronger effects. It’s too high for beginners.
Top marijuana strains for anxiety patients are—ACDC, Granddaddy Purple, Jack Herer, Strawberry Cough, Cannatonic, and Canna-Tsu.
It Reduces PTSD Symptoms
PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is triggered by traumatic events, and the patients experience flashbacks, thus bringing back memories of the events. The National Center for PTSD estimates that about 7-8 percent of the total population in the United States has this condition.
Medical studies have found that endocannabinoid deficiency is one of the reasons for the development of PTSD. This can reduce the production of anandamide in the brain. According to the researchers at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), patients with PTSD often have lower levels of anandamide.
Cannabis can help fix this problem. THC has a similar chemical structure as anandamide. It binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, thus delivering positive effects.
A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology reported that people who didn’t consume cannabis reported an increase in the risks of major depressive episodes by 7 times. Moreover, suicidal ideation risks were increased by 5 times. Researchers didn’t notice such risks in marijuana users.
Marijuana can help PTSD patients get off nightmares. Studies show that the majority of veterans experience nightmares. PTSD, nightmares & suicidal thoughts are interlinked.
Some of the best marijuana for fighting PTSD symptoms are Frosted Freak, Snow Leopard, SnowLAnd, Dakini Kush, Gobbstopper, Northern Berry, Cuvee, and Tangie Cookies.
It Manages Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
Bipolar disorder is associated with mood swings, which can cause problems in performing daily activities. Doctors often prescribe medications for boosting mood and managing other symptoms of bipolar disorder. But, medications may cause certain side-effects.
Marijuana’s therapeutic properties can help ease symptoms of bipolar disorder. According to a study published in 2016, researchers found that patients who used cannabis reported a significant improvement in cognitive function and mood.
Dosage is one of the major factors influencing the effects of cannabis on the mind and body. For beginners, it’s recommended to start with low doses. Try different strains and determine the effects of each one. Increase the dose gradually, and see what works for you the best.
The best strains for patients with bipolar disorders are Lamb’s Bread, Blue Dream, White Widow, Maui Wowie, and Headband.
It Helps ADHD Patients
ADHD is an abbreviated form of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s associated with thinking and decision making. Patients with this condition often experience a lack of focus, trouble multitasking, restlessness, etc. According to the CDC, ADHD affects about 6.1 million Americans.
For managing ADHD symptoms, medical doctors prescribe stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants, but they can cause certain side-effects.
Medical studies have found that lack of dopamine can lead to the development of ADHD, and marijuana can help in correcting it. A study published in Nature in 2017 reported that THC can enhance the levels of dopamine in the brain.
Patients who want to alleviate ADHD symptoms without getting high can opt for CBD-infused products. As per the Farm Bill of 2018; hemp-derived CBD products (containing less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal in the United States. However, if you want to use CBD oils with more than 0.3 percent THC, you need to apply for a medical cannabis card Anaheim.
The best strains for fighting ADHD are Sour Diesel, Black Jack, True OG, Green Crack, Cinex, and Harlequin.
How to Use Marijuana For Boosting Mental Health?
Marijuana provides lots of mental health benefits only if you use it right. Consuming the wrong strains and taking higher doses may cause unpleasant side-effects. So, analyze your condition and choose the right dose, delivery method, and strains to get the maximum benefits.
Smoking is a common method of cannabis consumption, but it’s linked to certain health issues. Heating the substance to a high temperature generates a wide range of harmful chemicals, which can cause lung damage. The American Heart Association says that marijuana smoke contains many of the same chemicals as cigarette smoke.
Vaping is safer than smoking. A vaporizer heats cannabis to a much lower temperature and generates vapors comprising THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Other smokeless methods to consume cannabinoids are topicals, edibles, tinctures, and capsules. Talk to your doctor to discuss which cannabis delivery method will work for your condition.
How to Access Medical Marijuana Legally?
In a cannabis legalized state, you require a doctor’s recommendation to buy, possess, and use medical marijuana products. With telemedicine services, you can apply for your MMJ recs online in just 10 minutes. Here’s the complete process-
Step 1
Sign up an account and provide your medical and personal details.
Step 2
Talk to a board-certified doctor through HIPAA-compliant software. The doctor will ask you a few questions about your condition and marijuana use.
Step 3
If verified, you will receive your MMJ recs in PDF via email. You can take a printout yourself and use the letter at any local state-licensed dispensary.
Related- How to Talk to a Medical Marijuana Doctor Online?
Final Thoughts
Marijuana can help boost mood, sleep, memory by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Research says that cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are similar to endocannabinoids and they can help stimulate receptors in the brain; thus boosting mental health. Cannabis can help ease symptoms of anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and various other mental illnesses naturally.
It’s important to dose marijuana properly, select the right strains and delivery method. Work with your doctor to seek professional advice.
Apply for your medical cannabis card Anaheim today.
