The cannabis plant has historically been used worldwide to treat illness and health conditions. There are 85 natural compounds in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, which all relieve symptoms of illness by attaching to the receptors in the brain that look for similar compounds that occur naturally in the human body. Strains of medical marijuana are specifically bred to contain particular levels of each compound recommended for different conditions.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the cannabis compound that has found to have significant benefits for treating people with anxiety. CBD-rich cannabis can be treated for patients seeking anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, anti-anxiety and anti-spasm affects. CBD does not make people feel “stoned” or “high,” and can actually counteract the anxiety-driven tendencies of THC. CBD is one 85 natural compounds found in cannabis. It is a major element, making up 40 percent of the plant’s extract and has a wider medical benefit than THC.
The other popular compound to treat medical conditions is tetrahydrocannibinol, or THC, and can be used to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, reduce seizures stimulate appetite, lower blood pressure and is an anti-depressant.
Most who use medical cannabis say it helps relieve anxiety, but others say they feel more anxious after using. There are a wide variety of cannabis strains, which have different levels of chemicals that have various levels of the common chemicals – THC and CBD.
Research shows that THC and CBD can have opposite effects when used to treat anxiety disorders. THC is linked to feelings of paranoia and anxiety, because it activates the amygdala area of the brain, which is responsible for fear. On the alternate, CBD counteracts such feelings from THC. Studies show that taking CBD on its own can lower – even eliminate – anxiety.
Most medical cannabis plants are bred to be high in levels of THC, because it is commonly used to treat more popular health conditions, such as cancer, eating disorders and seizure disorders. THC also sells, because it provides a floating, euphoric feeling that most people commonly experience when using Cannabis. Strains with high levels of CBD have only recently became popular in medical usage because of the growing awareness of its benefits.
For those looking to treat anxiety disorders with cannabis, treatment relies heavily on the appropriate dose. Research proves that THC begins to raise anxiety levels after a certain threshold is passed. Those using medical cannabis to treat anxiety will need to find strains with high compounds of CBD.
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]]> Source: http://www.dawsoncreekmirror.ca/opinion/columnists/higher-learning-the-battle-against-anxiety-1.23372087