5 Ways Cannabis Can Affect Your Mental Wellness

Cannabis, or otherwise known for its other popular forms such as hash or marijuana, is derived from a plant called Cannabis sativa. Its medicinal effects are still under careful research by various institutions, but many can testify to the positive changes Cannabis has caused to their lives. One of which is the improvement of their mental wellness.

For instance, there are certain Cannabis strains for creativity and focus that you can purchase in case you’re experiencing a creative block. Others also use Cannabis to boost their disposition when feeling down. However, this is not to say that high dependence on Cannabis has no negative effects on the user.


This article will discuss some of the effects of Cannabis on one’s mental wellness.

 

1. May Help Alleviate Depression

Some studies show that Cannabis may help ease the symptoms associated with depression due to its anxiolytic effects. Moreover, because of its mood-enhancing properties, it may have a higher chance of having instant effects similar to an antidepressant. This is also why Marijuana is the third leading drug in the US, but only for medical purposes in various states.

 

2. Could Help Improve Sleep

Millions of people experience sleeping disorders in the United States alone. Most of them experience insomnia, which is not a very common condition among adults. Because of this, people are leaning more towards the reported healing properties of Cannabis.


Marijuana could help relieve symptoms of insomnia and restore the sleep cycle to normal. This is because of the plant’s claimed analgesic and anti-stress properties. People with extremely hectic and busy schedules may benefit from these claims, especially if they’re currently experiencing restless sleeping patterns associated with stress and anxiety.

 

However, various forms of Cannabis have different effects. Thus, you have to make sure that you choose the form and type that relaxes and calms you down.

 

3. Could Help Ease Anxiety

Aside from insomnia and depression, anxiety is also a common mental condition that affects a massive number of people. Some studies show a possible link between anxiety and the mood-enhancing effects of Cannabis. However, to fully enjoy its benefits, one has to consume ones with low levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This compound causes the ‘high’ feeling often associated with Marijuana use.


Cannabis has been reported to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety including trembling, fast heart rate, panic attacks, palpitations, nausea, among others. Moreover, Cannabis might also benefit anxiety patients by providing them with better sleep, enhanced relaxation, and an improved sense of calm.

 

Note that too much Cannabis intake may also lead to the worsening of these symptoms. Thus, it is important to consult your doctor and take this substance moderately.

 

4. Might Help Patients With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, are often triggered by traumatic events from their past. This may have stemmed from experiences like surviving a tragic accident or a natural disaster, experiencing abuse (both physical and emotional), or dealing with the sudden death of a family member or a loved one. These may cause the patient to have intense mood swings, aggressive behavior, emotional avoidance, suicidal thoughts, and many more.

 

Research suggests that cannabinoids could help treat PTSD. This is possible with the Cannabis’ ability to limit activity in the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that triggers fear responses to specific threats.

 

Moreover, Cannabis may also suppress or help the patient heal from and accept traumatic memories. This is caused by the reduced fear and anxiety likewise brought about by the small amount of THC in the patient’s system. Again, treating patients with this disorder should be done with care and vigilance. Too much Cannabis can be counterproductive for all types of disorders.

 

5. Could Help Enhance Mood

All of these effects boil down to the mood-enhancing effects of Cannabis. The effects have been described to be calming, euphoric, and sleep-inducing. This is also why Marijuana has been used for millennia, both medically and recreationally—and its use goes as far back as 2800 BC.

 

Cannabis might help stabilize depressive and manic episodes, as reported by patients with bipolar disorder. Some patients resort to Cannabis treatment when pharmacotherapy doesn’t work on them or when they’re allergic to the prescribed medications.

However, the intake of marijuana for medical purposes may vary depending on the dosage, current mood, and other drugs taken by the patient. Thus, consultation with a doctor is always a must when dealing with Cannabis as a mood enhancer.

 

Takeaway

While Cannabis may instantly enhance positive emotions and evoke feelings of euphoria among its users, it’s not without adverse effects. If a patient becomes too dependent on Cannabis as a way to escape reality and uncomfortable emotions, then their reality might become distorted and worsen symptoms of various mental disorders. The instant relief and gratification brought about by Cannabis intake are not tantamount to therapy.

Cannabis is a complex plant, and it has its own share of positive and negative effects. Further research is still underway and it’s always advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

 

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