We all get stressed out by work, family, and finances. Stress is our body’s biochemical response to perceived threats. So, having stress now and then is normal. But when it becomes chronic, and a daily occurrence, it can have profound health implications. This article focuses cannabis uses to combat stress and stress-related diseases such as PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Cannabis and stress
Many people believe in cannabis uses to combat stress. In fact, more than 80% of people surveyed in 2017 said cannabis provided at least one health benefit. Almost half of the 9000 people who took part in the survey agreed that cannabis use to combat stress is beneficial in reducing stress and other related diseases such as anxiety, tension, and depression.
Cannabis contains two active compounds, THC, and CBD, related to what the consumer experiences after using them.
Combating Posttraumatic stress disorder
PTSD disorder is a mental disease that can strike anyone who has been through or witnessed a life-threatening event such as a natural disaster, a significant accident, a terrorist act, or rape. Cannabis that contains a low concentration of THC and a high concentration of CBD dramatically reduces the likelihood of euphoria.
Researchers did a study in 2014 and established that patients with PTSD had a 75% reduction in symptoms after using medical cannabis to combat the stress. They concluded that additional evidence is required to assess the usefulness of medical cannabis for PTSD. However, many patients with PTSD utilize this form of medication to alleviate their symptoms.
This terrible disorder has several symptoms, including nightmares, panic attacks, and a sense of
disconnection from others. These debilitating sensations can even push people to take their own lives. Many PTSD patients continue to report that cannabis uses to combat stress helps despite the lack of conclusive data on the subject.
Cannabis use to combat anxiety
Most stressful events lead to anxiety, and cannabis uses to combat stress can effectively control this condition. Cannabis is not a single chemical material because it contains almost 500 chemical compounds, a few of which have been researched. The psychoactive substance is the intoxicating property THC which is hypothesized to ensure an adequate reaction to stressful events and serve as a regulatory buffer for emotional responses.
A study that proved cannabis in CBD form reduced anxiety symptoms in patients with a social anxiety disorder is particularly important. When scientists examined participants’ brains, they discovered that CBD oil caused alterations in blood flow to areas of the brain associated with anxiety.
Treatment for depression
The Evaluation of cannabis as a treatment for depression caused by chronic stress has positively affected mood stabilization. Naturally produced brain chemicals called endocannabinoids influence human emotions and behavior. Hence, the production of this chemical in the brain can be affected by chronic stress, leading to depression. But cannabis uses to combat stress may aid in the restoration of normal body function, alleviating depression symptoms.
The therapeutic effect of cannabis on stress
Available data suggests that cannabis uses to combat stress may help treat drug use disorders and reduce the satisfying effects of morphine and heroin. According to new research, the drug diminishes the amygdala’s activity, linked to fear of threats. Another theory proposes that the cannabinoids in the plant may be responsible for eradicating traumatic memories.
In conclusion, more research is needed to determine the exact benefits and drawbacks of cannabis as a potential therapy for combating stress both in the short run and long term.
Further study may shed light on how, when, and whether cannabis uses to combat stress helps treat the condition and risk factors associated with using the substance to treat it.