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Anxiety and panic disorders

Cannabis for Anxiety and panic disorders

Woman sitting knees to chest and with her hands on either side of her head. A white patch made of squiggly lines surrounds her head, representing anxiety and panic.

Anxiety and panic disorders are mental health conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. In the U.S. alone, anxiety and related disorders affect nearly 60 million people.

Symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Constant worry
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Muscle tension
  • Racing heart
  • Restlessness

Panic disorders involve sudden and intense episodes of fear, known as panic attacks.

Having anxiety or a panic disorder can significantly impact your day-to-day life.

In recent years, many people have turned to cannabis to treat anxiety symptoms. Medical cannabis and cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are of particular interest for their anti-anxiety (anxiolytic) effects.

Research on cannabis for anxiety

The body’s endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating mood, stress, and fear response. Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is why it may help treat anxiety.

Research on cannabis for anxiety is still evolving, but early findings are promising.

A 2019 study found that CBD may reduce anxiety levels, with 79% of participants reporting decreased anxiety after the first month of use. CBD could be particularly useful for treatment-resistant anxiety.

Research has also explored how cannabis and CBD may help specific anxiety-related conditions, such as phobias and panic disorders. A 2016 study found that CBD could reduce the fear that a traumatic event will happen again, known as fear memory.

CBD also supports the body’s stress response, which could reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.

Research has also explored how other cannabis compounds, like terpenes and flavonoids, may help manage anxiety.

The terpene linalool, found in lavender and certain cannabis strains, is known for its calming properties. Limonene, another terpene found in cannabis, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in animal models.

Preclinical studies show that flavonoids like apigenin, found in chamomile and cannabis, may promote relaxation and reduce anxiety symptoms. Taking cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids together can enhance their therapeutic effects, known as the “entourage effect.”

What’s more, some research shows that cannabis use may lead to less reliance on certain prescription drugs used to manage anxiety. A 2019 study found that cannabis use led to a decreased need for benzodiazepines, a common anti-anxiety medication. This is an important finding, as long-term benzodiazepine use carries risks of dependence and withdrawal.

Cannabis may also help manage other health conditions that commonly occur alongside anxiety, including depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By addressing these overlapping conditions, cannabis could play a role in a comprehensive treatment plan. However, further research is needed to fully understand its effects. More information is also needed on proper dosing.

Using cannabis for anxiety

People with anxiety may find the relaxing effects of cannabis and CBD help ease their symptoms. CBD can offer anxiety relief without the intoxicating effects of THC. But for some, THC is more effective against symptoms of anxiety.

Not everyone responds to cannabis in the same way. For some, it may worsen anxiety. Factors like dosage, strain, and individual body chemistry can influence how much it helps you.

Anxiety is a common reason people seek out medical cannabis. In fact, many Leafwell patients report using cannabis for anxiety. If you’re considering cannabis for anxiety, start with a low dose — or better yet, consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Benefits

Here are some potential benefits of using cannabis to help with anxiety:

Risks and side effects

As with any medication, cannabis can cause side effects, including:

Cannabis laws are different from state to state. Some states and territories list anxiety as a qualifying condition for a medical cannabis card, including:

  • New Mexico
  • New Jersey
  • North Dakota
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico
  • Utah

Many medical states allow caregivers to obtain cannabis for qualifying minors. However, anxiety is rarely listed as a qualifying condition for people under the age of 18.

Best strains and products for anxiety

Cannabis comes in a variety of strains and product types. Options that are high in CBD, as well as products with balanced 1:1 CBD:THC ratios, may produce the most calming effects.

Inhalable products like vaporizers and smokable cannabis flower can be ideal for rapid relief, but their effects only last for a couple of hours. Edibles can produce effects that last for several hours, but have a longer onset time of 1 to 2 hours, which might not be ideal when you’re experiencing anxiety in the moment.

Strains (aka cultivars)

Many cannabis strains can help manage anxiety and related health conditions like depression and insomnia:

  • ACDC: This low-THC strain is known for having calming effects.
  • Blueberry: This indica strain is high in relaxing terpenes like beta-caryophyllene, linalool, humulene, myrcene, and pinene.
  • Granddaddy Purple: This is known to be a relaxing strain that may help promote sleep.
  • Harlequin: This high-CBD strain can help reduce anxiety.

CBD:THC Ratios

These CBD:THC ratios may relieve anxiety symptoms:

  • 20:1 CBD:THC: This high-CBD ratio is ideal for reducing anxiety.
  • 10:1 CBD:THC: This ratio provides mild symptom relief with minimal psychoactive effects.
  • 1:1 CBD:THC: This balanced ratio may be best for those who can tolerate THC.

Terpenes

Several terpenes in cannabis may offer anti-anxiety effects.

  • Beta-caryophyllene: Beta-caryophyellene may balance the nervous system’s stress response.
  • Bisabolol:  Also found in chamomile, bisabolol may have anti-anxiety effects, according to studies in mice .
  • Limonene: Limonene may have antidepressant effects, according to animal studies, and may help reduce stress.
  • Linalool: Animal studies show that linalool has anti-anxiety effects.
  • Myrcene: Myrcene has sedative effects that could promote relaxation and sleep.
  • Pinene: Animal studies show that pinene may act on serotonin, dopamine, and other receptors to reduce anxiety.
  • Terpinolene: Animal studies show that terpinolene may decrease anxiety due to its sedative effects.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids in cannabis also have therapeutic properties.

More about anxiety

Anxiety can be caused by a mix of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It’s often linked to things like stressful life events, certain health conditions, and hormonal imbalances. Common symptoms of anxiety include worrying excessively and feeling on edge.

Getting an anxiety diagnosis requires a mental health evaluation by a healthcare professional. Although there’s no cure for anxiety, it can be managed with the right treatment.

Other treatments for anxiety

Traditional and alternative therapies can help you manage anxiety. Cannabis can be used alongside many other treatments for additional relief.

Traditional therapies

Several treatments are available for anxiety:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This helps reframe negative thought patterns.
  • Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are commonly prescribed.
  • Exposure therapy: This helps you confront any fears you may have that trigger your anxiety, and develop ways to cope with them.

Natural and alternative therapies

Complementary therapies can also help with anxiety symptoms.

  • Meditation and yoga: Both meditation and yoga promote relaxation and mindfulness, which may help manage anxiety.
  • Herbal supplements: Options such as valerian root, passionflower, and chamomile have anti-anxiety effects and could help reduce the need for sedative medications.
  • Acupuncture: This practice may help reduce stress and anxiety symptoms.

Cannabis as part of your treatment plan for anxiety

Cannabis can be a helpful tool in managing anxiety, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Speak with a healthcare professional to determine if it’s right for you, and how to best incorporate it into your overall anxiety treatment plan.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider reaching out to Leafwell to ask about qualifying for a medical cannabis card and discover the best next steps to help you find anxiety relief.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common questions about cannabis for anxiety and panic disorders.

Can CBD help with anxiety?

Yes. Research is limited, but some studies have shown that CBD can help with anxiety. Some people may require small doses of THC as well in order to manage symptoms.

Do edibles help panic attacks?

That depends on when you take the cannabis edible and how your body reacts to it.

Taking an edible isn’t likely to stop a panic attack, as the effects can take 2 hours to set in. However, edibles may help prevent panic attacks if cannabis is already in your system.

For some people, edibles may worsen anxiety and increase the likelihood of having a panic attack. Start with a low edible dose (around 2.5 mg – 3 mg) to avoid worsening symptoms.

How much CBD should I take for anxiety?

That depends on how severe your anxiety is.

Some studies have found that a high dose of CBD — around 300 mg to 600 mg per day — is needed to manage severe anxiety. However, other research suggests much lower doses of CBD — around 25 mg to 75 mg per day — may help manage less severe anxiety disorders.

Can strains of weed cause anxiety?

You might find that some cannabis strains make your anxiety worse. This tends to happen more often with high-THC strains and sativa strains. To avoid increased anxiety, start out with a low dose.

Resources

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Download Guide To Anxiety and Medical Cannabis

Animal Study

101

Animal Study -

2

Clinical Meta-analysis

33

Clinical Trial

81

Double Blind Clinical Trial

81

Laboratory Study

9

Meta-analysis

312

Meta-analysis -

3

Total studies

Anxiety and panic disorders

622

Positive

403 studies

65%

Inconclusive

111 studies

18%

Negative

108 studies

17%

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