We all know what anxiety feels like.
Fear. Worry. Unease. Dread, even. Such feelings can spike your heart rate, raise your blood pressure, make you sweat and wreck your sleep.
Though unpleasant in the moment, this is a normal reaction to stress. Especially when linked to a possible life change – e.g. a job interview, sitting an exam, or navigating a house move.
And yet for some, anxiety is more than a passing feeling. When symptoms persist, this can stop a person from properly living their life. At this point, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) becomes a diagnosable mental health problem.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions, including anxiety. Want to find out if you’re eligible? Complete the quick eligibility checker on our website.
What is General Anxiety Disorder?
According to the NHS, you may have GAD, if:
- Worrying severely impacts your day-to-day life, such as work and social experiences.
- These worries make you extremely stressed and upset.
- You often fear the worst, and fret about all kinds of things – rational or not.
- You cannot control your worries.
- You’ve felt anxious almost every day for six months or more, and struggle to recall the last time you felt relaxed.
As well as a standalone condition, anxiety is the main symptom in many other mental health issues – e.g. panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias and PTSD.
In the UK, over 8 million people live with an anxiety disorder. That’s roughly 1 in 10 of us. And treatment options vary – from medication to meditation.
Today, a growing number of people with anxiety champion cannabis for making a positive impact on their symptoms (something backed up by qualitative data). That said, others argue the opposite – saying cannabis makes their anxiety worse.
What’s the truth? Let’s explore.
How Does Cannabis Affect Anxiety Symptoms?
To understand anxiety symptoms and cannabis, we need to dive into the science of how medical cannabis works in the body.
Medical cannabis can interact with the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more. That’s why medical cannabis can potentially work for so many different conditions, including anxiety.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why medical cannabis has the potential to work on so many different conditions.
There are over 100 cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant. They’re active compounds that can cause effects throughout the body. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these compounds you’ll see often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference between THC and CBD is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
There’s evidence to suggest THC can potentially interact with the CB1 receptors, and reduce anxiety.
There’s evidence to suggest CBD can potentially interact with the 5-HT1A receptor (also known as serotonin) which contributes to anti-anxiety effects. CBD may also potentially interact with TRPV1 and GABA receptors which further modulates mood and stress.
What types of anxiety can be supported?
Medical cannabis, particularly CBD-dominant or balanced CBD and THC strains, can potentially support several types of anxiety disorders including:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): CBD has been seen to significantly reduce GAD symptoms in clinical trials. A UK Medical Cannabis Registry study showed statistically significant improvements in GAD-7, sleep, and quality-of-life after 1, 3, and 6 months of medical cannabis use.
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): This double-blind study using 300 to 400 mg CBD reduced anxiety and altered brain activity in individuals with SAD. And this systematic review supports the anti-anxiety effect of 300 mg CBD.
- Panic Disorder (PD): Preclinical research indicates CBD may reduce the feeling of panic, suggesting panic disorder cannabis treatment may be an option, and medical cannabis may potentially be beneficial for someone with panic disorder.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): THC has shown to reduce the amount of REM sleep you get, which in turn reduces dreams. For people with PTSD, this could mean less nightmares.
Keep in mind that effects vary by dose, formulation, and individual response.
The Effect of THC and CBD on Anxiety
First, it’s key to point out the two active ingredients in cannabis, as these are what interact with the brain and, by extension, anxiety symptoms:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): The main psychoactive component, THC attaches itself to cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain and nervous system. It’s what provides a ‘high’, and increases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.
- Cannabidiol (CBD): The second-most common compound (after THC), CBD works on different parts of the brain. It’s non-psychoactive, which means no high, and all kinds of health firms have used CBD in their products in recent years.
CBD vs THC for Anxiety: Which Is Better?
Both THC and CBD are widely used to treat anxiety. A stereotype exists, however, that one compound will improve symptoms (CBD), and the other (THC) will make them worse.
That’s not strictly true.
In a recent trial of 300 adults with anxiety, both THC and CBD-dominant cannabis helped reduce people’s anxiety, compared to the non-cannabis control group.
The study also showed CBD had greater anti-inflammatory properties (and may translate to more long-term anxiety reduction), whereas THC had a more positive effect on mood.
But we don’t actually need to compare the two. Why? Because we know that a combination of active compounds like THC, CBD, terpenes (the part of any plant that produces the smell) and flavonoids, can sometimes work together to produce better effects, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
How Cannabis Can Help with Anxiety
Benefits can include:
- Better sleep
- Relaxation
- Improved mood
- Peace of mind
- A greater sense of calm
Moreover, anecdotal data among people living with anxiety disorders (see intro) implies that cannabis treatment can be transformative. This may be someone with agoraphobia being able to leave the house, or a person living with social anxiety disorder feeling comfortable at a party.
One of our patients, Elise, suffers from health anxiety after a cancer diagnosis back in 2016. One of her friends suggested Alternaleaf, and she found "the appointments were a judgement-free zone". This helped her relax into the process and combat the pain that comes with chemotherapy. Ultimately, she’s back to feeling like herself again. Watch her story here.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Some people experience negative side effects from cannabis treatment – many of which are symptoms of anxiety – including Increased heart rate, sweating, racing mind, paranoia, brain fog, lack of motivation, problems focusing and insomnia.
In general, the science of medical cannabis and anxiety is unclear.
For instance, a 2020 study found both THC and CBD-dominant cannabis strains reduced anxiety, but that high levels of THC can worsen people’s symptoms. Yet a paper from 2010 showed a link between light cannabis use and anxiety disorders.
But as a 2020 review paper made clear (likewise this one, in 2022), a lot more research is needed before any evidence is undeniable.
Three things are certain, however:
- Cannabis affects different people differently.
- People living with anxiety can qualify for a prescription of medical cannabis, through a specialist clinic like Alternaleaf.
- When using medical cannabis to treat anxiety, the best approach is proper planning.
Using Cannabis for Anxiety
There are several ways to consume cannabis. Such as:
- Smoking: Once the most common method, smoking dried cannabis flower is a ‘whole plant’ treatment, including hundreds of components that make up the cannabis plant. Downsides are potentially toxic by-products, the risk of lung damage, and up to 40% flower waste. Because of these risks, doctors do not recommend you smoke medical cannabis, and instead prescribe inhalation via vapouriser.
- Dry herb vaporiser: Safer, cost-effective and far less waste, vapes are growing ever-popular among medical cannabis patients. They’re also fast-acting, which may provide swift relief from anxiety symptoms.
- Vape cartridges: Vape carts come pre-filled with liquid cannabis concentrate concentrate – no grinding required. A ‘full spectrum’ product, vape carts can offer high THC, CBD or both, depending on the patient’s needs. Each cart contains around 200 inhales, and is powered by a battery.
- Edibles: From gummies and lozenges to dissolvable wafers, edibles can take longer to kick in, but offer relief that’s both longer and more pronounced. (At the time of writing this article, only pastille lozenges are available for prescription by UK doctors.)
- Oils: A popular choice for patients who want discretion. Oil can be THC-dominant, CBD-focused or balanced, and provide a slow-acting yet long-lasting effect (up to 24 hours, in some cases).
When it comes to dosage, think like a BBQ joint making a brisket: low and slow.
As shown above, patients can have very different experiences. So start with a low dose (whether CBD or THC, though especially the latter), and take it slow before increasing.
Beyond the fact this is a core goal of medicine (the smallest possible dose to achieve the desired effect), this will help you understand your tolerance, limit the risk of negative side effects and, best of all, cost less.
How to Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription for Anxiety in the UK
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018 when prescribed by a specialist doctor. To be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription in the UK, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition, like anxiety, and to have been offered at least two conventional treatments for this condition. This can include medication, talking therapy, physiotherapy, surgery and anything else prescribed by your GP.
Just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It’s always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
We prescribe for 50+ conditions at Alternaleaf, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD or autism. We offer expert guidance throughout your medical cannabis journey to ensure safe and effective use. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
FAQs
Does CBD help with anxiety?
There is evidence to suggest CBD may help relieve the symptoms of anxiety, yes. We’ve explored this in more detail above.
Is THC good for anxiety?
Yes, there’s some evidence to suggest THC may help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. We’ve explored this in more detail above. However, some people have reported that consuming medical cannabis that is high in THC may worsen symptoms. It’s best to follow the advice of a professional, as they’ll prescribe based on you and your individual needs. More research is needed to fully understand how both THC and CBD can work as a potential social anxiety treatment in the UK.
Summary
Anxious feelings affect us all, and are part of what it means to be human. However GAD, and other anxiety disorders, impact the lives of millions across the UK.
Lots of people treat anxiety with cannabis. Many find this helps their symptoms, but others experience the opposite. There’s some encouraging data in this area, yet more research is needed.
A whole host of medical cannabis options exist, which can help people living with anxiety get targeted relief. If you have anxiety and believe medical cannabis would help your symptoms, you may be eligible for a prescription.
To find out more, contact Alternaleaf today.