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Anxiety is a normal reaction. It’s not always nice, but it is normal. And can happen to anyone at any time. For example, if you’re experiencing a stressful life change, like a job interview, exam or house move, you may feel anxious.
But for some people, anxiety is more than a passing feeling. When symptoms persist, it can stop a person from properly living their life. This can lead to a diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
So, what is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Lots of different things can often make you feel anxious with this common mental health condition. Symptoms can include:
- Stress or worry that is difficult to control
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling restless, irritable or finding it difficult to concentrate
- Getting tired easily
- Feeling tense
- Stomach problems
- A more noticeable or unusual heartbeat (palpitations)
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Low mood or depression
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
When an anxiety disorder like GAD is severely impacting your day-to-day life, it might be time to seek help. Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions, including anxiety disorders. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website. Below we’ll be exploring medical cannabis for anxiety relief, the possible risks and some legal information.
Medical Cannabis and Anxiety Relief: How Does it Work?
Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. They’re active compounds that can cause drug-like effects throughout the body, and you’ll see them often when researching medical cannabis. The main difference 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.
The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. The ECS influences and modulates pretty much every single function within your body, directing, correcting and managing your overall health.
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 cannabis works so positively on so many different conditions. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD and THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body, and ease symptoms of anxiety disorders like GAD.
CBD vs THC for GAD: Which is Better?
This research suggests that CBD has some benefits as a treatment for GAD specifically, but it’s not entirely clear how this works. So, more research is needed on CBD and/or CBD oil for GAD.
A stereotype exists, however, that CBD for anxiety relief is effective, and THC for anxiety will make symptoms worse. But that’s not true. Both THC and CBD are widely used to help ease symptoms of anxiety. In a recent trial of 300 adults with anxiety, both THC and CBD-dominant cannabis helped reduce people’s anxiety.
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.
It’s important to remember that both THC and CBD play a lead role on certain health conditions, and can sometimes be greater together, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Risk and Side effects of using Medical Cannabis for GAD
Just like with any other medicine, some people can experience side effects from medical cannabis. Most common side effects are short-term, and should wear off within a few hours. These include:
- Coughing
- Bloodshot or irritated eyes
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth or thirst
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea
- Feeling tired
- Blurred vision
If you experience any side effects, or if short-term side effects persist, stop taking your medication immediately, and speak to your clinician.
A slightly more serious thing to be aware of is dependency. Medical cannabis addiction is rare, but possible - around 9% of cannabis users develop dependence. For many patients, long-term use of medical cannabis is necessary. And that’s completely fine, as long as you stay mindful of over usage. Speak to your pharmacist or specialist doctor if you’re ever worried.
Is Medical Cannabis Legal & Safe for Treating Anxiety?
Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018, but it needs to be prescribed by a specialist doctor. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD or autism.
Just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It is always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis.
As with any other medication, it’s important to use safely and responsibly. Our advice is to always start low and go slow. This allows new patients to get used to their medicines with minimal side effects and disruption to everyday life.
Anxiety is one of 50+ conditions we can prescribe medical cannabis for at Alternaleaf. 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 questionnaire.
Summary
Anxious feelings affect us all, and are part of what it means to be human. However GAD, and other anxiety disorders, can have a significant impact on the day-to-day lives of millions across the UK.
Medical cannabis is an option for people looking to potentially relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety or GAD, and get their lives back on track. But more research is needed to understand the full potential of this natural plant.
Whether you’re seeking medical cannabis for anxiety and stress, or something else, the best thing to do is speak to your Doctor or clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. We have lots more help and information on our website, and our friendly team is always happy to help.