While some take it for the effects of feeling high, there are several other reasons why people may consume cannabis. One of the biggest reasons it is consumed is to relieve stress. Stress is incredibly common as over half of all Americans deal with it daily. Many turn to cannabis to help them, but just how does it help those dealing with stress? Keep reading to find out.
The main reason that cannabis helps those with stress is that it can make people less anxious and help them to relax. It can uplift an individual, and help them to experience a break and some happiness in an otherwise difficult time.
It does this because of its relationship with the brain. When cannabis is consumed, it will enter the bloodstream, and then head right to the brain. The molecules of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids will bond with the receptors in the brain. This leads to some neurons in the brain firing easier, and others firing off less easily. This can have a huge impact on how you feel and your experiences.
Cannabis will also impact the hormones that are sent out into the body. So if fewer stress hormones are being sent out, or more pleasure hormones are, it can help you to feel a little better and calmer than you would have otherwise. So, in simple terms, it is the relationship between cannabis and the brain that helps those who struggle with stress.
However, while cannabis can often help with stress in the short term, it shouldn’t be your only fight against stress. The key is to try and address the root causes of the stress and be proactive, not reactive. You should try doing things you enjoy, meditation or yoga, and taking necessary breaks and time off before things become too much to handle.
But while cannabis has the potential to help some people that struggle with stress, others may find that cannabis makes their stress and anxiety worse. Everyone can respond differently to cannabis. As a result, it is important to start slow and only consume small amounts, until you know how your body and mind react to it.
Also, the type of cannabis you consume can impact how stressed you become. Indica strains are often more relaxing than Sativa strains, though this can vary. The amount of THC and CBD in the cannabis you consume could also impact how you respond and how well the cannabis deals with stress.
Alternatively, you could try using CBD to combat stress and anxiety, human studies strongly suggest that CBD can help to treat anxiety disorders. Unlike cannabis, CBD does not cause a high and it is considered to be a non-psychoactive compound. Although it is still derived from the same plant CBD does not have the same chemical arrangement as THC and the body receives them as different compounds that bind to neurotransmitters in the brain to affect things like mood, anxiety, pain, and sleep with little to no side effects.
We hope that this article has been able to help you learn a little more about just how cannabis can help with stress in your life. It varies depending on you and the type of cannabis you consume, but it can certainly help some people relax and take a break in their stressful lives.
