Best Edibles For Anxiety And Depression: The Science Behind Edibles

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Cannabis may be a useful supplementary treatment for persons who are dealing with mild to moderate depression. The majority of mental health illnesses, including depression, impact 280 million individuals globally.

According to research by WebMD, 95% of people claimed that marijuana quickly provided them relief from their symptoms of depression.

According to studies, medical cannabis may be beneficial for a number of conditions. The criteria that patients must have in order to use medical marijuana differ by state. Check your state’s laws before considering using marijuana for medical purposes.

Depending on the state, if you meet the requirements and have a qualifying condition, you might be eligible for medical marijuana treatment.

There are different consumption methods for different conditions. For example, topicals are typically needed for skin issues, whereas vaporizers or inhalers may be required for Parkinson’s or Crohn’s disease patients.

But in this article, you’ll get detialed information about the most common consumption method which is cannabis edibles and how the different edibles work to treat anxiety and depression.

Understanding Cannabis

Although cannabis has been around for thousands of years, western medicine did not adopt marijuana until the 19th century. Some of the earliest documentation of cannabis use as medicine may be found in the Pen-ts’ao ching, the oldest pharmacopeia created in China in the year 100 AD.

Around 1000 BC, cannabis is supposed to have spread to India, where it was quickly adopted as a medicinal plant. Additionally, there is proof that cannabis was used in Persian and Arabic medicine to treat epilepsy and gout, as well as infectious sores and infectious diseases.

By the 15 century, it was being used all over Africa to ease childbirth and treat ailments like malaria and dysentery. By the 16th century, marijuana had made it to the Americas.

Cannabis comes in two types: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. They share a lot of characteristics, but they also differ significantly.

Sativa strains are often regarded to be more energizing and uplifting, while indica strains are thought to be more calming and sedating.

The effects of any one strain can differ based on a number of variables, including the plant’s unique genetics, how it was grown and harvested, and the unique traits of the individual using it.

Indica strains are a great option for relaxing and relieving anxiety. They are widely used to treat chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety because of their well-known relaxing qualities.

They are advised for usage before bed because of their calming effects. Additionally, indica strains are well recognized for enhancing hunger. As a result, they are commonly employed in the treatment of appetite-suppressing illnesses such as eating disorders.

Sativa strains are renowned for their uplifted and energizing qualities. Sativa strains have more THC-to-CBD ratio, which increases their stimulating effects.

So, they are typically most effective when used during the day. This type of marijuana uplifts and gives users a higher. It is widely used to increase creativity and mood. Sativa strains are also used to treat depression and fatigue.

How The Endocannabinoid System in The Brain Interacts With Cannabis Components?

Endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids interact and bind with one another and many other receptors in the body. The way that cannabinoids interact with receptors is like a lock and key.

The cannabinoids are the keys, and the receptors are the locks. When cannabinoid receptors are activated, they start a process that slows down the nerve signal. For better understanding, you can imagine cannabinoids function as a thermostat or a dimmer on a light switch.

Components of Cannabis Edibles

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two major cannabinoids.

The molecule that gives cannabis its euphoric properties is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the more well-known of the two.

The two cannabinoids differ primarily in a way that THC has potent psychoactive effects, which cause a person to feel “high,” whereas CBD is thought to have an anti-psychoactive effect that regulates or modifies the “high” brought on by the THC.

The other components included in cannabis are:

Cannabinol: Cannabinol (CBN), sometimes known as the drowsy cannabinoid due to its usefulness in treating insomnia. CBN can also be beneficial in treating the issues like pain, seizures, loss of appetite, viruses and illnesses.

Linalool: Many cannabis enthusiasts seek out linalool for its floral, lavender-like aroma and its anxiolytic (anxiety-busting), stress-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and soothing effects.

Caryophyllene: Caryophyllene is a powerful anti-inflammatory and a pain reliever that may be helpful for neuropathic pain and inflammation. Additionally, caryophyllene has anti-anxiety properties which can provide relief from anxiety.

When all these components are combined together then it is called the entourage effect. The entourage effect is basically the mixture of cannabis compounds that work together to modify the psychoactive effects of the plant.

Entourage effect provides a balanced approach to control anxiety and depression by combining cannabinoids with terpenes like linalool and limonene, which are known for their relaxing and mood-enhancing effects.

Types of Cannabis Edibles

Gummies: One of the simplest marijuana products to use is marijuana gummies, which you simply chew and ingest like any other gummy. Some people claim that CBD gummies relieve anxiety. This is supported by some research, though further studies are required to make a firm conclusion.

Beverages & Drink Mixes: There are many various types of cannabis drinks, including seltzers, teas, juices, and others. According to a 2019 study, participants who struggled with anxiety, sleep issues, or both reported improvements after using CBD drinks every day for a month.

Baked Goods & Cannabis Brownies: The most well-known baked edible is marijuana brownies, but there are other baked edibles as well. When it comes to baked cannabis items, the market has grown enormously, allowing you to purchase cookies, pancakes, brownies, muffins, and more.

Best Marijuana Strains and Edibles for Anxiety and Depression

Royal Highness: Royal Highness is a hybrid marijuana strain. Due to the equal amounts of THC and CBD in this strain, the effects are energizing and help you focus. This strain is preferred by medical marijuana users to help with pain and anxiety issues.

Cherry Pie: The Cherry Pie strain is well recognised for its calming and euphoric qualities, which make it a great option for people who want to get rid of tension, anxiety, and chronic pain. Because of its upbeat and imaginative effects, it is also a well-liked option for people who want to lift their spirits and stimulate their imagination.

Kosher Kush: Kosher Kush is one of the greatest indica strains available for individuals with insomnia, sleep apnea, or general anxiety, particularly the type of anxiety that keeps you up at night. Kosher Kush’s high THC content produces a potent and incredibly calming high.

AC/DC: Due to its high CBD content, the AC/DC strain is ideal for treating a variety of medical problems. The CBD to THC ratio, which is said to be 20:1, demonstrates how this strain helps in obtaining marijuana’s therapeutic effects without becoming high. ACDC may be useful in treating epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety.

Pennywise: The ratio of THC to CBD in the Pennywise strain is balanced. You can experience a slight mental high and a lift in mood after taking this strain. Pennywise users claim that in the early stages of the strain’s effects, they remain active and lucid.

Lemon Garlic OG: Lemon Garlic OG is strong and effective for reducing stress. This pleasantly sweet-tasting strain is said to produce sensations of uplift. This is a fantastic option for treating chronic pain, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

Pineapple Express: Pineapple Express is great for social anxiety because it makes you joyful and curious but not overly chatty.

Harlequin: With a high CBD content and a Sativa-dominant lineage, Harlequin is the perfect strain for easing tension and stress without leaving users drowsy.

Harlequin has a flavor that is earthy and sweet and an energizing high. While the THC in Harlequin offers a little mood and energy boost, the CBD helps to ease anxiety and encourages relaxation.

Girl Scout Cookies: GSC is an indica-dominant hybrid with 60% indica and 40% sativa genetics, producing a potent high with effects that may be felt all over the body.

Users of this strain will feel physically relaxed but not drowsy, allowing them to continue engaging in activities like hiking or bicycling without being burdened by fatigue or drowsiness afterwards.

GSC promotes feelings of excitement and enhanced focus, making it an excellent choice for alleviating depression or anxiety problems.

XJ-13: XJ-13 was created by mating Jack Herer and G13 Haze. The cannabinoids in this marijuana strain lower anxiety and reduce the symptoms of stress that are frequently experienced.

Sour Tsunami: This strain is well-known for its therapeutic relaxation and numbing properties, which efficiently treat symptoms of stress, depression, pain, inflammation, and muscular spasms. This strain is strong, yet it won’t make you feel couch-locked or drowsy.

Jack Herer: Jack Herer is a Sativa dominant hybrid with a tasty orange-lemon aroma and hints of pine. This strain encourages profound relaxation which can be beneficial for the patients who are dealing with stress and anxiety.

Blackberry Kush: Blackberry kush is a wonderful strain for relaxation because of its calming qualities. You’ll experience a sense of peace that calms you down and helps you relax.

Bio-Jesus: Bio Jesus is a great strain for reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, it works wonders for treating chronic pain, including joint and inflammatory pain.

This strain is renowned for making individuals extremely hungry, making it a good choice for patients searching for a strain to help with appetite. This strain is excellent for treating insomnia or simply getting a good night’s sleep because of its sedative properties.

Helix Twist Sour Cherry Gummies: It’s a gluten free edible, great for managing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue, and insomnia.

CannaPunch: This drink is the best option for your persistent pain and irritating anxiety as it contains high quality of THC.

Stardawg: The primary effects of this sativa-dominant strain are energizing and uplifting. It is frequently used to improve clarity and mood. The high from this strain lasts for a very long time. Stardawg has a longer lasting effect than other marijuana strains.

Cookie Face: Fans of Cookie Face appreciate its ability to reduce stress and physical strain. They claim that it allows them to relax without becoming exhausted.

How to Use Marijuana for Managing Anxiety

To effectively treat anxiety with marijuana, you must know the correct dosage. The most effective dosing technique is microdosing, or utilizing very little amounts of cannabis. Cannabis can treat anxiety when used in very small doses with extremely low THC starting percentages.

You can ask your doctor or physician from medical specialities to specify the dosages as everyone reacts to marijuana differently. The greatest method to manage anxiety while lowering the danger of unfavorable side effects is with a medical marijuana card and the prescription that goes with it.

Choosing the right strain is also crucial. It may be best to choose a strain with a high THC content and sufficient CBD to “tone down” the effects of THC while maintaining the desired euphoric effect.

If you are a beginner, try a strain or tincture with a 1:1 THC:CBD ratio such as Cannatonic or AC/DC, both of which are indica-sativa hybrids.

The consumption method also plays an important role. The most effective way to consume marijuana to manage anxiety would be sublingual in the form of tinctures.

For many users, a couple drops of a cannabis tincture placed under the tongue significantly reduces anxiety. You can also try an inhalation device like a vaporizer.

Does Indica or Sativa Make You More Anxious?

Sativa strains can be more energetic and uplifting while Indica strains can be more soothing and sedative. Utilizing a cannabis sativa can cause some people’s minds to go into overdrive with introspection, which may make them feel more anxious.

However, some individuals discover that cannabis indica-dominant strains force them to stay quiet and inactive while experiencing sensations of anxiousness, which can also be harmful.

It doesn’t depend on whether cannabis is Sativa or Indica. The main culprits are the cannabinoids, more specifically the THC to CBD ratio.

High amounts of THC frequently result in paranoia and nervous feelings, however CBD can occasionally counteract this effect. Because of this, indica strains do benefit some users more without escalating anxiety disorders.

But it doesn’t mean that it will work for everybody. You should consult your physician before trying anything.

Therapeutic Approaches

The usage of cannabis in conjunction with psychotherapy may speed up the healing process for patients. and encourage the alleviation of symptoms brought on by traumatic events.

Patients may experience better moods and greater self-awareness, indicating greater success in addressing their underlying mental health issues.

However, cannabis-assisted therapy is distinct from psychedelic therapy. Licenced health professionals are required to help patients with their progress and treatment.

The specialized health professionals like KIF have the expert staff that have necessary knowledge to properly assess patients’ eligibility for marijuana treatment, and create individualized plans catered to each patient’s particular need.

Legal and Social Context

In the US, marijuana is forbidden at the federal level under the Controlled Substances Act. However, marijuana is now legal in some form in 37 states.

While some jurisdictions and territories exclusively permit the use of marijuana for medical purposes, others have legalized the drug for both medical and recreational purposes.

It’s always advisable to check the current law of your state to save yourself from getting into legal trouble.

After the legalization of cannabis, people of all ages, races, and social classes are thought to benefit from the marijuana. Since marijuana has been legalized, the belief that medical marijuana causes more harm than good is quickly shifting.

According to studies and clinical trials, marijuana has more advantages than disadvantages when used responsibly and in moderation. Because of legalization, cannabis consumption can now be carefully monitored, and there is a decrease in uncontrolled consumption.

Safety and Side Effects of Cannabis Edibles

Edible cannabis products offer the same advantages as other cannabis products. They are consumed by people to produce certain effects, such relaxation, or to treat diseases like chronic pain.

The effects of edibles vary depending on the dose consumed. Typically, the effects get stronger as the dose gets stronger. However, it is easy to consume too much cannabis through edibles, which might have negative consequences like nausea and vomiting.

To avoid any negative consequence, keep these things in mind:

• Take the dosage that is recommended by your doctor.
• The effects may not become apparent for up to two hours.
• Before consuming, make sure to check the label because certain edible cannabis products may have expiration dates.

How Long Will It Be Detectable?

When you smoke marijuana as opposed to consuming edibles, THC enters the bloodstream and organs more quickly. However, edible THC can still be detected by drug tests.

Even though it takes longer, your liver eventually converts the THC in edibles into metabolites that leave your body in the form of urine and feces. The rest is taken into your bloodstream and distributed to tissues all over your body.

Here’s the average time when THC is detected for edibles in a drug test:

Urine: three to 30 days
Blood: one to two days
Saliva: one to three days
Hair: Up to 90 days

Conclusion

People who use cannabis edibles frequently experience a marked increase in their mood and a decrease in anxiety. For treating the stress and anxiety symptoms, the right amount and pace of medical cannabis are essential.

When consumed slowly and moderately, cannabis edibles may be more advantageous than other cannabis consumption methods. It’s always recommended to ask a doctor before trying anything.

FAQ’s

Can marijuana gummies be effectively used to treat depression?

Yes, gummies are one of the simplest CBD products. Different research proves that they are one of the effective consumption methods for treating depression.

How do THC gummies influence depression and mood?

THC gummies, like other THC consumption methods, have a variety of effects on depression and mood. Due to the psychoactive effects of THC, they can temporarily improve mood or cause calm.

Can using edibles for stress provide relief?

Consuming edibles, such as THC- or CBD-infused products, may help some people in reducing their stress levels. Both THC and CBD affect the endocannabinoid system in the body, which is involved in controlling stress and anxiety.

What are the potential side effects of using weed gummies for anxiety and depression?

Using marijuana gummies for anxiety and depression may have adverse consequences such as increased anxiety, paranoia, cognitive decline, dependence, dry mouth, increased heart rate, and possible drug interactions.

To avoid the side effects, start with small doses and seek advice from a healthcare provider as needed.