Medical Marijuana And Anxiety
Medical marijuana for anxiety is becoming increasingly popular as people discover and experience the wonderful benefits of the cannabis plant. Anxiety and stress can be debilitating and require help from more than a therapist or support group. Anxiety and its symptoms are often associated with tension and weakened responses to stressful situations, requiring help to develop resilience and sufficient coping mechanisms. Many anti-anxiety medications come with undesirable side effects that render an individual in worse shape. That’s one of the reasons why so many people seek medical marijuana for anxiety. Medical cannabis is often easier to obtain relief from anxiety without the undesirable side effects that leave people feeling numb or disconnected. While there isn’t an abundance of studies yet on cannabis use for anxiety, the prevailing conclusion is that marijuana has many beneficial qualities that can ease anxiety.
Anxiety affects nearly 20% of adults in the United States alone and has numerous ripple effects that can impact a person’s whole life. While anti-anxiety medication is widely available and used, many people are apprehensive about using traditional pharmaceutical medication, and there are a range of side effects that can potentially even worsen the already-present condition. Recently, the medical and mental health communities have seen a surge in interest surrounding marijuana for anxiety treatment uses. It has purported benefits for people suffering from a range of conditions, from cancer to seizures to ADHD. Relaxing muscles and boosting moods are key effects that can help with anxiety symptoms. What’s more, a lack of THC means little to no psychoactive effects, so patients don’t have to get high to reap the medical benefits of cannabis.
How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Florida
Schedule An Appointment
New patients, re-evaluations, and transfer patients are able to schedule an appointment with our medical marijuana clinic for a medical marijuana card evaluation online or via a phone call at 561-778-5323.
Receive An Evaluation
The certified medical marijuana doctors at Releaf Medical will determine if you qualify for a medical marijuana card in Florida. The process is risk free! If new patients do not qualify, then there is no fee.
Same Day Approval
Releaf Medical marijuana clinic offers new patients same day approval. New patients will be able to register their medical marijuana card application with the state of Florida at the time of their initial appointment.
Does Marijuana Help With Anxiety
Scientists in the United States need to do more research to determine whether marijuana has proven positive effects on symptoms of anxiety. However, initial research on medical marijuana for anxiety use is promising. Moreover, many people who suffer from this mental illness report anecdotally that it is very beneficial and preferable to traditional psychoactive medications.
A crucial factor in the success of marijuana in treating anxiety seems to lie in the THC dosage. Strains that contain lower THC levels seem to have more success than those with higher THC levels. In fact, increased THC levels may actually have the inverse effect on anxiety symptoms in some patients. Across the board, CBD appears to decrease anxiety regardless of its dosage. CBD has been shown to increase the level of the transmitter, anandamide. In doing so, a person’s mood can increase, while simultaneously relaxing muscles and nerves. Continue to work with your counselor or therapist, and maintain the routines you have established that help you manage your mental health. Medical marijuana is helpful, but it is not a cure.
Can You Get Medical Marijuana For Anxiety
Yes, you can get medical marijuana for anxiety. Florida permits medical marijuana and low-THC cannabis use for qualified individuals. That said, there are some caveats to understand before you try to obtain your medical marijuana card for anxiety.
First, Florida’s public health statutes do not currently list anxiety as a qualifying condition to receive marijuana. However, patients can receive a medical marijuana card for anxiety as a comparable qualifying condition to those listed.
Of note, the legal status of anxiety and medical marijuana may change with legislation. A 2022 ballot issue seeks to amend the existing statute. The Florida Medical Marijuana for Mental Health Disorder Initiative aims to expand the list of qualifying conditions to include anxiety and eight other mental health conditions.
Second, you need to see a qualified physician to get a diagnosis and recommendation for medical marijuana. The reason for the red tape is that marijuana is not currently legal under federal law, even for medicinal purposes. However, Florida developed statutes to make it available for qualified individuals.
Note that physicians can only suggest medical marijuana or low-THC cannabis as a treatment option. While they cannot prescribe the treatment, Florida has over 2,000 physicians who recommend that you enter the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. These physicians completed a state-required course to be able to recommend medical marijuana.
Once you register and get approval, you receive a medical marijuana card that allows you to access the treatment. You must contact a licensed facility to work with a qualified professional who will help you determine the right strain and dosage to meet your needs. Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers must be state-approved and licensed to distribute to patients or their caregivers.
Finally, if you qualify for medical marijuana or low-THC cannabis in Florida, it is for your personal use, and you cannot transport it across state lines. That means you cannot send it to someone else or take it on vacation to another state.
Does Marijuana Help With Anxiety
Schedule An Appointment For Marijuana And Anxiety Treatment!
Best Marijuana For Anxiety
Marijuana acts on the cannabinoid receptors in your brain. However, everyone’s brain is unique, and various types and strains of weed will work on your brain and body differently. The best marijuana for anxiety depends greatly on the individual.
Most experts agree that indica is the best general type of marijuana for anxiety, as opposed to sativa or a hybrid. In addition, pay close attention to the terpenes and other cannabinoids besides THC in your cannabis. CBD is another cannabinoid that has also shown promising results against anxiety. Getting marijuana with both indica THC and CBD is often best for anxiety with the appropriate dosage of each element.
Best Marijuana Strains For Anxiety
It will likely take you a couple of tries to find the right kind of marijuana for your anxiety. If you have never used, or have only infrequently used, marijuana before, a CBD-dominant strain is the safest place for you to start.
High CBD strains:
ACDC: Sold at MUV
Remedy: Sold at Trulieve
Charlotte’s Web: Used in Stanley Brothers products sold at Vidacann
Dumpster Fire: Sold at Green Dragon
Sativa strains
Alaska by TIKUN: Sold at VidaCann
Birds of Paradise: Sold at Grow Healthy
Jack Herer: Sold at several Florida dispensaries
Strawberry Cough: Sold at several Florida dispensaries
Hybrid strains
Blue Dream: Sold at several Florida dispensaries
Cherry Pie: Sold at several Florida dispensaries
Girl Scout Cooking: Sold at several Florida dispensaries
Midnight by TIKUN: Sold at VidaCann
Indica Strains
Erez by TIKUN: Sold at VidaCann
Grandaddy Purple: Sold at several Florida dispensaries
Northern Lights: Sold at several Florida dispensaries
Skywalker OG: Sold at several Florida dispensaries
The Takeaway: Marijuana For Anxiety Can Be Beneficial
Does marijuana help with anxiety? While researchers need to dig deeper to make an official ruling, signs show that marijuana for anxiety can be effective, especially in combination with other forms of treatment.
Read the guide above about the best marijuana strains for anxiety, how to obtain your medical marijuana card in Florida, and begin safely experimenting under the supervision of experts.
