More Americans struggle with anxiety than with any other mental health condition. The World Health Organization estimates that about one in thirteen people will experience an anxiety disorder worldwide. The upheavals and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic are creating new waves of anxiety that can disrupt daily life and contribute to various health conditions. Treatments for anxiety include lifestyle changes, talk therapy, and an array of medications, which can cause numerous side effects.
But a growing body of research reveals that cannabis, especially the cannabinoid compound cannabidiol, or CBD, can work naturally with the body’s systems to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Now, adults in New York can choose from a variety of new cannabis products for combating anxiety and reducing the effects of stress. Here’s a look at the five best choices from New York’s legal cannabis dispensaries.
What Causes Anxiety?
Everyone experiences anxiety at some time, with symptoms that can range from mild “butterflies in the stomach” to severe and crippling panic attacks.
In many cases, anxiety is situational, caused by things like speaking in public or taking an important test, and it passes once circumstances change. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma can also cause anxiety symptoms. So can some medications.
But for many people, anxiety is constant and crippling, causing endless worry, intrusive thoughts, or bursts of panic that interfere with daily life in many ways. Mild cases of situational anxiety can often be resolved by simple strategies such as conscious breathing or repeating an affirmation. But, anxiety disorders might need more aggressive treatment such as therapy or medication, or a combination of both. Anxiety can affect both the mind and the body. Common symptoms include:
- Feeling tense, restless or uneasy
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Fatigue or weakness
- Sweating or trembling
- Problems with concentration and memory
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Hyper focusing on worrying thoughts
- Rapid heartbeat or rapid breathing
- A persistent sense of imminent doom or catastrophe
Because anxiety takes many forms and has many different causes, treatments vary widely, ranging from diet and lifestyle changes to medical management with medications like antidepressants, sedatives, or anti-anxiety drugs. But now, studies show that cannabis can provide effective relief from anxiety, whether it’s a short episode of worry or a chronic condition that affects all areas of life.
Medical Marijuana Eases Anxiety Naturally
Many people use cannabis to relax and enjoy social situations. Now, considerable research supports what these casual users already know: cannabis can help to reduce stress and boost positive feelings. That’s because of the unique interactions between the many compounds in the cannabis plant and one of the body’s largest regulatory systems: the endocannabinoid system, or ECS.
This system consists of an extensive network of cell receptors found throughout the body and brain, which respond to naturally produced cannabinoid chemicals and the cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis and a few other plants. Cannabis contains over a hundred unique compounds, including the well-known psychoactive THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol) and THCV (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabivarin).
When medical marijuana is smoked, vaped, or consumed in any other way, it activates receptors in the brain and central nervous system which moderate arousal and mood. In this way, weed helps to dampen excitation, reduce the expression of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, and support the production of calming hormones like serotonin and dopamine. Because cannabis mimics the effects of naturally produced cannabinoids, it works to reduce anxiety without the side effects of conventional anti-anxiety medications.
The 5 Best Medical Marijuana Products for Anxiety in New York
Under current New York law, cannabis is now legal for adult recreational consumers and medical marijuana patients. New York residents aged 21 or older can visit New York’s legal cannabis dispensaries for a variety of innovative cannabis products designed to relieve anxiety symptoms. All legal dispensaries in New York have a pharmacist on site who can help you choose the right products and dosages for your circumstances.
Here’s a look at 5 of today’s best cannabis products for anxiety and insomnia, available at Verilife dispensaries throughout the state.
1:4 Orange Gels
1:4 Orange Gels
are the best edibles for anxiety and insomnia are high in calming CBD. The 1:4 orange gel edibles by matter have a 1:4 THC to CBD ratio, delivering relaxation and relief from anxiety in orange flavored chewables. These orange edibles by matter come in a pack of 20 with 500 mg total of cannabis per pack.
Yellow 1:15 Oral Solution
Yellow 1:15 Oral Solution is flavored with peppermint and alcohol free, the Yellow 1:15 oral tincture from matter has a 1:15 THC to CBD ratio, with 750 mg of CBD total to support relaxation and relief from anxiety. Along with its high CBD content, the Yellow 1:15 Oral Solution also contains medium chain triglycerides and derivatives of vitamins E and C.
1:1 EF90 TXC Vape Cartridge
1:1 EF90 TXC Vape Cartridge contains an equal ratio of THC to CBD (45 percent of each), the 1:1 EF90 TXC d vape cartridge from matter offers relief from anxiety, thanks to its high CBD content, which also balances the effect of itsTHC content.
20:1 Jack One 15 Flower
20:1 Jack One 15 Flower is a hybrid that combines the features of sativa and indica for anxiety and insomnia. This ground flower from matter contains relatively low levels of THC at 14.72 percent, and offers relief from anxiety as well as chronic pain and insomnia.
1:15 CBD Capsules
1:15 CBD Capsules from matter have a THC to CBD ratio of 1:15, or 750 mg of CBD in a 30-pack. These capsules dissolve quickly in the stomach for fast delivery of matter’s concentrated cannabis oil, promising relief from anxiety and sleeplessness.
Thanks to individual circumstances and world affairs, more people than ever are living with anxiety or a lifelong anxiety disorder.
Cannabis can help – -and these innovative cannabis products for anxiety offer New Yorkers multiple ways to find relief.
Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis
It’s easy to get your medical document with the online Telehealth service HelloMD. Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.
