The paradoxical effects of cannabis have long been a topic of discussion. While many find solace in cannabis, using it to achieve relaxation and calm, others experience adverse reactions like paranoia and panic, leading them to avoid what some refer to as the devil’s lettuce. A groundbreaking study now pinpoints the specific compounds that cause these contrasting effects, identifying strains high in cannabidiol (CBD) and with low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as the most beneficial for reducing anxiety.
Recent research aligns with the growing body of evidence suggesting CBD’s potential as an effective treatment for anxiety. Although the use of legal medicinal cannabis is on the rise in several regions, the industry is still navigating through its infancy stage.
The University of Colorado Boulder researchers embarked on a mission to investigate how different levels of CBD and THC in legally available cannabis products influence anxiety symptoms in users. Their focus was on the effects of cannabis flowers, as opposed to derivatives like oils and gummies.
The study recruited 300 participants diagnosed with anxiety, including both seasoned cannabis users and novices. This initiative marked the first of its kind, examining both immediate and prolonged impacts of legal market cannabis on anxiety.
For their experiment, the research team selected three variations of legal cannabis flowers based on their THC to CBD ratios, reflecting the range of potencies shoppers might encounter.
- A THC-heavy strain with 24 percent THC and minimal (
- A balanced strain with equal parts THC and CBD (12 percent), common in non-regulated environments.
- A CBD-focused strain featuring a dominant 24 percent CBD and less than 1 percent THC.
A control group abstained from cannabis use, serving as a baseline for comparison.
The participants freely chose the dosage and method of consuming cannabis, with most preferring smoking through pipes, bongs, or joints, although a few opted for vaporizing or other methods.
Notably, the group using the CBD-dominant strain reported almost no impairment and lessened tension after use. They also experienced significantly less paranoia compared to the other cannabis strains’ users.
At the four-week study conclusion, all participants, including non-users, noted reduced anxiety. The cannabis-using cohorts, particularly those on the CBD-dominant strain, highlighted more substantial anxiety relief.
Cinnamon Bidwell, a neuroscientist part of the study, emphasized the clarity of the short-term benefits: CBD was notably effective for anxiety relief without the harmful effects seen with THC.
The study revealed that while strains with a higher THC content might trigger paranoia short-term, they didn’t negate the anti-anxiety benefits of cannabis use over time.
Gregory Giordano, a professional research assistant, highlighted that their findings suggest THC does not heighten anxiety in the long term, and CBD-rich cannabis could offer sustained reduction in anxiety symptoms.
The full details of this research can be found in the publication Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
FAQs about CBD, THC, and Anxiety Relief
- What is CBD?
- CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants that has been associated with various health benefits, including anxiety relief, without inducing a high.
- What is THC?
- THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes the ‘high’ sensation but can also lead to adverse side effects like paranoia and anxiety in some users.
- Can CBD help reduce anxiety?
- According to this study and other research, CBD has shown to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms without the risk of the side effects associated with THC.
- Is it better to use a CBD-dominant strain for anxiety?
- Based on this study, CBD-dominant strains may lead to tension and anxiety relief with minimal side effects, indicating their potential superiority for anxiety relief.
- Can THC still provide anxiety relief?
- While THC might induce paranoia in the short term, the study suggests that it does not increase long-term anxiety and may contribute to the overall anti-anxiety effects of cannabis.
Conclusion
This pioneering study shifts the narrative around cannabis by disentangling the roles of CBD and THC in treating anxiety. The evident anxiety-easing properties of CBD-dominant cannabis strains offer a promising alternative for those seeking relief without the undesired effects of THC. It paves the way for more informed choices in the burgeoning legal cannabis market and promotes a deeper understanding of the plant’s therapeutic potential. Although promising, continued research is vital to deepen the understanding of these findings and assist in the development and regulation of cannabis-based anxiety treatments.