Marijuana and Anxiety
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Statistics show that marijuana is the most widely-consumed illegal drug in the United States. However, in some states marijuana use is permitted for medical purposes, and it may be recommended as an anxiety treatment. Anecdotal evidence shows that smoking or otherwise ingesting marijuana may help some patients cope with the symptoms of anxiety disorders. Some research shows, however, that marijuana may actually increase anxiety.[1]
Experts state that there has not been conclusive evidence to support any claims for or against marijuana use when it comes to anxiety. Evidence shows that a large percentage of marijuana users struggle with anxiety. However, it is unclear if the relationship between the two is causal, or if those with anxiety are simply more likely to turn to marijuana as a treatment.[2]
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| Other names for marijuana | Weed, ganga, smoke, buds, reefer, herb, grass, pot, ect. |
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| Manufacturer | Independently grown |
| Uses | Treats an assortment of illnesses, also used for recreation |
| Common side effects | Bloodshot eyes, cotton mouth, impaired cognitive function |
| Who should not take marijuana | Pregnant women |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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About Marijuana
Marijuana comes from Cannabis plants, and the active ingredient in the drug is THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabanol. The THC causes a state of "euphoria" that begins to fade after several hours but can continue to some degree for up to 24 hours. Marijuana can be consumed in a number of ways. The most common form of consumption is inhaling the smoke from burning dried flowers or leaves of the plant. However, marijuana can also be steeped into a tea and drank or cooked into other edible substances.[3]
Marijuana and Anxiety
Symptoms of anxiety can include incessant worrying, feelings of restlessness, inability to concentrate, fast heartbeat, shallow breathing, insomnia and shakiness. Even when symptoms are not as severe, anxiety sufferers may find themselves worrying about their safety or their loved ones when there is no immediate threat. While it normal to have some anxiety, it becomes a problem when it interferes with everyday life and happiness.[4]
Some patients prefer marijuana over traditional prescription anxiety treatments such as Zoloft, Valium, or Xanax because they claim to experience fewer side effects. One 2004 study by the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome reported that 57% of marijuana patients experienced a reduction of anxiety and depression.[5]
However, marijuana use is linked to anxiety in some users. Marijuana may induce a number of side effects, including impaired judgment, slowed motor skills, and delirium. It may also lead to a condition known as Cannabis-induced anxiety disorder.[1]
Smoking marijuana is also known to cause paranoia in users which can potentially lead to anxiety, at least in the short term. This paranoia is similar to that experienced by schizophrenics. One study at Canada's University of Western Ontario found that rats given a drug similar to marijuana exhibited fearful behavior in situations where other rats with cannabinoid receptors in their brains blocked, resulting in the opposite effect of getting "stoned," showed no signs of fear.[6]
Barack Obama on Medical Marijuana
Also See: Marijuana and Depression, Marijuana and Weight, Marijuana Side Effects, Marijuana and Cancer, Marijuana and Pregnancy, Marijuana and Alcohol, Marijuana and Glaucoma, Medical Marijuana, Marijuana and Pain, Marijuana Coupons
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/evidence99/marijuana/Health_1.html
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19693792
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/marijuana-use-and-its-effects
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/generalized-anxiety-disorder/DS00502/DSECTION=symptoms
- ↑ http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=226
- ↑ http://healthland.time.com/2011/04/06/why-pot-smokers-are-paranoid/
