Medical marijuana has emerged as a potential treatment for a number of mental health disorders in the modern age. Anxiety is a prevalent condition that negatively influences millions of individuals. However, it is often managed through conventional modes of treatment. Interestingly, medical marijuana has gained significant popularity as a natural mode of managing anxiety alongside typical medications. However, Floridians are required to get a medical marijuana card Naples for the safe use of this drug for anxiety.
This article will emphasize the role of medical marijuana in managing anxiety disorders in Florida. We will also highlight the importance of legal compliance for the safe use of MMJ.
Understanding Anxiety: A Complete Overview
Anxiety is a state of mind in which a person feels uneasy, restless, or stressed. Some anxiety disorders are associated with mental health conditions that involve excessive nervousness, fear, elevated heart rate, faster breathing, irritability, and restlessness.
Moreover, some people may experience muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty with their sleep cycle. Each of these symptoms has the potential to negatively impact an individual’s quality of life, causing obstacles in their everyday routine and making it difficult for them to work or maintain relationships.
Though they can be treated, anxiety disorders are becoming more common worldwide as time goes on. About 40 million Americans suffer from an anxiety disorder, says the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). However, only a few of those suffering from anxiety disorders, however, receive medical treatment.
Types of anxiety disorders
Among the various types of anxiety disorders, a few are listed below:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): It is a general feeling of worry and lack of focus, such as people find it difficult to sleep or study.
- Panic Attacks: A person may experience shivers of dread and fear and heavy breathing.
- Phobias: It is the condition in which a person has a fear of a particular situation or object.
- Agoraphobias: It involves avoidance of certain gatherings, events, and places.
- Social anxiety: a persistent fear of social situations and negative evaluation by others, leading individuals to avoid social interactions.
Conventional ways of managing anxiety
Anxiety can last for a very long period if left untreated. Treatments for anxiety vary depending on the type of anxiety. Currently, the conventional methods of coping with anxiety include:
1. Psychological treatments
Psychotherapy, sometimes known as talk therapy, is a first-line treatment for anxiety. It attempts to assist an individual in comprehending the ideas, convictions, or experiences that can be causing ongoing worry, as well as strategies for altering or managing them. Among some kinds of therapy are:
- acceptance and commitment therapy
- exposure therapy
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- psychodynamic therapy
2. Physical treatments (medications)
In cases of extreme anxiety, pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed. Certain antidepressants appear to be beneficial for anxiety disorders as well.
3. Alternative therapies and self-help
The following complementary therapies and self-help techniques may be helpful for anxiety:
- exercise
- proper nutrition intake
- meditation
Although they have many drawbacks, conventional anxiety treatments are frequently helpful.
Medication-induced improvements in panic attacks are common, but patients who use these drugs to manage their symptoms run a serious risk of dependence and withdrawal.
Despite initially responding favorably to traditional therapies, the majority of people with generalized anxiety continue to experience anxiety over the long term. Conventional treatments often fail to be effective in treating phobias, obsessions, or compulsions.
Owing to the latest advancements in healthcare and the importance of alternative medicine, MMJ is gaining popularity. Read on to learn how MMJ can help with coping with anxiety.
Medical marijuana and anxiety disorders
After thousands of years of use as a herbal remedy, marijuana is now more widely legal in the United States for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Researchers are also starting to look into the potential effects of compounds found in marijuana, such as THC and CBD, on mental health conditions like anxiety.
Before delving into the specifics of cannabis and anxiety, you must understand that marijuana constitutes two primary active ingredients: THC and CBD.
The psychoactive constituent in marijuana, THC, is what causes a marijuana “high.”
The non-psychoactive substance known as CBD has a number of possible medicinal uses.
The benefits of cannabis use that are frequently mentioned are as follows:
- enhanced tranquility
- enhanced sense of relaxation
- more peaceful sleep
Along with additional advantages like increased mental clarity and a decrease in severe symptoms, the majority of marijuana users have also mentioned the following advantages.
Symptomatic Relief
Medical cannabis can help to relieve the symptoms of agoraphobia, social anxiety, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which includes flashbacks and trauma responses, phobias, and anxiety-related sleep disturbances.
According to study, CBD may be an effective treatment for anxiety, especially social anxiety. Moreover, there is some evidence that THC, at modest levels, may be beneficial. Marijuana may also specifically affect the neurotransmitter GABA, which can stop anxiety from manifesting, thereby relaxing the mind of a person.
Based on a clinical study involving both human and animal participants, those who took 400 mg of CBD as opposed to a placebo showed a significant anxiety reduction. Although marijuana use is not for everyone, there is no disputing that medical marijuana—or at least a portion of it might be helpful for some individuals.
However, opting for this type of treatment involves the role of a medical marijuana doctor as well as the acquisition of a medical marijuana card. You must adhere to medical marijuana laws in Florida for the responsible and safe use of this alternative drug.
Final Thoughts
Medical marijuana is a potential alternative therapy for those grappling with anxiety along with other forms of conventional treatment. However, you can use medical marijuana through the guidance of My Florida Green doctors, who can ease your journey towards cannabis in Florida. We can assist you in navigating the medical marijuana card Naples process and making informed decisions with regard to medical marijuana.
