A common misconception is that anxiety disorders and mental illnesses can just resolve on their own. Mental illnesses require attention and can be managed with the right treatments. The two most popular treatments are Pharmacological and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
Pharmacological treatment involves prescribed medications that attempt to reduce and alleviate the symptoms associated with anxiety, panic and stress. These often start at low doses and can be prescribed for as little as 6 months or for a lifetime. CBT is a supportive method of treatment involving solo or small group therapy which involves identifying patterns of anxiety, inducing said patterns and then attempting to challenge and overcome them. Although pharmacologic treatment has been proven effective for managing anxiety, some individuals do not like the side effects associated with anxiety medications and are searching for a more natural way to manage their condition.
Medical cannabis has been proven to be an effective option for many patients suffering from anxiety. Oftentimes, the cannabinoid cannabidiol, or CBD, works best for individuals suffering from anxiety, as it has anti-anxiety properties. One study in 2019 used CBD to treat people who were struggling with anxiety and sleep. Almost 80% of people’s anxiety improved, and almost 70% reported improved sleep in the first month.
Individuals looking to use medical cannabis as a treatment option for anxiety may use it either alongside other medications such as pharmaceuticals or as their primary medication. We are here as your medical cannabis doctor’s office to provide guidance however you would like to use your medication, and offer full education and ongoing support on dosing, strain selection, and much more.
Navigating the challenges of any anxiety disorder can be difficult, especially during transitional periods in life or alongside other conditions such as menopause or depression. Medical cannabis has the potential to be an alternative to traditional over-the-counter drugs or prescription options like Lyrica. It can also be useful alongside other holistic approaches such as breathing exercises and therapy.
At Apollo, we know that learning how to cope with anxiety is often a long process, and we are here to help with 7 day a week support. Our team of patient educators work with you to determine what products, strains (Sativa vs Indica), cannabinoids (CBD vs THC), and dosage will be the best option for you in terms of relief, cost, and ingestion method.
