Cannabis has long been a subject of fascination due to its paradoxical effects – some users find solace and relaxation, while others experience heightened anxiety and paranoia. A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder sheds light on this duality, confirming that specific chemicals in cannabis, particularly strains high in cannabidiol (CBD) and low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are more effective at easing anxiety.
The research, the first of its kind, aimed to examine how varying levels of CBD and THC in legal cannabis products affect anxiety symptoms. Three hundred participants with anxiety, including both experienced cannabis users and non-users, were recruited for the study.
The cannabis provided by a Colorado-based dispensary included three different strains with varying THC and CBD levels:
•A THC-dominant strain with 24 percent THC and less than 1 percent CBD.
•A strain with equal parts THC and CBD (12 percent each), representative of street-available ratios.
•A CBD-dominant strain with less than 1 percent THC and 24 percent CBD.
Participants were given the liberty to choose when and how much cannabis they consumed, with the average intake being about three times a week. Most participants opted to inhale the cannabis through pipes, bongs, and joints.
The results showed that participants in the CBD-dominant group experienced immediate relief from tension and anxiety after smoking, with minimal impairment and significantly reduced feelings of paranoia compared to the other groups. Over the four-week study period, all cannabis groups reported greater reductions in anxiety compared to the non-cannabis group, with the CBD-dominant group reporting the most significant improvements.
Lead researcher Cinnamon Bidwell, a neuroscientist, highlighted the potential of CBD products in relieving anxiety without the associated risks or harms of THC or prescription medications. While strains with higher THC levels increased the short-term risk of paranoia, they did not negate the anti-anxiety effects of the drug.
Gregory Giordano, a professional research assistant involved in the study, emphasized that THC did not exacerbate anxiety in the long term, while CBD-dominant cannabis was associated with acute tension reduction, suggesting potential longer-term benefits for anxiety symptoms.
These findings provide valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of cannabis, particularly CBD-dominant strains, in managing anxiety. As legal cannabis products continue to gain acceptance, understanding the nuanced effects of different strains can aid individuals in choosing products tailored to their needs, promoting well-being and mental health.
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