With the worldwide increase of medical cannabis use in treatment of various health conditions, studies and advocates have shown that medical cannabis can be used in the treatment of anxiety disorder. Some advocates believe that cannabis contains chemical compounds that can treat anxiety but others argue that cannabis causes anxiety.

People have used medical marijuana to treat depression in the past. Around 400 years ago, people in India used cannabis to treat depression. Within the last century, researchers from all over the world have examined and analyzed the herb to determine its medical benefits for the patients. Most states have already legalized medical cannabis.

The chemical makeup of cannabis, particularly the presence of Cannabidiol, a chemical compound commonly referred to as CBD, is the primary ingredient in anxiety treatment. Tetrahydrocannabinol, another chemical compound in cannabis known as THC, prevents vomiting and nausea in cancer patients.

A brief history of medical cannabis for treatment of anxiety

Legalization of cannabis for medical purposes has been a hot topic in the modern world. The topic is very controversial with many people arguing from every side of the debate. Over 400 years ago, Indians used cannabis to treat stress and depression – specifically the CBD-rich marijuana. Later, its use as a medicine spread throughout Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The ancient physicians prescribed the drug for almost everything including childbirth.

In the 18th Century, some American journals began recommending hemp roots and seeds to treat venereal disease and inflamed skin.

Queen Victoria is known to have used hemp to treat menstrual cramp discomfort. Today, the drug’s use in the medical world is always increasing.

Anxiety disorders treated with medical cannabis 

Anxiety disorders imply more than temporary fear or worries. For individuals with the disorder, anxiety does not go away but instead it gets worse with time. It might affect their daily activities, relationships and even their job performance.

At times, physical evaluation to determine whether the patient’s anxiety is associated with physical illnesses is necessary. Also, the disorder is occasionally paired with conditions like depression, alcoholism and other coexisting conditions. If another medical condition exists, patients should seek treatment for them before seeking for anxiety disorder treatment.

Does medical marijuana treat anxiety?

Most people with anxiety disorder find relief from anxiety symptoms after using medical marijuana. A number of studies also suggest that the use of medical cannabis can reduce the feelings of anxiety.

Benefits of medical marijuana:

• Medical marijuana can be used for pain management.
• Medical marijuana relieves symptoms of depression.
• Medical marijuana can be used to treat nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy.