The science about the relationship between CBD vs THC may be skint. But there are promising findings when it comes to the link between both for treating acute anxiety.
This is to say, (and, yes, we know, it’s a pretty big claim) – should CBD and THC be proven legitimate replacements for benzos and SSRIs, this could benefit an entire generation.
Too often, individuals who are attempting to recover their mental and emotional well being succumb to addiction. They have, inadvertently, become addicted to prescription drugs which started off as an attempt to treat their anxiety.
This is due to physiological changes that occur in the brain after having taken SSRIs or benzodiazepines (i.e. benzos or BDZs) for an extended period of time. It could mean patients would no longer be at risk of physical addiction from heavy-duty tranquillizers so often handed out by big pharma.
The solution in maintaining one’s overall health, then, lies in adopting a medicine that few people think about – specifically, CBD and THC.
There is still a long way to go in dispelling rumours and navigating minefields of misinformation when it comes to CBD vs THC for treatment.
That’s why we’re going to dive into the current landscape of mental health in North America and consider a handful of studies. Then you can determine whether or not you want to pursue CBD and THC as a possible treatment for anxiety.
How CBD and THC will Kick Benzos to the Curb
It should come as no surprise that this next generation of adults is likely to never know a time without extreme duress. With work-related pressures alongside mounting student-loan debt, stress has become a familiar presence.
The problem is that consistently high levels of stress can, and does, kill.
It’s little wonder that more than 40 million North American adults suffer from varying degrees of acute and generalized anxiety disorders.
Astonishingly, the market for more traditional treatment protocols is expected to reach $3.8B by 2020 (yes, that is a ‘B’).
What’s more, aside from handing over so much cash to big pharma, few professionals in the industry understand what Xanax and other benzos do to the brain chemistry of young adults. One thing is clear, though: it isn’t all good.
Consider, for example, the opioid epidemic in North America. The rate of suicides and accidental overdoses continue to increase within this particular demographic. Suddenly, it becomes quite clear that something is amiss.
But what is one to do if crippled by panic, obsessive-compulsive disorders, or the like? Enter cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol, or CBD and THC.
CBD and THC for Anxiety
CBD is all the rage in helping to treat those suffering from PTSD, convulsive disorders, anxiety and insomnia, just to name a few.
Sometimes it is important to recall that THC can also help in balancing out the calming effects of cannabidiol oil. In so doing, the sufferer can remain productive and not grow lethargic or overly fatigued.
That said, first consider how benzos work. Xanax and Valium (two popular examples among hundreds, literally) are meant to bind to receptors in the brain known as GABAs.
GABAs are supposed to regulate the body’s natural response to stress and distress. But, over time, they are no longer able to cope sufficiently with one’s natural environment and need a little help in calming down.
Prescription drugs, then, claim to force GABAs to open and allow for the brain to grow relaxed by inhibiting too much positively-charged potassium to escape.
What’s concerning is that the brain becomes reconditioned. It begins to expect more and more of this sort of relief and, so, like any drug, demands increasing levels of dopamine so as to feel ‘better’.
This is where CBD and THC prove most beneficial in acting together in what is known as the entourage effect.
While THC is a psychoactive compound found in marijuana, it is also responsible for monitoring dopamine levels. CBD, in comparison, goes to work on the GABA receptors and allows them to chillax…
but just not too much!
What’s more, a study at the NYU School of Medicine confirmed this in seizure patients who experienced a 41.9% reduction in convulsive behaviour.
One should be careful, but, as THC can result in paranoia and increased levels of anxiety. Especially in those already prone to mental health woes associated with anxiety.
This is why working closely with a local budtender and medical team is important for getting the ratio right in a start-low, go-slow manner.
Additionally, and in monitoring the ratio of CBD vs THC, the patient can also safely kick the benzo habit to the curb for good.
CBD to the Rescue
As we mentioned, clinical trials are promising in their confirmation of CBD as an effective and non-addictive alternative to costly benzos.
The first studies done on stressed mice showed that CBD caused neurogenesis on the hippocampal.
To simplify this, the hippocampus is an area in the brain that plays a large role in cognition and memory formation.
Brain scans of those suffering from anxiety often have a smaller hippocampus than those who do not suffer from such mental ailments.
What’s more, CBD also shows promise as a replacement for SSRIs used in the treatment of depression and anxiety. SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
And, just like with benzos, CBD can also block the reuptake of serotonin into the brain.
While CBD and SSRIs may act similarly, one comes with a slew of negative side-effects. SSRIs can trigger addiction, brain reconditioning, and, sadly, an elevated risk of suicide.
CBD poses nothing of the sort.
What does Science Say about CBD and THC?
Studies show that anxiety disorders are now being effectively treated through CBD-heavy strains of cannabis.
Strains include:
- Bubba Kush
- Skywalker OG Kush
- Blueberry Lambsbread
- Kosher Kush
Multiple studies have indicated that many patients find relief from the symptoms of anxiety by using medical cannabis. We just hope that this research can help those previously hampered by crippling anxiety to regain their lives.
Lastly, and most exciting of all, is the safety profile exhibited by those using CBD and THC in reducing their PTSD, GAD, PD, OCD, and SAD symptoms.
Yes, there is a reduction in anxiety without the risk of addiction nor an increase in feelings of sedation!
Final Thoughts
The above ought to be enough to at least have you curious and embarking on your own exploratory journey regarding the reuptake of CBD and THC to treat anxiety.
Don’t take it from us, but from the scientific community that is embarking on studies to find out more about how to rescue an entire generation at risk of ongoing distress.