Weed for Stress: A Possible Treatment?

Stress is a natural response to life's many demands and challenges. Data from the American Psychological Association found that nearly a quarter of adults self-reported having high stress levels, up 19% from 2019. 

Current figures suggest that stress affects adults 35 to 44 the most, but the rise in stress levels is not exclusive to middle-aged adults. All groups other than seniors age 65 and older saw increases over the same period.  

Cannabis has long been a reported option to reduce or alleviate stress. However, reports can vary among users, with some experiencing increased stress levels due to overconsumption or other adverse side effects like paranoia. So, does using weed for stress help? 

Understanding the complex relationship between cannabis and stress requires a closer look at the latest scientific research and how individual factors play a role.

What is Stress?

Stress may be triggered by many factors, be it physical, emotional, or psychological. Everyday situations, including chores, errands, work, and traffic, often elevate stress levels. 

Additionally, substantial life events and challenges can also exacerbate stress, such as job loss or the passing of a loved one. External factors, ranging from a lack of social support to a history of trauma, can increase the risk of an individual experiencing elevated stress for prolonged periods or chronically. 

Conditions such as acute stress disorder, which typically occurs within a month of experiencing a traumatic event, are common, with symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Stress is common and normal in humans, however, chronic or frequent bouts can produce detrimental effects in individuals. 

When experiencing elevated stress levels, a person may develop physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and mental or physical fatigue. Emotional symptoms include anxiety, irritability, and depression. 

In some cases, individuals may engage in behaviors such as overeating, social isolation, or substance abuse. While these responses are common, each individual does respond to stress differently, leaving room for differing results.

Stress is typically treated in several ways. Some can treat or alleviate their symptoms using self-care strategies or lifestyle changes. Others may need additional help, such as talk therapy or medications. 

Mental health professionals can help individuals develop personalized strategies that may best benefit their stress and mental health goals.

Benefits of Using Weed for Stress

Research into using weed for stress and anxiety management has produced mixed results over the years. 

Some studies have suggested that using cannabis may help reduce stress through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, a series of receptors throughout the brain and body. In these cases, individuals might experience decreased stress over time when using cannabis. On the other hand, some cannabis users may see an increase in stress levels that may sometimes be related to tolerance levels or other situational circumstances.¹

While research is ongoing into the relationship between cannabis and stress management, it’s clear that the plant's various compounds play an integral role. Prevalent compounds like the cannabinoids THC and CBD are thought to deliver a range of effects, which often include stress relief, euphoria, relaxation, and sedation. Specifically, CBD has been demonstrated to have strong stress-relieving properties.²

Much like lab studies, anecdotal self-reports over the decades have been mixed. A countless number of individuals report that smoking and consuming weed is effective for stress management. Others claim the opposite, reporting no effect or even adverse outcomes like elevated stress levels or increased paranoia. 

A critical factor appears to be dosing and frequency. In some cases, microdosing cannabis has been reported to be effective by delivering a smaller dose of THC, which reportedly can produce beneficial effects without much or any intoxicating “high” sensations. However, some studies report acute cannabis consumption has been found to increase stress via elevated heart rates and cortisol levels temporarily.¹

Weed and Stress: Are There Any Risks?

While cannabis often presents a relatively low-risk profile to consumers, there are always concerns associated with using the plant for any type of medical purpose. While some studies and anecdotes suggest that using weed for stress management can be beneficial, consumers need to be aware of various potential outcomes, including some that are potentially detrimental to the experience. 

Consuming cannabis can often lead to beneficial effects such as feelings of euphoria and desired altered senses of perception. Unwelcomed effects, such as panic, fear, and depression can also occur.³

Individuals considering using cannabis to address their stress should speak with a medical professional before starting consumption. Doing so will provide the consumer with a clear and complete understanding of their medical needs and how cannabis may impact their situation.

Weed as a Treatment for Stress

Current research suggests that cannabis may play a beneficial role in providing stress relief for some patients. Positive outcomes are particularly common in low-dose cannabis consumption. However, research is ongoing. 

Low or microdosed options may provide stress relief without the intoxicating effects from higher doses that have the potential to result in adverse side effects.⁴ Research suggests that CBD might also be a suitable option for some patients, as it delivers many of the same effects as THC without the intoxicating experience.¹

Researchers note that cannabis should not replace traditional stress treatments. Instead, it should be considered an additional method to relieve stress. In any case, patients are encouraged to consult with a medical professional to determine if cannabis could potentially be beneficial for their health.

Tips for Using Weed for Stress

Anyone looking to find their ideal dosage should use the “start low, go slow method.” This oft-cited process recommends that consumers start with a low edible dosage of around 2.5 mg to 5 mg, wait for at least 2 hours or up to a full 24, and then decide if another dose is needed to reach the desired effects. 

If consuming through smokables, beginners should start with one or two inhales and wait 15 to 30 minutes before deciding to continue consuming or not.⁵ 

The most accurate dosing method is using store-bought tinctures, capsules, or edibles. These modes of consumption provide precise dosing, removing the consumer's guesswork. 

By using “start low, go slow” and consulting with trusted sources of information, consumers can potentially find the most suitable cannabis products for relaxation and stress relief.

Ask a Budtender: Which Weed Products are Best For Stress?

The best weed products for stress management depend highly on the individual consuming them. Patients should note how different products and dosages feel to determine which dose, plant compounds, and consumption methods are best for stress management. 

It's important to remember that each person responds differently to cannabis. While some may claim that they've found a relaxing weed strain that reduced anxiety or stress, it doesn't mean it will have the same effect on the next person. The same applies to anyone claiming that weed gummies, vape carts, or other options have done wonders for their anxiety and stress levels. No strain, product, or other cannabis component is sure to produce the same effect in every consumer. 

When deciding what weed product to try for stress, it may help to consider the stress symptoms and what kind of relief is needed. Some patients may be seeking quick relief, and a smoked or vaped item may deliver faster uptake. These methods are often a high dose with a rapid onset of effects. Others may seek more prolonged or substantial effects, frequently best offered by an edible, and can take up to several hours to take effect. 

Patients can also consider turning to low-dose, micro-dosed, or CBD products to limit intoxicating effects brought on by THC.⁴

It’s best to proceed with caution, even though cannabis often presents a minimal risk profile. With so much variety in outcomes, patients are recommended to consult medical professionals to best assess their treatment. Additionally, maintaining curiosity and being open to learning more about cannabis and its effects is vital to successfully using weed for stress or any other medical condition.

References

1. al'Absi M, Allen AM. Impact of Acute and Chronic Cannabis Use on Stress Response Regulation: Challenging the Belief That Cannabis Is an Effective Method for Coping. Front Psychol. 2021;12:687106. Published 2021 Jul 1. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.687106
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2. Henson JD, Vitetta L, Quezada M, Hall S. Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol. J Clin Med. 2021;10(24):5852.
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3. Turner AR, Spurling BC, Agrawal S. Marijuana Toxicity. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. 
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4. Childs E, Lutz JA, de Wit H. Dose-related effects of delta-9-THC on emotional responses to acute psychosocial stress. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017;177:136-144. 
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5. MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. 
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.