Is Indica CBD Good for Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are a mental health condition that makes it difficult for people to stay calm or relaxed throughout the day. Common anxiety symptoms include nervousness, panic attacks, extreme anxiety/traumatic event, increased heart rate, sweating, tremors, etc.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, more than 40 million people in the United States experience anxiety. About 19.1% of adults and 7% of children between the ages of three and seventeen suffer from anxiety, stressful situations, depression or stress each year.

Learning about anxiety, deep relaxation techniques, physical relaxation, breathing techniques, mindfulness, meditation, exercise, dietary changes, cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, medication, and group support are common methods of managing anxiety.

However, recent research has shown that cannabis plants or cannabis products, including marijuana strains such as indica or sativa strains, can help manage anxiety. Some studies highlight that the best cannabis strains, including the right high-CBD strains, can reduce anxiety.

Today’s article will discuss indica strains and how they differ from cannabis sativa plants or hybrid strains, highlighting the evidence-based benefits of medicinal cannabis and how it reduces anxiety symptoms. Continue reading!

What are indica strains?

The cannabis industry has grown in recent years. There are different types of cannabis. Indica strains come from the cannabis plant. The cannabis indica plant is usually bushier and shorter than the sativa plant. Some studies point out that the best strains get the body/brain high and promote deep relaxation.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabis product with excellent medicinal benefits for physical and mental well-being. Indica is a cannabis plant, while CBD is an essential compound found in hemp plants and marijuana. People use marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes.

Remember that CBD is an integral part of the indica strain. On the other hand, sativa strains are popular for their “head high”, energizing, refreshing, and euphoric effects.

Sativa plants are also high in THC and CBD, which interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors to reduce stress and anxiety and improve concentration, focus, and creativity. Types of cannabis determine the medicinal effects on different areas of the body, including the brain.

Indica strains produce full-body effects, combat anxiety, increase deep relaxation, and reduce insomnia. Popular choices or strains include Northern Lights, Wedding Cake, Strawberry Banana, Hindu Kush, Granddaddy Purple, and Girl Scout Cookies.

How does Indica CBD interact with the brain?

A research study published on NCBI states that the NMDA receptor in the brain plays a crucial role in neuroplasticity and related functions, including language learning, cognitive behavioral enhancement and memory retention. Indica CBD has excellent neuroprotective properties.

It regulates brain functions, including mood optimization, learning, and memory formation. It also interacts with other receptors to produce antipsychotic and anticonvulsant effects. More research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of indica CBD strains on the endocannabinoid system in the brain.

Research and scientific studies are essential to understand the unique effects of different indica CBD doses, medicinal properties, and drug delivery. Some studies highlight that high concentrations of CBD are safe for people with anxiety because CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects.

Indica CBD vs THC

Although Indica CBD and THC have the same chemical formula and contain 30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms and two oxygen atoms, both have different properties due to different atomic configurations or arrangements.

So, the different atomic arrangements give CBD and THC different physical and chemical properties. This means that CBD and THC have different effects on the human body. Both THC and CBD interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body, particularly those that release neurotransmitters in the brain.

Both have an effect on the thighs such as memory, sedative effects, sleep, mood, stress and anxiety. Unlike sativa plants, which contain higher amounts of THC than CBD, indica plants have higher doses of CBD than THC.

Therefore, Indica CBD tends to produce calming and relaxing effects on the brain. On the other hand, sativa causes a “high” or enhanced euphoric effect. Higher doses of sativa THC can produce side effects, including:

• Dry mouth

• Red eyes

• Increased heart rate

• coordination problems

• memory loss

• euphoric effect

• fear

In contrast, Indica CBD is an excellent option for treating anxiety and other conditions such as cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It also promotes deep relaxation and has a positive effect on the muscles of the body. Sleep aid and reduced symptoms of insomnia are other benefits of Indica CBD. Now let’s discuss what research studies say about Indica CBD for anxiety.

Can Indica CBD Help With Anxiety?

A growing body of research shows that Indica CBD can help with major depressive disorders, including stress, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder or attacks, and social anxiety.

However, there is a need for further research in different populations to validate the effectiveness of Indica CBD in depressive disorders. Most of these studies have been conducted on animals.

More studies in cannabis users (humans) are needed to determine if indica CBD can treat anxiety like antidepressants. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, Indica CBD is safe to take with antidepressants and muscle relaxants.

However, you must check with your healthcare provider or doctor before combining cannabis or marijuana with antidepressants such as SSRIs for anxiety. The same study from the National Institute of Drug Abuse shows that CBD interacts with receptors in the brain and triggers neurotransmitters to release serotonin, a chemical that reduces stress/anxiety symptoms and improves mood. Serotonin also helps with:

• mood

• Sleep

• digestion

• behavior

• calming effect

• muscle relaxation

Additionally, a research study published on NCBI suggests that increased levels of serotonin may improve anxiety symptoms. Medications, including analgesics and antidepressants, regulate serotonin levels. However, a similar study highlights that CBD works similarly to antidepressants, anti-anxiety, or prescription drugs.

According to Nature.com, Indica CBD can reduce anxiety and panic disorders, including social anxiety. Another study shows that CBD reduces social anxiety and public anxiety symptoms and improves confidence and public speaking skills.

A 2015 study reviewing more than 49 research studies found that indica CBD may help with various disorders, including social anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder (PTSD).

A 2019 research study published in the National Library of Medicine found that indica CBD can treat people with anxiety and sleep disorders, including trouble falling asleep and insomnia. Medical marijuana can reduce feelings of anxiety and promote positive mood and behavior.

The same study highlighted that anxiety symptoms improved for 80% of cannabis users, and around 70% of respondents said medical marijuana, such as Indica CBD, improved their sleep patterns over time, making it an excellent choice for cannabis users .

What is the right dose of Indica CBD for anxiety?

Taking the right dose of Indica CBD is crucial to getting the most out of it. There are several factors to consider when choosing a particular anti-anxiety strain. For example, you need to evaluate the CBD ratio in marijuana or cannabis.

Understanding the CBD ratio in cannabis or marijuana is essential to gaining the beneficial effects and potential benefits of the product. Products with a 1:0 CBD:THC ratio contain only CBD and no THC.

So, pure CBD products produce non-psychoactive effects and promote mild to moderate mood-elevating effects in people with anxiety. Additionally, products that do not contain THC can provide anxiety relief without side effects.

Experts recommend taking the right dose for deep relaxation during the day. On the other hand, you can use a balanced cannabis product with equal levels of CBD and THC. Using Indica CBD during the day is more beneficial as it has a positive effect on your entire body and promotes relaxation.

For example, products with a 1:1 ratio have mild to moderate psychoactive effects and relieve anxiety symptoms. However, results may vary from person to person. It depends on how their immune system and brain respond to the compounds. Note that the dose depends on individual needs.

Balanced or hybrid strains allow cannabis users to benefit from the sedative effects of THC, while at the same time CBD reduces THC’s side effects on the brain and other body organs.

Additionally, the psychoactive effects of THC-CBD hybrid cannabis products are mild, allowing your body to function properly throughout the day. As such, pure CBD products are special strains, and along with hybrid strains, they benefit those suffering from anxiety.

Although there is no standard indica CBD dose for anxiety, University of Washington researchers report that 300 mg to 600 mg of CBD is an adequate dose for people to reduce anxiety and social phobias. However, more research is needed to determine the effective dose and potential risks. You can take Indica CBD in a variety of forms, including:

• CBD oils

• essential oils

• drops

• capsules

• steam

• teas

• Sweets

last words

Anxiety is a major depressive disorder that can have a massive impact on your physical and mental health. It lowers your self-esteem, decreases concentration/focus/coordination skills, and increases the risk of chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, chronic pain relief, heart disease, and insomnia.

Although you can take antidepressants, opioids, and narcotics to reduce anxiety symptoms, long-term use of these drugs can cause serious side effects and complications. On the other hand, Indica CBD is a safer, more efficient, and more reliable way to reduce anxiety. Therefore, it is the best choice for anxiety patients.

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