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Here at Pura Vida Cannabis, we are firm believers that cannabis has more benefits than just recreation. We have always found the calming effects of this plant to help with the stress of life.

Cannabis is a complicated plant, and anxiety is a complicated issue. Your ideal strain, product, dose, and regimen may vary and you should expect your relationship with cannabis as an anti-anxiety medicine to change over the years. So caution, moderation, and time are always recommended.

Research on marijuana vs. anxiety

Cannabis is relaxing. Well, it should be, but if you’ve ever smoked a little too much or underestimated an infused edible, you know quite well that THC can sometimes turn on this reputation. We’ve all been there.

When it comes to high-THC cannabis and anxiety, there’s one thing to keep in mind based on research: At lower doses, cannabis seems to help anxiety; at higher doses, it seems to worsen it. 

So why does cannabis soothe anxiety at some doses and exacerbate at others? Answering that requires a closer look at our bodies system that cannabis primarily interacts with: the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is a vast system of receptors found throughout each of our bodies: in our brains, organs, guts, skin—these cannabinoid receptors are widespread and play an important role in ensuring that the body is operating in healthy balance. Our bodies naturally produce cannabis-like compounds—called endocannabinoids—that act similarly to cannabis compounds and also interact with the ECS, but sometimes their production gets messed up. Moderate cannabis use can help regulate this system. 

Cannabis terpenes are another factor when it comes to answers around the plant’s anti-anxiety effects. Terpenes are fragrant oils produced by the plant that make up its aroma, and researchers are exploring what amount they provide additional therapeutic benefits. For example, the terpene limonene has been studied for its anti-anxiety benefits. Further research is needed to understand how individual terpenes impact the overall therapeutic experience of cannabis.

But as a general rule, when using cannabis medically, start slow. Research strains that are known for therapeutic effects. And incorporate CBD as well.

***We are not medical professionals. Always consult your doctor with how you are treating psychological issues.

Cannabis Before Surgery?

It is generally recommended that cannabis not be used for several days or weeks before having surgery. Though research is limited, there are suggestions cannabis may interfere with anesthesia even though cannabis does reduce anxiety and nausea. Cannabis causes the blood vessels of the body to relax, a process called vasodilation, which can cause the blood pressure to fall and the heart rate to increase, circulating your blood more quickly, effecting localized freezing time and effectiveness.

Is It Safe to Use Cannabis After Surgery?

There are a lot of adverse effects of prescribed opioid painkillers after surgery, so how does cannabis compare and help manage unwanted symptoms?

One study, led by the Imperial College London in the United Kingdom and the Medical Research Council and published in the Journal of Anesthesiology, researchers found that Cannador, a cannabis plant extract, has significant pain relieving effects for those suffering from post-operation pain.

How does it Work?

Cannabis extracts work due to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These receptors interact with the cannabinoids in Cannador and helped to strengthen the body’s ability to reduce pain feeling. The doctors changed the dose level of the drug per patient. The results were obvious and positive: as the dose increased, patients experienced less pain. However, the Cannador did have some side effects like increased heart rate that came along with a high dose.

The study showed cannabis was beneficial for use after surgery, providing ideal pain relief with few side effects. This potentially means we could see doctors prescribe cannabis or cannabis extract in the future as pain relief alternatives.

‍ Cannabis and Surgery – Edibles not Smoking 

The medical industry definitely has a long way to go before just anyone can get a cannabis prescription after surgery. But for those who have just had surgery (us and many of you out there) and are looking to use cannabis to treat pain, they might want to consider various ways of administrating the cannabis. Instead of smoking cannabis, we suggest tinctures and edibles. Especially if you’ve had heart or lungs surgery, coughing can interrupt the healing process and we don’t want that.

****We are not medical professionals. Always contact your doctor for their pain management and health suggestions.

In the same way aromatherapy tends works, inhaling the scent of certain terpenes has been associated with a boost in emotional well-being. The sweet, floral scent of the terpene linalool, for example, found in lavender and certain strains, has a calming, sedative effect. Limonene, a terpene found in citrus fruits and peppermint, has a mood-elevating effect, while pinene, found in sage and conifers has been shown to aid in alertness.

New studies show that terpenes have physical health benefits as well. A study published in the Journal of Toxicological Research showed that the Japanese practice of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, in a terpene-rich environment has potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective affects on human health.

Breaking Down the Science

Recently it’s been identified that the terpenes also act directly on brain cells to modulate their activity. The terpene beta-caryophyllene found in basil, oregano, black pepper, and cannabis has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving benefits. A study by the Chongqing Medical University in China showed exciting results in using this terpene to treat Alzheimer’s disease. The neurotherapeutic potential extends to other terpenes as well. In some lab models, high doses of linalool showed anti-seizure and anti-epileptic effects.

Cannabis Terpenes: The Entourage Effect

It’s believed that the terpenes present in various strains of cannabis boost the effect of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Known as the entourage effect. The idea is that multiple cannabinoids combined with multiple terpenes lead to better therapeutic benefits than the cannabinoids alone. More research is being done to prove this theory. But cannabis with a higher terpene amount most likely boosts the effects as well as the flavor and benefits.