The TGA has indicated there is an established history of use for medical cannabis and anxiety. There are many causes of anxiety and a range of treatment options depending on your symptoms. Our doctors can assess whether medical cannabis is appropriate for your anxiety based on your individual circumstances.
Treating Anxiety with Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis may be an effective treatment for some people living with anxiety. In addition to its role in regulating our endocannabinoid system, medical cannabis may be suitable for some patients as a substitute for benzodiazepines and antidepressants, subject to appropriate medical supervision. Medical cannabis may also be prescribed to treat sleep disorders associated with anxiety and depression.
How it works
Consultation Options for Medical Cannabis and CBD Oil
During the initial consultation, one of our doctors will tailor your medicine according to your specific needs. Follow up consultations will ensure your medication is working as intended. mágū makes the process simple with a monthly subscription option and costs between $5-10 per day on average.
- Initial Telehealth call with an Australian registered Doctor
- No referral required
- Personalised prescription & treatment plan
- The Doctor will call you at your designated time via phone
- Follow up Telehealth call with an Australian registered Doctor
- Monitoring of treatment plan
- Order new prescription if needed
- The Doctor will call you at your designated time via phone
Medical Cannabis & Anxiety
Social Science & Medicine reports that roughly 50% of patients cite anxiety as a reason for using medical cannabis. Recent interest in medical cannabis has resulted in clinical research being conducted to examine our endocannabinoid system’s role in regulating mental health.
A study in the Journal of Neuroscience showed that three areas in our brain contain many CB1 receptors, which are part of our endocannabinoid system. The areas of your brain that control anxiety, mood, and emotion are:
- the amygdala,
- hippocampus, and
- prefrontal cortex
Studies have shown that when the normal function of our endocannabinoid system is interrupted, this results in anxiety and depression. For example, one study in Psychopharmacology involved breeding mice which were devoid of cannabinoid receptors. Researchers found those mice had higher levels of anxiety than mice with cannabinoid receptors.
There is limited research into the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis to treat anxiety in humans. However, one study has shown that women with low levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide often report having anxiety. This suggests that an endocannabinoid deficiency correlates with having increased anxiety.
As more research into medical cannabis and anxiety emerges, many patients are talking to their doctors about various cannabis treatments for a wide range of mental health conditions.
Medical Cannabis and Anxiety Research
Research has shown that the following phytocannabinoids work to improve anxiety and depression:
- CBD can have anti anxiety effects in both low and high doses, depending on the user’s response.
- CBD, CBG, CBC, and CBN allow the endocannabinoid anandamide to last longer, which can reduce anxiety symptoms.
THC increases the action of anandamide, however studies and patient reports show that low doses of THC relieve anxiety while higher doses can trigger anxiety.
THC, CBD and Anxiety
If you suffer from anxiety or are prone to panic, it is important that you do not take too much high THC in your medical cannabis without doctor supervision. Large doses of THC-rich cannabis can produce a loss of efficacy endocannabinoid system response, resulting in increased anxiety. As such, high CBD products may be prescribed as an alternative to THC. One of the practical benefits of CBD is that you may continue to drive in Australia whilst taking CBD to treat anxiety.
Medical Cannabis and Anxiety Advice
If you are already prescribed other medications for your anxiety then you should speak to a doctor about whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you. If appropriate, your doctor will advise how medical cannabis can be incorporated into your treatment. It is not advisable to discontinue treatment with any psychiatric medications unless indicated by your doctor. Doing so may cause adverse and unwanted side effects and/or withdrawal symptoms.
Most patients with anxiety who are suitable for medical cannabis will either take it in conjunction with other medications, or will otherwise slowly transition from other medications to medical cannabis under medical supervision.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the most common mental illness in Australia. One in four Australians experience anxiety at some point in their life. This equates to approximately six and a half million people, with roughly a third of them suffering from this mental health condition within the past year. Anxiety disorders can include:
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Panic attacks
- Phobias (such as agoraphobia)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder,
- Separation anxiety
What Causes Anxiety?
There are many anxiety triggers that can cause somebody to experience a high level of uneasiness, stress and worry. This can make identifying the source of anxiety quite difficult to pinpoint, as every person has their own set of circumstances to consider. In most common factors to consider include:
- Substance addiction
- Continuing stress
- Biological or genetic predisposition
- Health issues
- Personality type
- Trauma
What are Anxiety Symptoms?
Chronic anxiety that affects your daily life can lead to depression if not addressed. Anxiety produces negative emotions that manifest in physiological and psychological symptoms and behaviours. Some of these include:
- Feeling stressed
- Feeling scared
- Shortness of breath/hyperventilation
- Lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Obsessive thoughts
- Distrubed sleep
- Fight or flight response
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Behavioural changes (such as avoiding scenarios, people of objects)
What about repeats?
We understand that medication management can be difficult. We take the hassle out for you so that you never run out. Repeat prescriptions are automatically delivered to you each month. You can pause, delay or cancel your next repeat at any time by contacting info@magu.com.au
How do I pay for repeats?
Repeats are automatically processed and delivered every month. You are notified 1 week in advance before the repeat is posted to you. Repeats are automatically deducted from your account and you can pause, delay or cancel your next repeat at any time by contacting info@magu.com.au