But only in small doses!
Smoking cannabis really does reduce anxiety, researchers have discovered.
U.S. scientists found marijuana regulates both anxiety and the body’s fight-or-flight response.
They say their findings lend credence to the claims of some users of the drug who believe it reduces their anxiety levels.
The natural endocannabinoid system regulates anxiety and the response to stress by dampening signals in the brain.
It was previously known that when a person is exposed to chronic stress, or severe emotional trauma, there can be a reduction in the production of natural endocannabinoids.
Smoking marijuana can reduce this anxiety because the effect of its cannabinoids on the cannabinoid receptors makes up for the reduction in the production of natural endocannabinoids.
However, chronic use of the drug can, paradoxically, increase anxiety as the drug reduces the efficiency of the brains’ cannabinoid receptors.
This can trigger a vicious cycle that can leave people addicted to the drug.
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