In recent years, marijuana has emerged from the shadows of stigma into mainstream conversations about mental health and wellness. Among its many claimed benefits, one of the most frequently cited is its ability to relieve anxiety. As more states and countries legalize cannabis, more people are asking the question: does marijuana help with anxiety? What exactly is the effect of drugs on mental health? The answer is complex, especially when viewed through a trauma-informed lens.
Understanding Anxiety and Trauma
It’s essential to understand what anxiety is and how trauma plays a role in its development. Anxiety is not just feeling nervous before a presentation or worrying about an upcoming deadline. For many, it is a chronic, often debilitating condition that affects daily functioning.
Trauma, whether from childhood neglect, abuse, loss, or other traumatic events or situations, can fundamentally alter the brain’s stress response. A trauma-informed perspective recognizes that many people who struggle with anxiety are managing the long-term impact of unresolved trauma. This view shifts the question from “what’s wrong with you?” to “what happened to you?” This is a crucial distinction when evaluating treatment options, including marijuana use.
How Marijuana Interacts with the Brain
Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, the most well-known being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, stress, appetite, and sleep.
THC is the psychoactive component that produces the “high” associated with marijuana. While it can induce relaxation in some users, it can also provoke paranoia and heightened anxiety in others. CBD, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating and has been studied for its potential anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects.
From a trauma-informed standpoint, this dual nature is critical. If you have ever wondered “why is weed bad for your mental health?” You should know that individuals with a trauma history often have heightened sensitivity to changes in internal states—a phenomenon known as “interoceptive awareness.” THC’s potent effects can sometimes feel overwhelming to trauma survivors, triggering flashbacks or a sense of losing control.
What the Research Says
Scientific studies on marijuana and anxiety present mixed results. Many of these studies are small, short-term, or based on animal models. Moreover, cannabis affects individuals differently based on genetic, psychological, and environmental factors—including trauma history.
A trauma-informed approach to evaluating these studies acknowledges the limitations of generalized results. People with trauma often respond to medications and substances in unique ways. This is due to changes in brain chemistry and coping mechanisms developed over time. What helps one person feel calm and grounded may exacerbate symptoms in another.
Self-Medication and Coping
It’s not uncommon for people with anxiety and trauma histories to self-medicate with substances. They must consider whether marijuana is serving as a tool for healing or a crutch for avoidance. Trauma-informed care encourages the development of self-awareness around coping strategies. It’s not about judging whether someone uses marijuana, but rather exploring why they use it, and whether it supports long-term healing.
Does marijuana help with anxiety? Sometimes, yes—but it can also mask underlying issues that would benefit from therapeutic intervention. Can you get addicted to weed? Again, the answer is sometimes, yes. Cannabis use can become more than a tool for relief; it can become a requirement for daily functioning.
When Marijuana Becomes a Problem
Though people often begin using cannabis with good, even health-focused, intentions, it can quickly spiral out of control, particularly for those who have experienced trauma and resulting anxiety. Signs of cannabis use disorder include:
- Using weed in larger amounts or for a longer time than you intended
- Trying but failing to cut down on cannabis use
- Giving up social, recreational, or occupational activities for weed
- Using weed in risky situations, such as driving a car
- Needing increasing amounts of cannabis to achieve a desired effect
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, consider taking a drug use screening test to gain some perspective on your own habits.
Giving up a strong marijuana habit can seem daunting. Especially, if you are wondering about weed detox symptoms or how long does it take to detox from weed. The answer varies depending on a variety of factors, but one thing does not change: the importance of a trauma-informed approach to marijuana addiction treatment.
The Importance of Individualized Care
Given the complexity of both trauma and marijuana’s effects, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, does marijuana help with anxiety? A trauma-informed perspective prioritizes individualized care and a holistic approach to mental health. This means taking into account the person’s history, current functioning, support systems, and goals for recovery.
If you are considering using marijuana for anxiety and have a history of trauma, it’s advisable to consult with a mental health professional. Find one who understands both trauma and the nuances of cannabis use. Ideally, this professional would work collaboratively with medical providers to create a holistic, informed treatment plan.
Finding Lasting Relief at Sana at Stowe in Vermont
The question does marijuana help with anxiety is best answered through a trauma-informed lens. Consider finding relief from your marijuana use and anxiety, together, at Sana at Stowe, a luxury residential treatment center nestled in the beauty of rural Vermont.
At Sana at Stowe, we recognize that for individuals with a history of trauma, the relationship between substances and mental health can be particularly complex. Our evidence based treatment program focuses on the whole patient, addressing not merely undesirable behaviors or anxious thoughts, but also the trauma that may have caused them.
We offer everything from short-term retreats for depression and anxiety to longer stays in our residential program. Here we have a variety of wellness and holistic services ranging from talk therapy to trauma-informed yoga.
Listen to these words from a former patient: “I selected Sana at Stowe because I believed I needed a lot of healing physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I am healed, and Sana delivered in every way.” Find this same healing at Sana at Stowe, where we offer medically-supervised detox and accept insurance through in-network providers such as TRICARE. Reach out to us today to begin your journey to recovery.
Reach out to Sana today at (802) 553-3836 to take the first steps to a happier, healthier life.
