These last few months of the year are a turbulent time with holidays every month between October and May. But December is the most intense month of all and the peak of the Holiday Season. While this time is full of joy and family, hot cocoa and pretty lights, and, let’s not forget, presents, it can also be stressful and stir anxieties.
Gift giving, by itself, is a daunting and stressful task. Everyone knows someone who is impossible to shop for. Juggling family gatherings can also be crazymaking, and family members can be taxing to be around. Thankfully, cannabis can help take the edge off so you can focus on the magic of the season and the monumental joys to be had.
Studies Show Cannabis Helps Calm Anxiety
Over a third (31 percent) of the United States population has an anxiety disorder, so it’s no wonder anxiety is one of the top reasons people say they consume cannabis. Some research suggests as many as 50 percent of medical marijuana consumers do so to reduce anxiety symptoms. There have been, and still are, many skeptics regarding marijuana’s influence on anxiety and question whether it’s a placebo effect.
Yet, while more research is needed, evidence so far indicates that it’s no placebo effect – in some cases, cannabis really does appear to calm symptoms of anxiety.
While cannabis contains hundreds of compounds, the two most commonly known are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If you don’t know, THC is responsible for the psychoactive high marijuana is known for, while CBD is better well-known for its medicinal properties and won’t get you high.
Research shows that both CBD and THC can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, but they aren’t equal. Small doses of THC have been shown to calm anxiety, but because of THC’s psychoactive effects, too much can actually have the opposite effect of increasing anxiety levels – especially if you’re already prone to anxiety. Meanwhile, all tested dosages of CBD seem to quell anxieties without risking adverse effects.
Recommendations
As a medicinal and recreational cannabis dispensary, Greeley Galley has many cannabis options and methods to choose from. Any number of which are sure to help ease your holiday stress.
When you feel like you might burst and need some quick relief, smoking dried cannabis is likely the best route. You should begin feeling calmer within about 15 minutes of smoking, regardless of whether you smoked a joint, pipe, or bong. We recommend a soothing indica strain like Christmas Tree or any cannabis strain with a high CBD percentage. DropScience’s CBD vape cartridge is another excellent option if you prefer vaping.
Edibles are a great proactive option to quell anxieties before the start because you can eat one a couple of hours before a stressful event – like a family dinner. Something like Wana CBD gummies can calm even the most anxious person. Although the Angel Hemp CBD tincture might be our favorite option. The dropper makes dosing easy to measure and allows you to adjust to meet your anxiety needs. Thanks to the multitude of CBD’s health benefits, we recommend adding the Angel Drops to your daily supplement and vitamin regimen.
Final Thoughts
December should be a time of joy, spending time with loved ones, and coziness. Don’t allow anxiety to ruin what’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year. Stop into our north Portland cannabis dispensary any day of the week between 7 am and 10 pm. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer any questions you have or make a recommendation.
Written by: Katrina Paulson
