The EVOLUTION Magazine September 2025 | Page 19

amounts throughout the day while remaining clear-headed for work. When others at work are taking a smoke break, you could take a toke break( vaping is discreet). Edibles should be used with caution by all but the most experienced anxiety patients because: 1) Edibles require considerable time to take effect— an hour or more— because they must be digested and processed by the liver. 2) The liver converts Delta 9-THC to 11-Hydroxy-THC, which, for some people, is far more intoxicating and potentially unpleasant. 3) Edibles can be challenging to dose, making it too easy to overdose. 4) Edibles stay in the system hours longer than smoking or vaping, which, in an overdose situation, only prolongs potential anxiety. 5) Ask your budtender for edibles made from resin or rosin, unless you make your own. It is the only way to guarantee a product with all the plant’ s terpenes.
Smoking and vaping, on the other hand, produce almost immediate results, making it easy to titrate and far less likely to overdose. Vaping can be accomplished with either bud or concentrated oil extracted from the bud. In either case, it’ s very convenient just to take a few hits whenever the need arises. But as this author has warned before, be very cautious when buying vape oil cartridges; only state licensed dispensaries sell vape cartridges that have been tested, ensuring they are free from harmful adulterants.
Setting and mindset are also important considerations for those suffering from anxiety. Where possible, consume in a quiet and relaxing space. If you’ re with others, make sure they’ re calm and safe people. Seek out cannabis strains that have a respectable amount of CBD. One-to-one( 1:1) strains( or similar) can be desirable for treating anxiety, not to mention depression.
When we’ re talking about treating issues other than anxiety, most people will select Sativa strains for daytime use and Indica strains for nighttime. However, this general rule often doesn’ t apply well to anxiety patients. Sativa strains, in some cases, may not be beneficial and may even make things worse. In most cases, anxiety sufferers will want to seek out Indica strains, such as“ Purples” and“ Kushes,” or hybrids that are mostly Indica.
Terpene profiles are also quite important for successfully treating anxiety disorders. Limonene increases both serotonin and dopamine levels via the 5-HT1A receptor. Linalool is also highly beneficial as a calming agent and an antidepressant. Strains high in myrcene should be avoided by anxiety patients.
Cannabis has the potential to produce remarkable results in managing anxiety, offering hope to those who are hurting!
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Peter Kershaw is a medical cannabis consultant. Contact him at pkershaw. email @ gmail. com As with all writers within these pages, if you’ ve benefited from Peter’ s articles, please let him and all writers know. They appreciate your thoughts.
Notice: The information contained herein is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research, experience and the opinion of the writer. The content is for general informational purposes only. As always, check with your doctor first.
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