What to Know About Reducing Stress with THC

Cannabis is commonly used to help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. In fact, over have the states in the U.S. now consider cannabis a valuable and effective medicine for depression and other mental issues. This is attributed to cannabis’s ability to help users unwind, breath, relax, and just “let go” of things weighing on their minds. Cannabis helps you connect your emotional being to the more rational side of you, which helps stresses wash away and be replaced with a deeper sense of calm.

Every strain of cannabis available includes certain ratios of cannabinoids and terpenes. This means they each produce unique effects. However, some strains are considered better for their calming effects than others. Most of the Indica-dominant strains are considered naturally calming. This is attributed to the combination of CBD, THC, and terpenes such as Linalool, b-Caryophyllene, and Myrcene.

Strain Impact and Effects

Even though the calming sensations of cannabis have been well-documented, there are still many factors that impact how a specific strain will make you feel. Most are chemical and involve the relationship between the terpenes and cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant.

Terpenes are a type of chemical compound that is found in all plants. This is what gives them their unique flavor and smell. These work like cannabinoids because they can cause several effects alone. For example, if you think of vanilla or lavender, you have likely noticed that smelling these helps you feel more relaxed and calmer. This is because they are rich in soothing terpenes, Vanillin and Linalool, which are both known for their relaxing abilities.

The Interaction of Terpenes and Cannabinoids

When the terpenes are introduced to the cannabinoids found in a cannabis strain, they will boost one another’s effects. This is called The Entourage Effect. Essentially, this has proven that cannabinoids will work better when terpenes are present and vice versa. The calming terpenes (mentioned above) and the calming cannabinoids like CBD or THC helping 

Put simply; cannabis will help create these calming effects because of how the terpenes and cannabinoids interact with your brain. They work to stimulate the receptors found in your brain, which encourage you to release more of the relaxing, calm chemicals that help you feel better, no matter what you are going through on the outside.

If you have begun researching cannabis and THC to reduce anxiety or create feelings of relaxation and calm, be sure to check the terpene content and the genetics of the plant to achieve the best results. Also, start small when trying a new cannabis product or strain. This will help you figure out what product or dosage produces the desired effects in your body.

Being informed and knowing what to consider when choosing THC or cannabis products can help ensure you make the right decision. This will pay off and help you achieve the calming benefits this product is known for in the long run.