At Nervana Medical in Sandy, Utah, we are committed to helping patients understand the science behind medical cannabis and its role in supporting mental health, pain relief, and overall wellness. Cannabinoids, whether derived from the cannabis plant, naturally produced in the body, or prescribed in medication form, interact with your endocannabinoid system to help regulate mood, sleep, stress, and inflammation. By educating our patients on how cannabinoids like THC and CBD affect conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain, we empower you to make informed decisions about your treatment options. Nervana Medical is proud to provide compassionate, evidence-based guidance for medical cannabis patients in Utah and beyond.
What is a cannabinoid?
A cannabinoid is a natural compound that affects the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps control things like mood, stress, pain, sleep, and appetite.
- The cannabis plant makes over 100 cannabinoids, including THC (causes a “high”) and CBD (doesn’t cause a high and is often used for relaxation, pain, and inflammation).
- The human body also makes its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, which help keep the body in balance.
- Scientists can also create synthetic cannabinoids, which are used in some medications.
In short, cannabinoids are natural chemicals that help your body stay balanced and healthy. Some come from cannabis, some from your body, and some from medicine.
Cannabinoids are a class of diverse chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2, and others) within the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is involved in maintaining homeostasis across multiple physiological processes, including neurotransmission, immune regulation, appetite, pain modulation, memory, and stress response.
- Phytocannabinoids: plant-derived cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa (for example THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, THCV).
- Endocannabinoids: endogenous lipid-based signaling molecules such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
- Synthetic cannabinoids: laboratory-derived compounds, ranging from FDA-approved pharmaceuticals (such as dronabinol, nabilone) to unregulated designer drugs with high receptor affinity and risk of toxicity.
Cannabinoids exert their effects by binding to or modulating cannabinoid receptors (primarily CB1 in the central nervous system and CB2 in immune tissues), as well as interacting with other receptor systems including TRPV1, GPR55, and PPARs.
Which Cannibinoid is most likely to exacerbate Anxiety
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid most commonly associated with increasing anxiety. Clinical and preclinical studies consistently demonstrate that THC can induce acute anxiogenic effects, particularly at higher doses, and is responsible for the majority of cannabis-related anxiety symptoms in both healthy individuals and those with underlying psychiatric conditions.The anxiogenic response to THC is dose-dependent, with low doses sometimes producing anxiolytic effects, but higher doses reliably increasing anxiety and, in some cases, panic-like symptoms.
In contrast, cannabidiol (CBD) is generally associated with anxiolytic effects and can attenuate the anxiety induced by THC when co-administered, although this effect may depend on baseline anxiety levels and the relative concentrations of THC and CBD.Other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), do not appear to have significant anxiogenic properties based on current evidence.
The American College of Physicians notes that high-potency cannabis products, which contain elevated levels of THC, are particularly likely to worsen anxiety symptoms, especially in young adults and those with mood disorders.There is no evidence in the medical literature that other cannabinoids, such as CBD, cannabigerol (CBG), or cannabichromene (CBC), are commonly associated with increasing anxiety.
THC-dominant strains induce more state anxiety than strains with balanced THC:CBD ratios, as CBD can attenuate the anxiogenic effects of THC.The risk of anxiety is dose-dependent, with higher THC content and higher THC:CBD ratios increasing the likelihood of anxiety, particularly in individuals with a history of anxiety or trauma.Most studies do not specify commercial strain names, so clinical guidance should focus on cannabinoid content rather than strain branding; more research is needed to clarify the impact of specific strains and other cannabis constituents (e.g., terpenes) on anxiety
In summary, THC is the cannabinoid most likely to trigger anxiety, and the risk appears to increase with higher doses.
-THC can sometimes increase anxiety, especially at higher doses or in sensitive individuals.
-CBD has been shown in many studies to have calming, anti-anxiety effects, and may even counteract some of the anxiety caused by THC.
Who’s at Highest Risk?
Adolescents and young adults, especially those with mood or trauma histories, are most vulnerable to anxiety exacerbation when using high delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis strains, with multiple studies demonstrating higher rates of anxiety and related mental health symptoms in these groups. Individuals with pre-existing anxiety disorders, depression, or serious mental illness—including bipolar disorder and psychotic spectrum disorders—are also at increased risk for acute and chronic anxiety symptoms from high-potency THC products. Frequent users and those who prefer high-potency cannabis are at higher risk for anxiety and cannabis use disorder, and women report higher anxiety levels in some studies. The risk is dose-dependent and further increased in those with a history of substance use disorders or trauma exposure. There is limited data on older adults, pregnant patients, and those with comorbid medical conditions; further research is needed in these populations.
Take Home Point: Cannabis being used medicinally can work very well for certain people and conditions and you should ensure your provider and pharmacy is knowledgeable about you and your health history and can educate you on the most appropriate products and guidance for your condition.
If you are considering medical cannabis as part of your wellness or mental health journey, the team at Nervana Medical in Sandy, Utah, is here to help. Our providers specialize in patient education, personalized treatment planning, and ensuring that you receive the most effective cannabinoid therapies tailored to your needs. Whether you are exploring CBD for anxiety, medical cannabis for pain, or balanced THC:CBD products for overall wellbeing, we are dedicated to guiding you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with Nervana Medical today to discover how cannabinoids can support your health and restore balance to your life.
We offer half off evaluations (making renewals only $62.50!) on the first Tuesday of each month and Virtual Renewals for our repeat patients!
References
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