Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a versatile hemp plant that has been gaining popularity for its therapeutic use. Though the plant remains to be thoroughly tested, limited clinical research has found preliminary evidence that has indicated this medical marijuana has several potential benefits. One of those benefits includes assisting individuals with anger management issues.
Understanding Anger Management
Anger is a normal human emotion that builds from anxiety, stress, or depression. However, when it becomes uncontrollable and interferes with daily life, it can lead to adverse consequences for the individual and those around them.
From mild irritability to major fiery anger outbursts, especially when it’s without any apparent reason, it is not an enjoyable feeling. Frequent episodes of anger outbursts, also known as Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), is a mental health condition that requires therapy, intervention, or medicine to gain control of their emotions. Therefore, healthy coping mechanisms for anger management are essential, and cannabis can offer potential solutions.
Defining Cannabis
Cannabis, or Marijuana, is a psychoactive drug extracted from a hemp plant. There are chiefly two types of cannabis: sativa and indica. These are mainly used for medicinal and recreational purposes but can also be used to treat mood disorders such as anger, anxiety, or stress.
Most people prefer edibles such as candies, cookies, and gummies when consuming cannabis. They are tastier, with a variety of flavors, and more convenient. 50mg Delta-9 THC gummies are a potent cannabinoid that provides intense uplifting, and relaxing effects. They have these effects due to high concentrations of cannabinoids, including Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Let’s take a look at these two individually:
- Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is an active ingredient derived from the hemp plant, but it is not addictive and doesn’t make you “high.” It is mainly used for pain relief, depression, exhaustion, and easing headaches, migraines, and other mood disorders.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): THC is a psychoactive ingredient also extracted from the hemp plant. This cannabidiol is responsible for the “high” or a state of euphoria associated with the use of cannabis.
Combining these two gives an entourage effect, meaning they work better together than individually.
Type of Cannabis
There are many types of cannabis, but here are the four main ones:
- Cannabis Sativa
Cannabis Sativa plants are 12 or more feet taller and thin with finger-like leaves. They are primarily found in hot, sunny places such as Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and some portions of Western Asia.
In terms of CBD to THC ratio, Sativa has a lower dose of CBD and higher concentrations of THC. This is why Sativa is typically used during the daytime, as it gives an energizing and stimulating effect and is also responsible for the “high.”
- Cannabis Indica
Cannabis Indica is stockier and rounder in shape than the Sativa plant. The leaves are short since it grows in cold climates and mountainous regions. However, they grow faster than Cannabis Sativa and produce more buds.
The CBD to THC ratio is that Cannabis Indica has a higher dose of CBD and a very low amount of THC. This is why Indica works better at night, as it provides a relaxing effect, including reducing insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and pain, to name a few.
- Hybrid
This is where cannabis farmers grow and produce new and unique strains that combine CBD and THC according to their specific ratios. These new strains are called Hybrids, and farmers grow them to target particular effects such as reducing anxiety, depression, and stress or to simply ease chronic pain.
- Cannabis Ruderalis
A third type of cannabis has been discovered, known as Cannabis Ruderalis. This is not widely used as its effects are not potent enough. These plants are small and bushy, but they grow rapidly. They are ideal in cold, low-sunlight environments such as the Himalayan regions of India or Siberia.
Ruderalis has a low dose of THC and a high concentration of CBD. However, it isn’t enough to produce any known effects. Because of its low potency, it’s not being widely used for either medicinal or recreational purposes.
Benefits of Cannabis in Anger Management
- Reduces Emotional or Physical Tension: Both CBD and THC can reduce an individual’s stress and anxiety, which in turn aids in calming the mind and reducing the intensity of anger triggers.
- Enhances Mood & Relaxation Effects: THC can induce relaxation and a calming effect where an individual can respond more calmly to stressful situations. CBD, on the other hand, promotes a sense of well-being which indirectly helps aid anger management efforts.
- Controlled Emotions: By influencing the neurotransmitters and receptors of the brain, an individual can better regulate their emotions leading to better management of their anger. However, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating cannabis into anger management strategies.
Consumption of Cannabis
Now that the use of cannabidiol is becoming legal in many parts of the world, here are some ways cannabis can be applied to the skin or consumed.
- Cannabis Edibles
As mentioned earlier, edibles such as cookies, brownies, gummies, and other food and beverages are mixed with cannabis extracts or oils to create edible products. When consumed, entering the bloodstream takes time. The cannabinoids must first be processed by the digestive system, which causes a delayed reaction but, in the end, produces a stronger effect.
- Oral Capsules
Cannabis is also available in oral capsule forms, but just like edibles, it provides delayed effects as it needs to be first processed by the digestive system.
- Cannabis Oils and Tinctures
CBD oils and tinctures can help ease nausea, headaches, and vomiting. They come in bottles ranging from 1 ounce to 4 ounces. These bottles may have a dropper so you can measure the exact dose. As cannabis oils are dropped under the tongue, the consumer may feel the effects more quickly than using other CBD-infused products.
- Topical Applications
Cannabis-infused topicals are designed for external use. Lotions, hemp creams, balms, and ointments are used to treat localized chronic pain relief, inflammation, or other skin conditions.
- Vaping/Smoking Cannabis Flowers/Buds
The flower, bud, or the stem of the cannabis plant contains the highest concentrations of cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. The dried flowers can be smoked or vaped.
Consuming cannabis by smoking or vaping results in faster effects and increased absorption in the bloodstream. However, long-term consumption of CBD via smoking or vaping has not yet been researched and may be harmful as no particular dose limit has been set.
To Wrap Things Up
Cannabis, in its various forms, shows promise in assisting with anger management issues; however, it is essential to approach it responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Understanding the importance of moderation of doses and individual reactions is also crucial. Anger management is a complicated issue; therefore, it is wise to consider cannabis as part of a comprehensive approach that may include counseling, therapy, or lifestyle modifications.