Cannabis can exert paradoxical effects when it comes to anxiety. Different constituents of cannabis (THC and CBD) interact differently with receptors and neurotransmitters in the CNS and endocannabinoid system(ECS). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is considered to be primarily responsible for the anxiogenic effects of cannabis. Studies have demonstrated that high doses of THC, specifically Δ9-THC, can cause significant levels of anxiety and fear.
Cannabidiol (CBD) does not have psychoactive effects so it may be an effective treatment for anxiety. CBD interacts with 5-HT1a and is a key mechanism for anxiolytic effects, it also decreases the metabolism of Anandamide, increasing its interactions with CB1R, a potential mechanism that gives anxiolytic effects.
