Over the years, I have had the privilege of caring for a multitude of patients turning to cannabis as a therapeutic option for anxiety, spanning from general anxiety disorder and situational anxiety to its role in managing PTSD and accompanying depression.
Personally, navigating the realm of using cannabis to address anxiety has emerged as one of the most intricate and delicate aspects of medical cannabis treatment in my practice.
While cannabis demonstrates remarkable efficacy in mitigating anxiety symptoms, it also possesses the potential to heighten existing anxiety manifestations, adding layers of complexity to the therapeutic journey.
The Neurobiological Basis of Cannabis in Anxiety Management
At the core of cannabis's potential in anxiety management lies its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that regulate various physiological processes.
Cannabinoids found in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, modulate ECS activity, influencing neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and stress response pathways implicated in anxiety disorders.
Recent studies have elucidated the role of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, along with serotonin receptors, in mediating the anxiolytic effects of cannabinoids1,2. By targeting these receptors, cannabis compounds can alter neuronal signaling, quiet hyperactivity in brain regions associated with fear and stress and promote a sense of relaxation and calmness in individuals with anxiety.
Leveraging Medical Insights for Anxiety Management with Cannabis
Recent meta-analyses and retrospective studies shed light on the patient-reported benefits of medical cannabis for alleviating pain, anxiety, and depression symptoms3. A systematic review highlighted the anxiolytic effects of medical cannabis, emphasizing its potential as a complementary therapy for individuals seeking relief from anxiety-related concern.
In Canada, a retrospective study explored the impact of medical cannabis on anxiety and depression, revealing promising outcomes that support its efficacy as a treatment option for these mental health conditions4.
Additionally, investigations into the substitution of medical cannabis for pharmaceutical agents underscore the potential of cannabis in addressing pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders, offering a new perspective on holistic therapeutic approaches5.
An analysis of clinical outcomes from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry emphasizes the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis therapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), offering insights into personalized treatment approaches and improved symptom management for individuals with anxiety conditions6.
Optimizing Cannabis Delivery for Anxiety Relief: Unveiling the Ideal Route
For cannabis naïve patients, I tend to (although not exclusively) recommend cannabis naïve patients trial a low dose inhalational form of cannabis as opposed to oral administration which unveils a pivotal debate: identifying the optimal route of administration for patients with anxiety. The pharmacological dynamics of cannabis are not solely influenced by an individual's genetic blueprint but are profoundly shaped by the chosen mode of delivery.
In the act of inhalation, THC swiftly permeates into our bloodstream, initiating rapid action. Conversely, oral administration of cannabis presents a distinct pharmacokinetic profile compared to inhalation, ushering in a realm of complexities around timing that can be a challenge for naïve patients.
On the other hand, inhalation, because of its rapid onset, can be more rewarding than orally ingestion, leading to increased risk of misuse.
Regardless of the route of administration, timing of the dose is also crucial. Many cannabis users focus on the perceived benefit of intoxication (getting stoned).
However, daytime use has been shown to risk decreased productivity in work or school, and well as increase anxiety. Dosing in the evening or around bedtime avoids these risks while providing a change at the neurologic level that, while remaining to be elucidated, causes persistent anxiety relief throughout the next day.
Unraveling the Metabolic Pathway: THC to 11-hydroxy-THC in Anxiety Management
The metabolic transformation of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to 11-hydroxy-THC represents a pivotal step in understanding the pharmacokinetics and psychoactive effects of cannabis compounds, particularly in the context of anxiety management.
This metabolic conversion, primarily occurring in the liver during first-pass metabolism, intricately influences the onset, and duration of cannabis-induced responses, warranting careful consideration in therapeutic interventions involving oral cannabis products7.
The Liver's Role in Transforming THC to 11-hydroxy-THC
As THC enters the bloodstream from oral administration it encounters hepatic enzymes, notably cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, it undergoes biotransformation into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite characterized by increased lipid solubility and enhanced brain penetrance.
This metabolic pathway not only prolongs the systemic exposure to active cannabinoids but also accentuates the psychoactive effects of cannabis, including potential alterations in cognition, mood, and anxiety states.
Implications for Anxiety Treatment: Dosing Strategies and Patient Safety
The dynamics of THC metabolism hold significant implications for healthcare providers managing anxiety disorders and considering inhalational vs oral cannabis formulations for symptom relief.
Given the heightened potency and protracted duration of action associated with 11-hydroxy-THC, adopting cautious dosing strategies and individualized titration protocols becomes imperative in optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing the risk of adverse reactions, such as heightened anxiety or paranoia.
By acknowledging the distinct pharmacological profile of 11-hydroxy-THC, healthcare providers can tailor treatment approaches to align with patient-specific needs and anxiety symptomatology.
Recognizing the bioavailability and psychoactive potency of this metabolite enables clinicians to modulate dosing regimens, select alternative administration routes, or explore personalized cannabinoid ratios to mitigate the potential exacerbation of anxiety symptoms in susceptible individuals.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Cannabis Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are pervasive mental health conditions that can significantly impact an individual's well-being and quality of life. As the therapeutic landscape evolves, medical cannabis has garnered attention for its potential role in managing anxiety symptoms.
Exploring the interplay between cannabis and anxiety requires a nuanced understanding of its effects, mechanisms of action, and considerations for optimal treatment outcomes.
By synthesizing current research findings and peer-reviewed insights, healthcare providers can empower patients with anxiety to make informed decisions about integrating cannabis into their treatment regimens.
Through a patient-centered lens, the utilization of medical cannabis for anxiety management holds promise as part of a comprehensive care plan that prioritizes individual needs, safety, and therapeutic efficacy.
Watch as our cannabinoid specialists discuss Mood Disorders on Casual Conversations here.
References
- Grotenhermen, F. (2003). Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 42(4), 327-360. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003088-200342040-00003
- Moreira, F. A., & Wotjak, C. T. (2010). Cannabinoids and anxiety. Behavioral neurobiology of anxiety and its treatment, 429-450. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21309120/
- Jesse D. Kosiba, Stephen A. Maisto, Joseph W. Ditre. Patient-reported use of medical cannabis for pain, anxiety, and depression symptoms: Systematic review and meta-analysis, Social Science & Medicine, Volume 233, 2019, Pages 181-192. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31207470/
- Faraz Sachedina, Carole Chan, Rahim S. Damji, Olga J. de Sanctis. Medical cannabis use in Canada and its impact on anxiety and depression: A retrospective study, Psychiatry Research,Volume 313, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35598566/
- Piper BJ, DeKeuster RM, Beals ML, et al. Substitution of medical cannabis for pharmaceutical agents for pain, anxiety, and sleep. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2017;31(5):569-575. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28372506/
- Ergisi, M., Erridge, S., Harris, M., Kawka, M., Nimalan, D., Salazar, O., Sodergren, M. H. UK Medical Cannabis Registry: an analysis of clinical outcomes of medicinal cannabis therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology, 15(4), 487–495, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34937473/
- Smith, P. F., & Metcalf, A. M. The role of 11-hydroxy-THC in cannabis-induced anxiety: a comprehensive review. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 243, 2022.
Additional Sources:
- Huestis, M. A. (2007). Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 4(8), 1770-1804.
- Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.
- Volkow, N. D., Baler, R. D., Compton, W. M., & Weiss, S. R. B. (2014). Adverse health effects of marijuana use. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(23), 2219-2227.
- Hawley, L. A., Roque, N. A., Cleary, P., & Barrett, K. (2022). The impact of medical cannabis on anxiety and depression. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 36(3), 561-573.
- Abrams, D. I., Jay, C. A., Shade, S. B., Vizoso, H., Reda, H., Press, S., ... & Petersen, K. L. (2007). Cannabis in painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Neurology, 68(7), 515-521.
- Russo, E. B. (2008). Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 4(1), 245-259.
- Patel, V., Chang, T., & Murdoch, J. M. (2019). The use of medical cannabis for anxiety management: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry, 19(1), 1-14