Cannabis and Mental Health: A guide to creating a cannasafe space

Mental Health is something I am very passionate about. Since I was a teen, I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety. Like many, I wasn’t formally diagnosed until I was in my mid-30s.  

Traditional medication had been my go-to until I began looking into cannabis. In the past few years it has helped me process trauma and move through grief. 

Sometimes I think anxiety is like an annoying friend who shows up uninvited, talks a mile a minute, and insists something terrible is about to happen—even when you’re just standing in line at the store.  That’s when I gave cannabis a shot—and honestly, it’s been a game-changer.

The Widespread Impact of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting roughly 31% of adults at some point in their lives. Yet despite its prevalence, anxiety is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. 

One reason many people don’t tell their health care professionals about mental health challenges they face is because they feel embarrassed or weak (societal conditions for being ‘unwell’) – admitting they’re anxious, especially if they seem outwardly fine. We all face challenging times, sometimes this is a moment, and other times anxiety or depression can hang around for years. 

Depending on the state, doctors may also be able to prescribe marijuana for other mental health problems (like anxiety) at their discretion if traditional methods of treatment have not been successful.

Anxiety isn’t just “worrying too much.” It’s a condition that can hijack your body and mind, often without warning. Your heart races, your thoughts spiral, and your sense of safety disappears—even when there’s no real danger. 

In those moments, it’s natural to look for something—anything—that can provide relief. That’s where cannabis comes into conversation.

Can Cannabis Really Help with Anxiety?

The relationship between cannabis and anxiety is complex—but encouraging. Many people say that they use cannabis to ease anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia, with varying levels of success. 

What’s becoming clearer through research is that the specific chemicals in cannabis—and how they interact—play a huge role in determining whether cannabis calms anxiety or worsens it.

A recent study by Johns Hopkins University found that a naturally occurring chemical in cannabis may help reduce the anxiety-inducing effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol—the main psychoactive component in cannabis). 

According to Tory Spindle, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins, the study uncovers strategies for mitigating risks of using THC. 

Terpenes and minor cannabinoids can potentially “buffer” the anxious effects that high-THC strains sometimes cause. This is a major breakthrough in tailoring cannabis for mental health support.

Further evidence compiled by Drexel University in their Cannabis and Anxiety Fact Sheet also points toward promising outcomes. In particular, low to moderate doses of THC or THC in combination with CBD (cannabidiol) tend to produce the most beneficial effects for anxiety relief.

We are not medical doctors, and do not pretend to be. We always recommend you check with your mental health provider before consuming any cannabis product. While cannabis can help bring calm, it also has risks. 

Mindful moments for finding calm 

One of the hardest parts of anxiety is the instinct to run from it or resist it. But what if there’s another way? Learning to work with anxiety instead of against it. You can do this by gently turning toward the sensations, noticing how they feel, and grounding ourselves with techniques like deep breathing, body scans, or meditation.

I found a course called Taming Anxiety that combines psychological tools with guided meditations. This has helped me build tolerance to anxiety in small, manageable steps. It also helps my brain know that anxiety, while uncomfortable, does not last forever. (Even if it seems like it might.) 

Sometimes adding cannabis to your practice can soften the edge, making it easier to practice mindfulness.

Finding the Right Balance: Tips for Using Cannabis Safely

We recently shared The 2025 Guide to Responsible Cannabis Consumption, highlighting the need for balance. 

If you’re considering cannabis for anxiety, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

1. No matter if you are new to cannabis or have been using it for a while, begin with a small dose and wait to see how your body reacts—especially with THC.
2. When shopping at your dispensary or online, look for products with higher CBD to THC ratios to minimize the risk of increased anxiety.
3. Style matters. Select the best tool for your needs. Cannabis tinctures, capsules, or vaporizers offer more control than edibles, which can take longer to kick in and vary in intensity.
4. If you are tapering off anxiety meds like I was, consult with a doctor or therapist who understands cannabis and can share best practices with you. 

Music, Mood, and Mindfulness

Sounds can heal your nervous system. By humming or toning, you can reset the nervous system. Whether it’s ambient soundscapes, lo-fi beats, or nature sounds, music can help regulate your nervous system. 

Pair it with an essential oils diffuser, or light some incense, and a small dose of cannabis. Take a few deep breaths—and suddenly, you’re not in fight-or-flight anymore.

Create your own “calm kit”: a playlist, a journal, a favorite scent, and a trusted cannabis product. When anxiety hits, you’ll have something to turn to that reminds your body and brain: you’re safe.

Cannabis isn’t for everyone—but for some of us, it’s a lifesaver. Used mindfully and in combination with proven mental health tools, it can ease the grip of anxiety and bring moments of real peace.

If you’re curious, cautious, or just beginning your journey, know this: you’re not alone, and relief is possible.