Plus, long-term studies on this drug’s safety and effectiveness are lacking.
Here’s what you better know about using marijuana for social anxiety disorder, including the potential risks.
Is Marijuana Effective for Social Anxiety?
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Answering this question requires looking at two marijuana cannabinoids:tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the psychoactive substance in marijuana that is responsible for its “high.”
CBD is not psychoactive but can affect the body via the endocannabinoid system.
A 2021 review looked at the effects of THC and CBD on social anxiety specifically.
It doesn’t help you learn how to get through it.
Does Weed Make You More Social?
So, it’s unknown if its findings can be applied on a larger scale.
They might also have an increased risk of developing cognitive issues related to attention, memory, and learning.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Negative Side Effects
People using marijuana can experience side effects.
Frequent and prolonged marijuana use can result in long-term effects as well.
Teens using marijuana risk that this drug will negatively impact their brain’s development.
This can potentially lead to impairments in their thought, memory, and learning processes.
There are also strategies that you might practice on your own.
Meditation and mindfulness are two methods for calming the mind and slowing down anxiety.
You may even combine these practices by engaging inmindfulness meditation.
Stoner SA.Effects of marijuana on mental health: Anxiety disorders.
University of Washington and Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute.
2021;72(4):429-436. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.202000189
National Social Anxiety Center.Is cannabis the new solution to social anxiety?
2016;25(2):99-104. doi:10.1111/ajad.12339
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Addiction.
Grotenhermen F, Muller-Vahl K.Medicinal uses of marijuana and cannabinoids.Crit Rev Plant Sci.
Leichsenring F, Leweke F.Social anxiety disorder.N Engl J Med.
