Think of the last time you watched TV—likely last night with dinner on the table. During the commercials, did it strike you odd that so many pharmaceutical ads say, “Ask your doctor if (blank) is right for you!” When it comes to mental health, some prefer the help of medically-prescribed medication for anxiety, depression, and many other conditions. Others, on the other hand, would rather go down the “all-natural” route with cannabis and other herbs for a mental health boost. Keep reading to see how cannabis can create a happier and more peaceful headspace.

Based on our analysis of American advertisements, we have to wonder if pharmaceuticals care more about money than a patient’s mental and physical health. Currently, all signs point to yes with the overwhelming ads that are shown to us on a daily basis. These ads appear all over the place from billboards on the highway to direct notifications on our phones. Where do patients begin to find the “right” medication for their mental health? Rest assured that cannabis can help a wide variety of individuals with

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Dementia
  • Attention-Deficit Disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Schizophrenia

How Cannabis Can Help Your Mental Health

It Tells Your Mind to Check Out

When the world proves to be too much, like in 2020 and even the start of 2021 with the Capitol riot, cannabis can help you take pause. Many of our customers shop from our indica section to clear their minds and zone out. We strongly recommend an indica strain if you experience anxiety. Indica strains are known to calm the mind and body: slow down your thoughts, sink into the couch, and find more amusement in music, television, and other creative outlets. We’ve had customers reach out that certain indica strains helped them power through negative news headlines and increase their appetite.

It Sparks New, Creative Ideas

Both indica and sativa strains have shown to increase creativity levels and brainstorming. If social media or any internet-based activity stresses you out, we find it best to put your phone away completely as the first step. Your second step could introduce cannabis to get the wheels turning in your head. You never know what cannabis might inspire you to create or craft. We have customers who play instruments, dance, make DIY scented candles, read, go for a run, etc.

One night, when I was high on that indica I just mentioned, I had the brilliant idea to quit Instagram altogether. With the current state of the world, I noticed how angry people were at each other—not just the police or the justice system—but actually at each other! Two strangers just yelling back and forth in the comments section of a post…as if that’s supposed to solve anything? I’m done with Instagram until the world calms down.

It Brings People Together For Social Engagement

The COVID-19 pandemic proved how strongly we crave human interaction. The biggest introverts and homebodies out there might have found temporary peace in lockdowns but at the root of it all, humans are social creatures who thrive on connection. Being cooped up alone all day takes a hit on our mental health, so much so that many have turned to therapy to make it through the pandemic. With the arrival of vaccines, some of us may feel comfortable inviting friends and family over to the house again for a smoke session. Most sativa strains turn a regular couch-and-TV night into a celebration with laughter, giggles, and high-energy all around.

It Manages Physical and Mental Pain

The mind and body are connected in more ways than modern medicine can explain. Have you noticed that when your body hurts (migraine, inflammation, menstrual cramps, etc.) your mood follows suit? When your physical health suffers, so does your mental health. Cannabis, in addition to CBD, has clinically shown to help alleviate pain—this counts for both indica and sativa strains. CBD-infused products with only trace amounts of CBD can also combat pain, so you have countless options!

It Turns You Away From Alcohol

Truth be told, every drug, herb, medicine, and pill on the planet has its downsides. That also counts for regular, everyday hobbies such as drinking red wine or watching television. Too much of anything can be a bad thing, as some would say that coffee is just as addictive as drugs. Cannabis does come with some potential health risks in the long run but it’s undoubtedly a better coping mechanism to stress than alcohol and cigarettes. Smokers have reported that cannabis helped them to ease up on the alcohol and overcome alcoholism as they traded one habit in for another. While all types of alcohol fall under the “depressant” category, many sativa strains behave more like “uppers.

What’s Your Mental Health Story?

Now more than ever, we see the rates of mental health distress go up, and up, and up. Could it be due to Instagram? Or COVID-19? Or the riots? Or political debates? We say all of the above. It’s no wonder cannabis dispensaries were deemed an essential business in many states during the various lockdowns. Now, moving forward, Joe Biden must legalize cannabis in all 50 states for a brighter, healthier, and more economically stable future. In the comment section down below, tell us how cannabis played an essential role in your mental health. We’d love to hear from you.