Does Vape Help with Anxiety?
Wellness, relaxation, and cannabis are undeniably connected, getting the interest of recreational, medicinal, and holistic users. With the uprise of cannabis vapes, it’s also become increasingly easier to consume cannabinoid products discreetly and without much of a fuss.
Still, with this being an emerging industry, questions about whether vaping contributes to or reduces anxiety hang in the air. Keep reading to know if vapes help with anxiety.
Key Takeaways
- Vaping nicotine has been tied to short-term relief but long-term worsening of anxiety symptoms.
- Vaping CBD may hold promise as a non-nicotine alternative for anxiety reduction.
- Studies have found a link between CBD and anxiolytic properties.
- Because of limited research, it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional before using CBD or other cannabinoids to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Understanding Anxiety: More Than Just Nervousness
Anxiety goes way beyond notions of mere nervousness. Being a complex mental health condition that affects over 300 million on a global scale, it is one of the most common mental disorders.
Characterized by overwhelming and persistent feelings of fear, unease, and apprehension, people suffering from anxiety disorders live every day in fight or flight mode.
Most people experience anxiety during times of stress, as it is a natural bodily response, but the escalation into chronic alarm and worry can affect a person’s day-to-day life.
While some people experience subtle anxiety symptoms, others may have debilitating symptoms like heightened irritability, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
The body also goes through it: individuals experience increased heart rate, muscle tension, and major stress.
There are different types of anxiety disorder, from subdued symptoms to a constant sense of impending doom.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common. People with GAD suffer from excessive worrying, whether or not there is even something to worry about.
Everyday tasks, from going to work or doing the dishes, can become overwhelming because of hard-to-break thought patterns that create mental and physical tension.
Those with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) experience these types of thoughts in correlation with social situations.
While some may suffer from anxiety in the day-to-day, things like panic disorders can also disrupt daily life. A Panic Disorder can cause sudden and severe panic attacks, sometimes because of triggers, irrational fears, or just random bad luck.
No matter what type of anxiety someone suffers from, the effects and symptoms can affect the quality of their life, body, and soul.
With so many millions of people suffering from anxiety across the world, new remedies are always being tested. Vaping cannabis products has become an alternative method of cannabinoid consumption, which may (or may not) be helpful for individual experiences.
Does vaping cannabis make anxiety better or worse?
Does Vaping Help with Anxiety? Exploring the Connection
The past few years have given way to a rise in the popularity of the tech and cannabis worlds crossover: vapes.
The widespread adoption of carts and disposable vapes containing cannabis oil has made it a cultural phenomenon, with many turning towards the ease and discreetness of vapes.
Why might someone want to vape cannabis?
For one, it’s straightforward and discreet. While you can get some pretty snazzy devices, most vapes are small, portable, and look like regular vapes. For those looking to keep consumption under wraps, vaping provides a smoke- and aroma-free experience.
Others prefer the range of flavors and strains that vapes or cartridges provide. Distillates and oils are easily traceable for specific cannabinoids, terpenes, or dosages, making vapes an enticing choice for customizing the experience.
For some, it is a case of keeping up with modern living, which points toward vapor making a real splash.
As vaping has garnered attention, many are curious about its potential benefits, particularly concerning mental health and anxiety.
Do CBD Vapes Help With Anxiety?
Whether or not vapes make anxiety better or worse may depend on each individual’s tolerance and biology, but picking and choosing which cannabinoids are being ingested can better your chances of having a good experience.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has been linked to anxiolytic effects, meaning it may help reduce anxiety.
CBD has been on the anxiety radar for a while, garnering attention because of the potential link between this cannabinoid and anxiety relief.
Numerous studies have pointed out how CBD influences neurotransmitter activity associated with mood regulation, making CBD tinctures, pills, edibles, and, yes, vapes, a popular remedy for many who suffer from symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Those who reach for CBD may like the non-psychoactive nature of it, meaning it won’t get you “high.” It’s well-tolerated by humans and furry critters alike, so anxiety stemming from potential negative side effects is low.
Because it can induce a feeling of calm and relaxation without being sedative or overwhelming, CBD is a great choice if you’re looking for wellness alternatives.
But what about vaping CBD? Is it just as effective, or is it better to stick to traditional consumption methods like oils and tinctures? To answer this question, we have to dive deep into how different vaping substances affect the body and mind.
Nicotine and Anxiety: A Complicated Relationship
When we think about vaping, it’s often with the connotation of nicotine. As a prominent ingredient in vape products, it has been recognized to have some relaxation and stress-relieving properties, although its connection with anxiety is also prominent.
While it may provide temporary relief, it can cause more anxiety in the long run. Why? Research says that although effects may include reduced anxiety at first, the addictive nature of nicotine exacerbates anxiety over time.
Instead of using nicotine to lessen anxiety, nicotine dependence can make people suffering from anxiety fall into a cycle of needing nicotine to fight off anxiety-inducing withdrawal symptoms, making it an unsustainable habit for those seeking anxiety relief.
Nicotine isn’t the best choice if you’re searching for anxiety-relieving vapes, but cannabinoids might be a more helpful alternative. Non-psychoactive components like CBD can be vaped and, depending on individual tolerance and biology, may provide relief for anxiety and stress in the short run.
This begs the question, how can you reduce risk factors when vaping for anxiety?
Anxiety and Vapes: Factors to Consider
When vaping for anxiety, it’s important to know how different ingredients, dosages, and moderations may affect levels of anxiety.
Many vapes have additional additives like flavorings or thinning agents, which may have either unknown or adverse side effects. Only choosing products from brands that are transparent about the ingredients they use is paramount when safely vaping.
Setting limits is also key, especially when vaping cannabinoid products that may be psychoactive. Your best bet is always to start slow and go low, gradually increasing or decreasing as you see fit for your needs.
Striking a balance between using the vapes and taking a break is essential to avoid dependence, as it can easily turn into an “oral fixation.”
Before turning to vapes to help ease symptoms of anxiety, make sure to talk to a medical professional to tap into personalized advice that takes into account your own needs, like type of anxiety, existing medications, health conditions, and potential interactions.
Where to Get Vapes for Anxiety
While research on how other cannabinoids like Delta 8, THC, HHC, CBG, and CBN haven’t given us any conclusive answers on how they may affect anxiety, many are exploring the potential of different effects for stress relief and relaxation.
Mellow Fellow’s Introvert Blend line of disposable vapes is packed with a full-spectrum distillate that includes cannabinoids like THCb, THCp, HHC, Delta 8, CBN, and CBG.
While it’s best to talk to a professional about how these cannabinoids may affect you, users report feeling mentally alert and engaged, easing Social Anxiety and making you feel more comfortable, whether you’re alone or in a room full of people.
Our Introvert Blend line comes in many strains, letting you choose either energizing, relaxing, or balanced effects. For indica-dominant experiences that are tied to reduced anxiety, try Blueberry OG, Ice Cream Cake, Gas Mask, or King Louis. For a boost of energy, we suggest strains like AK-47 or the Blue Dream duo.
Final Thoughts
Cannabinoids are exciting in the sense that research has uncovered many potential benefits, including lowered anxiety levels. Still, the effects of vaping cannabis are mostly anecdotal, leading us to trust that more rigorous scientific research will fill existing knowledge gaps.
For now, those who are interested in trying cannabis vaping products are urged to do so safely. Making informed choices empowers you to be in control of the experience, which is why it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional before resorting to any additional aids to traditional anxiety reduction, like vaping CBD and other cannabinoids.
Vaping for Anxiety: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vaping CBD Safe for Anxiety?
CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety in some people, although the specific effects of vaping CBD are still under research.
How Does Nicotine Affect Anxiety Levels?
Nicotine is addictive, meaning it can cause anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in the long run.
Are There Any Vape Products Specifically Designed for Anxiety Relief?
Some CBD vape products may be designed for anxiety relief.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Vaping on Mental Illness?
The long-term effects of vaping on mental illness and mental health conditions like anxiety are currently unknown. More research needs to be done for conclusive results.
How Do I Choose the Right Vape Product for My Needs?
The best way to choose the right vape product for your specific needs is by speaking to a healthcare professional with experience in the cannabis industry.
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