Is Cannabis Better Than Xanax?

That depends; most people expect to experience occasional anxiety as part of their normal day-to-day lives. However, these symptoms may become a problem and interfere with work and relationships. When anxiety interferes with daily activities and routines, it can become a disorder. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America estimates that 18% of U.S. Citizens suffer from an anxiety disorder. Although anxiety is common in the U.S., less than 37% of those suffering from anxiety actually seek out treatment.

This could be due to patients’ concerns about the negative side effects associated with pharmaceutical medications. Perhaps these patients would prefer a more natural alternative. Medical cannabis may be the perfect solution. Let’s take a look at five reasons that medical cannabis is a better alternative to Xanax (alprazolam) and other anti-anxiety medications.

1. Xanax has dangerous short-term side effects

While taking benzodiazepines may provide initial relief of anxiety, it can begin to have a negative impact on your health shortly after taking it. Short-term side effects associated with Xanax include fatigue, dizziness, loss of coordination, amnesia, confusion, and impaired judgement.

Because taking Xanax can make you drowsy and feel less alert, it is extremely dangerous to drive under its influence. According to an article published in the Canadian Family Physician, driving under the influence of benzodiazepines can increase the risk of an accident by up to 50%.

2. Xanax is addictive

It doesn’t take long for your brain to become used to the chemical changes of Xanax. Patients can build a high tolerance for Xanax. As a result, patients generally need to increase the dosage in order to obtain the same results as before. It is possible to develop an addiction, even if it is used exactly as prescribed. Once a physical and psychological addiction to Xanax is developed, it is very difficult to stop. Severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, are very common with benzodiazepines.

3. Xanax has dangerous long-term side effects

In addition to an increased tolerance and chemical dependence, Xanax use over time can lead to serious consequences. Some of the long-term side effects of Xanax use include insomnia, anorexia nervosa, muscle weakness, headaches. Ironically, anxiety is also a side-effect of long-term use. High doses of Xanax can cause breathing difficulties, suicidal ideation, and even comas.

4. You cannot overdose on cannabis

An overdose of medical cannabis does not cause death. However, benzodiazepines such as Xanax have been linked to a staggeringly large amount of overdose deaths. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 22,000 people died from prescription drug overdoses. Approximately 31% of these overdose deaths were linked to benzodiazepines, such as Xanax.

5. Cannabis is just as effective for treating anxiety

The two main cannabinoids that help ease the symptoms of anxiety are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). Generally, THC quickly begins to relieve the most acute symptoms of anxiety. On the other hand, CBD relieves inflammation and regulate the connections between neurotransmitters in the brain and central nervous system.

Regulated doses of cannabis oil can coax the brain to minimize stress in the area known as the basolateral amygdala. This is where the brain receives a majority of its sensory information.

Additionally, CBD also affects the area of the hippocampus where human emotions are stores. The combination of THC and CBD working together is very effective in managing anxiety. It is important to note, however, that cannabis strains and dosing will affect patients differently. A strain high in sativa can have an uplifting effect and for some may be too stimulating. An indica strain will have a calming effect and can help patients to unwind, relax, and treat their anxiety.

Cannabis is quickly becoming very popular as a medical treatment. It used for both critical illnesses, such as cancer or MS, as well as mental disorders. The therapeutic properties in cannabis help relax the body and soothe the mind. In addition to its healing powers, medical cannabis does not have any significant long-term side effects. Unlike Xanax, it is impossible to overdose on cannabis. It is a vastly superior option in terms of health and is a safer alternative to Xanax in most cases. As with all medical decisions, it is important to that patients speak to a qualified medical cannabis practitioner. Correct strain, dosing, and method of ingestion of cannabis are vital to successful treatment.

Sources:
https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2277821/ https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/p0220_drug_overdose_deaths.html https://www.drugs.com/alprazolam.html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22729452 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1026866/pdf/westjmed00121-0066a.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24923339 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0269881110379283