The potential mental health benefits of marijuana are garnering increased attention, with promises of relaxation, euphoria, and improved mood. This is especially true after New York legalized adult-use cannabis. Emerging research suggests that marijuana may offer relief for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, without many physical risks. However, the relationship between marijuana and mental health is complex, necessitating a mindful and intentional approach to its use. This blog delves into both the promising benefits and the potential consequences of marijuana for mental health, providing a balanced perspective to help you navigate your healing journey.
Benefits of Marijuana on Mental Health
Recently, marijuana has shown several potential benefits for mental health, particularly in managing anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The experience of anxiety is often riddled with cognitive distortions (like overthinking, rumination, and catastrophizing), as well as physiological symptoms such as muscle tension. Marijuana can be a valuable antidote to relax both the body and mind, promoting a feeling of presence alongside a physical relaxation of the body. THC appears to decrease anxiety at lower doses, and CBD decreases anxiety at all doses. For those with anxiety, an Indica strain of marijuana may be especially effective in promoting relaxation.
Alternatively, the experience of depression is characterized by a lack of pleasure, decreased energy, and poor motivation. Using marijuana to cope with depression may seem paradoxical. However, marijuana use may provide euphoric experiences, detachment from the ‘heaviness,’ and social connection. For those with depression, a sativa strain of marijuana may be especially effective in promoting euphoria and joy.
Sleep disturbance is a hallmark symptom of PTSD, which greatly affects both physical and mental wellness. By using marijuana to cope, those with PTSD may notice an improvement in the quality of their sleep, as well as a reduction in nightmares. For those with PTSD, CBD can provide physical relaxation without an altered mood state. The emotional effects of marijuana are numerous and especially dependent on the strain, mechanism, and intensity of use. It is important to be mindful of marijuana’s effect on your unique mood and mental health before regularly incorporating it into your healing.
If you are new to marijuana, you can visit a licensed dispensary to ask further questions, such as Housing Works Cannabis Company, a non-profit benefiting the LGBTQ+ community.
Consequences of Marijuana on Mental Health
While marijuana promises a myriad of benefits for mental health, integrating substances into healing needs to be an intentional and mindful practice. Substance use is not inherently problematic. However, substance use can devolve to interfering with healing and life functioning, which is then considered a mental health disorder itself. Early use of marijuana during childhood and adolescence also may be linked with later experiences of psychosis. While there may be positive emotional effects of marijuana, heavy and/or chronic use may paradoxically damage your mental health. Thus, it is important to be mindful and intentional with when, why, and how you utilize marijuana as a coping tool in your healing journey.
There are several signs that your marijuana use may be contributing negatively to your mental health problems rather than helping. With heavy or chronic use, one’s ability to cope with common life stressors in a sober state may be diminished. While you cannot become chemically addicted to THC or CBD, you can become emotionally dependent and notice withdrawals. For example, if you feel the ‘need’ to use marijuana to get through your day, or a common occurrence such as class, work, or socializing, then you may be experiencing a dependence. Additionally, you may be dependent if your use feels ritualistic and not in response to a coping need.
Using Marijuana to Cope vs Avoid
Marijuana can be a powerful tool to help us cope with emotional distress and life stressors. However, substance use can also be used as a means to avoid our emotions and numb our lived experience. This can lead to ongoing mood disorders and inability to effectively move through the world in a relaxed, confident, and authentic manner.
The positive emotional effects of marijuana may be a pleasant distraction from emotional stressors. For example, if we are experiencing intense emotional distress or undergoing a major life stressor, utilizing marijuana may help us to feel euphoria amidst such turmoil. However, when marijuana is chronically used to avoid your emotional reality completely, then you may experience increased levels of anxiety and depression, among other issues.
Still, marijuana can be a healthy, adaptive coping skill. If your use of marijuana is intentional, mindful, and aligned with your therapeutic goals, then your use is most likely coping. However, if your use is chronic, reflexive, and used to numb emotions, then you may be using marijuana as an avoidant tactic. By discussing your marijuana use with a mental health professional (like your psychotherapist), you can better understand your relationship with marijuana and whether it is hindering or assisting your personal growth.
Reflect on Your Marijuana Use
Do you need increased amounts to feel the same desired effect?
Do you notice cravings? If so, how frequently? Are there any themes as to when you crave?
Has your marijuana use interfered with work, social, or other life responsibilities?
Does your marijuana use have negative financial consequences?
Have you tried to “cut down” or abstain from use before and struggled to do so?
Do you end up using more/for longer than originally intended?
Do you automatically use marijuana when experiencing an unpleasant emotion?
Have you used marijuana chronically (regular use over a sustained period of time)?
Curious about exploring your marijuana use in therapy? Reach out to myTherapyNYC to find out which of our therapists would be a good fit for you!
How has marijuana impacted your mental health? Join the conversation in the comments below!
- Can Marijuana Help My Mental Health? - April 20, 2025
- You’re Not Lazy! Understanding Why You Feel Lazy - April 25, 2024
- How Queer Men Experience Body Image - June 1, 2023
