Marijuana and Anxiety: Scientists Discover New Link

Relief for Patients Hinges on Continued Medical Research

By: WeedClub Team, Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 8:50 AM PT

Through a recent study, scientists may have discovered a new link between marijuana and anxiety. If you've ever used marijuana to cope with stress and reduce your anxiety, have you ever wondered what the scientific link behind it was? 

In a recent study, scientists found that cannabis works similar to the 2-AG molecule and that they both act on the same receptors in the brain, the endocannabinoid system. The 2-AG molecule is responsible for disrupting the neurochemical pathway in your brain linked to anxiety. When produced, it prevents the production and transfer of stress chemicals in your brain from the amygdala (the emotion center) and prefrontal cortex (the decision center).

The discovery could prove promising to future therapies that target 2-AG and the endocannabinoid system to reduce or eliminate anxiety and stress disorders. While promising, this study conducted its research on lab mice and the findings need to be applied to humans. 

Blocks to medical research on cannabis due to Prohibition appear to have inhibited scientfic breakthroughs for decades, so it is fascinating to learn about the effects of the chemicals within the plant as long overdue research is presented for review.