Millions of people around the world suffer from anxiety, making it a widespread mental health problem.
Although numerous pharmaceutical options exist, finding the most effective one is not always easy, and they often come with serious side affects (like suicidal ideation, for example).
But suppose that all along nature has been concealing a secret weapon against anxiety.
Cannabis-based medical products (CBMPs) may be the next big thing for treating GAD, according to a study published in PubMed.
About the Research: Newfound optimism
The purpose of the research was to determine whether or not CBMPs were safe and effective for treating GAD. Thirty-two patients from the United Kingdom’s Medical Cannabis Registry participated.
Some of these patients were given oil-based treatments, while others were given dried cannabis flower. The primary objective was to track how anxiety levels changed between the first and third and sixth months.
The Research Method
The researchers gauged levels of anxiety with the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale.
They also used the Single Item Sleep Quality Scale (SQS) and the Health-Related Quality of Life Index (EQ-5D-5L) to evaluate how well people slept and how their health was affected by their lack of sleep.
Prospective research involves monitoring patients over time without affecting their therapy in any way.
The Outcome: Refreshingly Positive
The findings were mind-blowing! Anxiety levels consistently decreased with time for patients who were given CBMPs.
The average number of anxious points dropped by 5.3 after a month. This pattern persisted for a whole three and six months. In addition to reductions in anxiety, patients also noted enhancements in sleep quality and general well-being.
However, 269 adverse events were reported by 12.9% of subjects.
This demonstrates that CBMPs have potential benefits but also drawbacks.
Promising Developments
Clinically meaningful reductions in anxiety were observed in patients with GAD who were prescribed CBMPs, the study found.
Furthermore, CBMPs have a reasonable safety profile. However, the authors stress the importance of conducting randomised trials to further examine CBMPs’ efficacy.
To what extent will this affect you?
CBMPs may be useful in the treatment of anxiety for those who suffer from it.
However, it is important to talk to a doctor before making any changes. Although this trial shows promise, more investigation into the efficacy of CBMPs in helping people with anxiety is warranted.
The possibilities to a natural cure for anxiety have been opened by this ground-breaking study. These findings warrant cautious optimism and additional investigation.
CBMPs may be the all-natural solution many people have been looking for to reduce their anxiety and enhance their quality of life.
