Let's talk about mental health

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By Terri Kroh and Markita Wilburn

Almost everyone around the world has felt increased anxiety these last few months--I know I have. As most of the United States has been under stay-at-home orders, our normal routines and relationships have been changed. We are months into the COVID-19 crisis, and it has been a challenge for many of us to maintain our mental health.

With every challenge there comes an opportunity to grow. This opportunity brings a clear message that our mental health is key to our well-being. Let’s talk about mental health, end the silence, reduce the stigma, and connect with each other to inspire hope during these unprecedented times. 

So–how is your mental health? Mental health issues are often an “invisible illness”. How many of us spend years wondering if anyone out there understands how we feel? We spend years searching for answers wondering why we feel so tired all the time, but our blood work is fine. Why our skin is dull, we’re clenching our teeth, we’re losing weight and our hair. Why we feel poorly about ourselves, can’t sleep, have little appetite and find ourselves getting angry and aggravated often blaming situations or others for these feelings. We can’t sleep because thoughts are racing through our mind and we might feel afraid and anxious during the day. There are so many things we're never told or taught about our mental health.

I want to remind all our patients that our pharmacy and patient advisor team is just a phone call away. We are scheduling tele-consults every day and will make as many accommodations as we can to ensure your visit to the dispensary doesn’t create another stressor in your life. To schedule a telephone consultation, contact us at contact@maitrimeds.com or call us at 412.404.7464 in Pittsburgh or 724.550.4565 in Uniontown.

-TK

 

Medical Marijuana and Anxiety Disorders

There is extensive evidence stating that although low doses of THC is anxiolytic (reduces anxiety), high doses of THC have the ability to exacerbate anxiety, making it worse. Microdosing THC is often best for folks with anxiety to avoid making your anxiety worse or triggering a panic attack. PTSD sufferers may require higher amounts of THC but should avoid strains high in pinene as this may trigger unwanted flashbacks because of its ability to increase attention and focus. 

I recommend products with the below combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids for patients battling anxiety disorders. Terpene and cannabinoid data are shown on most product labels in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program. If you need help understanding these labels, we are only a call or email away.

  • B-caryophyllene, Myrcene and Pinene are helpful terpenes for reducing anxiety, but stick with products where pinene is one of the least dominant terpenes in the profile.

  • THC + CBD + CBG + Limonene =. Enhanced anti-anxiety effects

  • THC + CBD + Limonene + Linalool = Good combination to combat anxiety

  • Low THC + CBD + Myrcene + Linalool + Pinene = Daytime chill with euphoric focus and attentiveness

  • Delta-8-THC + Limonene + Myrcene = Lesser psychoactivity for mental clarity and focus

  • Strains high in CBC may be largely effective in reducing anxiety

  • And, a final tip: Keep products high in CBD on hand. CBD can act as an antidote to THC if you feel you’ve consumed too much and feel paranoid or too high.

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