College years can be the defining era of one’s life. The newfound freedom and access to scholarly knowledge can be formative for character formation. However, the workload of assignments, research papers, and exams can lead to a spate of mental health issues in college students. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions are rampant in student populations, stemming from their educational institutions’ expectations.

According to the American College Health Association, about 30% of college students report feeling “so depressed that it was difficult to function” at some point in the past year. Anxiety is even more common, with about 40% of college students feeling “overwhelming anxiety” in the past year. Students are finding new ways to cope with these issues. An entire subgenre of stoner comedies has shown that the drug is effective for relaxation, and students do the same and use Minnesota medical cannabis to combat their academic anxiety.

Research shows that marijuana can effectively combat anxiety, but it remains to be known whether it is truly effective for college students. This article discusses in detail whether the use of marijuana by college students is effective or leads to more issues.

Marijuana for College Students: Effective or Making The Problem Worse?

Anxiety is a condition that is characterized by different symptoms for different people. It can be described as an overwhelming fear but manifests differently. Marijuana helps combat these different symptoms and contributes to the overall well-being of college students. Here are some ways in which marijuana is effective in helping students with anxiety:

1. Marijuana Reduces Stress

One of the most significant benefits of marijuana is that it can help to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. Studies have shown that marijuana can have an anti-anxiety effect by reducing cortisol levels, a stress hormone, in the body.

2. Marijuana Can Uplift Mood

Marijuana can help improve mood, which can benefit those struggling with anxiety. Research suggests that the compounds found in marijuana can help boost the release of endocannabinoids, chemicals in the body that regulate mood and emotions. This can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and improve overall well-being.

3. Marijuana can Help with Relaxation and Sleeping

Another way that marijuana may help manage anxiety is by promoting relaxation and sleep. Anxiety can often make it difficult for individuals to relax and sleep well, and marijuana can help to relieve these symptoms. Studies have found that marijuana can increase the time spent in deep sleep, which is important for emotional regulation and overall well-being.

It’s crucial to note that not all strains or forms of marijuana are the same when managing anxiety. Some strains can increase anxiety, so college students need to be mindful of the strains they are using and how they are consuming them. Consuming it through smoking or vaporization may lead to a more instant effect, while edibles may take more time.

Final Thoughts

It can be established that marijuana can effectively control anxiety symptoms in college students. However, it can also have other effects that may disrupt their work and studies. Therefore, students should consult a medical professional before consuming marijuana for anxiety symptoms. Students in California, New York, and Minnesota should visit IndicaMD to consult a physician and acquire a medical marijuana card to help their anxiety.