Can Weed Help with Anger Issues?

Does weed help with anger issues, or is it best to avoid cannabis use when feeling frustrated or enraged? The answer to this question is complicated and may depend on the source of your anger and how you react to cannabis products.

Some people love to vape or smoke weed at the end of a stressful day to kick back and let go of any remaining frustration. However, it’s also essential for people with ongoing anger issues to uncover and deal with the source of the problem.

The Relationship between Cannabis and Anger

The relationship between cannabis and anger is a complex one as consuming weed can affect cannabis users in vastly different ways. 

• The cannabinoid THC—responsible for the "high" after consuming cannabis—binds with the CB1 receptors in the brain. When CB1 receptors are activated, the different effects associated with cannabis use are unlocked. For some, this could be euphoria or a serene sense of calm. For others, the activation of CB1 receptors could produce negative feelings like anxiety, paranoia, or mood changes. 

• Excessive cannabis use is more likely to impact disposition than casual use.

• Grouchiness and anxiety are possible withdrawal symptoms when regular users take a break from cannabis consumption.

Please note: The specific effects experienced after consuming cannabis may also vary depending on the dose consumed and the other cannabinoids and terpenes present in the product. 

Research on THC and Mental Health

Research by the University of Illinois revealed that THC at low doses could reduce anxiety and stress, feelings that can lead to irritability and rage. The same study found that high doses of THC increased anxiety and negative mood. This may be concerning for individuals who already suffer from conditions like Intermittent Explosive Disorder that make emotional management challenging.

The results of this study suggest that low-potency strains are best if you wish to reduce feelings of anxiety. However, this study doesn't account for underlying mental health conditions, which could also influence how individuals respond to marijuana and events that trigger anger.

Cannabis and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a qualifying condition for the use of medical cannabis in several states. Sufferers live with an elevated level of tension and may consume cannabis to counter irritability, feeling on edge, or to feel less triggered. It’s important to underline that even though cannabis can go some way to relieving tension caused by PTSD, ongoing support is also essential for recovery.

Effects of Terpenes and Strain Type on Anger

Terpenes and strain type could also play a role in mood management. If you're looking for strains to relieve triggering feelings, check out the terpene content and strain designation in addition to the product’s THC level.

Terpenes in Cannabis 

The terpene content in weed is one of the main influences in how different strains affect different consumers. Certain terpenes could help anger-prone individuals reduce stress, anxiety, and depression that lead to anger bubbling up. 

Linalool has long been used as a relaxant and has been shown to offer anxiety-reducing, antidepressant, and anti-stress properties. Other terpenes with mood-boosting properties to look out for include myrcene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene.

Indica-Dominant Strains

Cannabis strains are traditionally categorized into three main types: sativa, indica, and hybrid. Sativa strains are generally known for their uplifting effects whereas indica strains are renowned for their relaxing and soothing effects. Hybrid strains may offer different combinations of both groups of effects, depending on the sativa and indica percentages in the strain. 

The takeaway: When searching for strains to reduce anger, indica strains are a great place to start.

Top Calming Strains to Try

Indica strains are typically associated with calming, sedative effects that may help to counter anger, stress, or anxiety. Ask budtenders in your local dispensary or our dispensaries in Seattle about these strains and others that could be perfect at the end of a stressful or frustrating day.

Grandaddy Purple

Indica-dominant, THC 17%/CBD 0%

Grandaddy Purple delivers a mix of cerebral euphoria and physical relaxation. Consumers may feel the thoughts that are riling them up disappear and be replaced with a dreamy buzz.

Lavender

Indica, THC 18%/CBG 1%

The gorgeous lavender scent of this strain takes you to a place of peace and serenity with every exhale. Famous for its ability to relieve stress, induce sleep, and offer an overwhelming sense of well-being, Lavender is a perfect choice to relax and leave anger and stress behind.

Blue Dream

Sativa-dominant hybrid, THC 17-24%/CBD 2%

Blue Dream offers an uplifting cerebral head high alongside a mellow, relaxing body high. Blue Dream is often used by individuals seeking to treat chronic pain, depression, and sleep disorders, but its calming effects could also be effective at relieving pent-up anger or frustration.

Find Out the Root Cause of Your Anger

Weed may go some way to relieving stress or anger after a bad day. However, short-term relief must go hand-in-hand with long-term solutions. Underlying anger issues are something that must be resolved, and identifying the root cause—and confronting it—is ultimately the best long-term solution to anger management issues.

Anger issues caused by poor emotional management strategies could be improved through therapy and treating any mental or physical issues that are triggering your rage. Ultimately, your life and the lives of those around you will improve by seeking effective long-term solutions.

Short and Long-Term Help for Anger

Feelings of anger may just arise from time to time or become a serious long-term issue. Low-dose THC appears to have calming effects, especially when a strain with an “indica” label is consumed. However, it won’t solve the root causes of your anger.

The best approach if you are struggling with uncontrollable anger is to get to the root of your feelings and seek professional help to overcome them. Low-THC cannabis can then be enjoyed alongside your long-term strategy for temporary relief.