Guide: C*nn*bis for Stress + Anxiety Relief

We are not okay. Election anxiety is at peak high.

I snapped last week. I felt, and still feel, on edge, prickly, and impatient. Easily frustrated at minor inconveniences and tasks. My pent up anxiety and frustration unleashed in sharp, stabby verbal rants. I was a Tasmanian Devil whirling in my own irritation, kicking up an emotional dust storm stinging everyone in my path.  

Googling “election anxiety” for this post and the avalanche of advice articles that followed created even more anxiety. Obviously I’m not alone here. I see, feel, and hear the frustration from people.

I can’t sleep. 

I’m worried. My thoughts won’t be quiet. 

I’m breaking out into hives.

My anxiety is through the roof, is there something that can help?

What can you do about it? I’ll tell you how I got out of my rage moment, and how I’m using c*nn*bis to manage my stress and anxiety.  

FOR PAID SUBSCRIBERS

In this Guide: Using C*nn*bis to Manage Stress & Anxiety

• Practical Advice for What to Do and Avoid

• Intentional Consumption

• Ask a Budtender Wellness Consultant

• Commonly Asked Questions

• Additional Resources

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At Irie, a consumption lounge in West Hollywood

Practical Advice for What to Do and Avoid

When I stopped to notice that I was spiraling, I stopped to ask myself why? Why am I so irritable right now? Where is it coming from? My conclusion is that I am sick and tired of navigating broken bureaucratic systems, being bombarded by political ads, mudslinging, and election fear-mongering without opt-in consent. The texts, mail, social media ads, door-to-door canvassers… STOP.  

S.T.O.P.

Stop. Take a Breath. Observe how you feel. Proceed.

When I’m in a stressed out, anxious, rage-filled state, intentional c*nn*bis consumption pulls me out of my rage hole and gives me the ability to be more reflective as I think through my emotions. Once I can identify where it’s coming from I ask myself, “What do I want to do about it and how do I choose to move forward?”  

Here’s what I’m doing to manage my overwhelming stress and anxiety right now. Maybe it’ll be helpful for you too. 

Do Less of This

• Consume news media and political ads. These anxiety peddlers are out of control. I’m ignoring the news, political mailers go straight into the trash, hiding ads on social media, and reply STOP to every text ad. Protect my peace.  

• Scroll mindlessly on social media. The cacophony of ads and opinions in the echo chamber is not good for my mental health.    

• Get high af. Too much THC can increase anxiety, paranoia, and depression. I’m consuming less frequently and being intentional when I do.  

• Bury myself in work. It’s easy to use work as the excuse for avoidance at the expense of my health and well-being. Hi my name is Christina and I’m a workaholic. 

• Spewing my stress onto others. It’s not fair to unload my stress and anxiety on someone else, who is also dealing with their own mental well-being. Talk to a therapist. It is not my responsibility to hold on to the emotional weight of other people’s stress. 

Do More of This

• Silence my phone and turn off notifications. The constant dings, pings, bzzt, and notifications are like needles jabbing for my attention.   

• Stretch, meditate, and lazy yoga. This makes my body and mind feel better. Using c*nn*bis during these activities helps body and mind to unwind and relax. 

• Go outside, go for a walk, and touch grass. Fresh air, sunshine, and nature is free medicine from Mother Nature. A stony walk around the neighborhood does a body good.

• Practice gratitude. As I thought about what’s making me feel anxious, flipping the script and considering what I am grateful for in the situation helped relieve my stress and realize that it’s not as dire as I’m making it out to be in my head. Being high while reflecting has been helpful for more expansive thinking and exploration. 

• Call a friend to hang out, and actually do it. As much as I want to isolate and be alone, humans are social creatures and we need positive social interaction to thrive. 

• Get high, make art. Channel the feelings into a creative project. Let loose, unleash, accept imperfection, throw emotions into art. It’s cathartic. 

• Speak up to establish boundaries and protect your peace. If I notice a conversation is making me feel anxious, I speak up, “This conversation is making me anxious, can we change the subject?” Or leave and walk away from it.   

• Volunteer and participate in your local community. I can’t fix the big broken systems, but I can make small, positive impacts on the community around me. Volunteering at my local shelter, seed bombing dry dead lots with native wildflowers, and working at my local dispensary makes my emotions feel less heavy.  

What is intentional consumption? 

Being thoughtful and intentional about the reason why you’re consuming in this moment and how c*nn*bis’ effects can help. Versus compulsively hitting a vape pen, smoking, or taking edibles to smother your emotions without purpose or intent.

Cornerstone crew with Blaire AuClair of Radicle Herbs and Tina Gordon of Moon Made Farms

Ask a Budtender Wellness Consultant 

Working at Cornerstone Wellness lifts my mood because I get to serve my local community and it gives me a feeling of purpose and connection. We’re not just budtenders, we’re wellness consultants. I listen and ask questions to make recommendations that help people feel better.