Let me start with a confession.
When I first heard people using cannabis for anxiety, I thought, “Lovely. Finally, something that will help everyone relax.”
Light a candle, take a deep breath, problem solved… right?
Not quite.
Because anxiety has a way of humbling you. And cannabis, when misunderstood, will happily join in.
Over time, through conversations, curious experimenting, and a few “okay, that was definitely too much” moments. I learned something important: cannabis doesn’t calm anxiety by force. It supports calm when you meet it halfway. Much like it does with chronic stress and burnout, the nervous system needs the right conditions to soften, not pressure to perform.
Read more: How Cannabis Helps with Burnout and Work-Related Stress.
Here’s what this fun aunty wishes everyone knew before their first anxious wobble.
Lesson One: More Is Rarely the Answer
When anxiety already has your nervous system on edge, throwing a high-THC product into the mix can feel like turning the volume up instead of down.
What I’ve seen work better, again and again, are:
Lower-THC products
CBD-dominant or gently balanced options
Small, consistent amounts rather than big, bold doses
This is why choosing the right format matters. Oils, gummies and capsules all behave differently in the body, and some are far more predictable than others.
Read more: The Best Cannabis Format?
Calm doesn’t arrive with fireworks. It arrives quietly, usually after you’ve stopped chasing it.
Lesson Two: Your Nose Knows More Than You Think
This one surprised me.
Cannabis isn’t just about cannabinoids. It’s also about terpenes, the aromatic compounds that shape how a product feels.
When anxiety is part of the picture, I’ve learned to trust softer signals:
Floral or earthy scents
Grounded, comforting aromas
Products that feel like a deep exhale, not a caffeine hit
If something smells sharp, buzzy, or like it wants to reorganise your entire life at 9 am… I gently put it back on the shelf.
Read more: Benefits of Cannabis.
Lesson Three: Timing Is Half the Magic
Here’s a big one: cannabis is not a panic button.
Using it during peak anxiety can sometimes make body sensations louder and thoughts more noticeable. But using it:
After a long day
In a familiar, safe environment
When your body is already beginning to unwind
That’s when cannabis tends to support the nervous system best.
Think of it as a wind-down companion, not an emergency rescue plan.
Lesson Four: Most “Bad Experiences” Are Actually Useful Feedback
Nearly every uncomfortable story I hear includes one (or more) of these:
Taking too much, too quickly
Choosing strength instead of suitability
Expecting cannabis to erase anxiety completely
Forgetting basics like food, water, rest or breathing
You’re not doing it “wrong”. You’re learning.
Read more: Anxiety and Stress.
Final Aunty Advice (The Bit I’d Say While Handing You Tea)
There’s no perfect strain for anxiety, only what fits your body, your rhythms and your life.
Start low. Go slow. Stay curious. Let calm build over time instead of demanding it on cue. Supporting your nervous system gently will always take you further than trying to override it.
Disclaimer: This blog supports responsible cannabis use. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Our latest content
Check out what's new in our company !