No more xans for anxiety.

And then there was peace. What had been a battle to find balance, settled into a headspace of tranquility. The pills no longer served a purpose in the eyes of Floridians of the future who seek holistic ailments. Mental health is being treated with plants, no more pills.

According to FLMedCannabis, “Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population.”

Anxiety is listed under the many qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in the state of Florida. Thanks to Morgan & Morgan, in 2016, the state of Florid was added to the list of medical cannabis states. Current patients suffering from anxiety might want to talk to a medical cannabis doctor if they are having prolonged struggles with their current medications. Anxiety is caused by your body’s fight or flight response, triggering what can be considered a pre-cursor to a panic attack. If you have anxiety, you might experience one or more of the following symptoms:

-Increased heart rate

-Irritability, Nervousness, Restlessness

-Excessive Sweating

-Difficulty Sleeping/Insomnia

-Avoidance/Isolation

Cannabis has its own role in the human anatomy through the endocannabinoid system. Not taught in your biology class, this is the system that was hidden from the science books. According to Wikipedia, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system.

Thankfully, research has been able to prove that we contain a higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors called CB1. These receptors are found in the amygdala, hippocampus (memory), and anterior cingulate cortex. Those are the areas of the brain that regulate anxiety, fear, and other symptoms similar. Linalool, a cannabis terpene, was found to contribute to the plant’s anti-anxiety properties as well. From greater knowledge, comes healing. Any plant that has the power to connect with natural receptors in your body and sustain homeostasis, might be a plant to consider in your life if you suffer from anxiety. Speaking with a professional is always the best option when looking at holistic options, as medicine is always evolving. Medical cards in the state of Florida last a year, until they must be renewed. The pathway to holistic peace is available to us all. Mental health is the child in us that constantly needs reassurance and nurturing, do what is best for yours.