If your a medical marijuana living in a state prohibits it and your lack of easy marijuana access is driving you insane, it might be time to consider some marijuana alternatives.
You might use your medical marijuana to treat conditions like chronic stress, depression, and anxiety. The good news, is there are other legal alternatives to marijuana that might be able to remedy your condition without a headache.
Here are some the best, legal and easiest marijuana alternatives that can help get your mental health back on track.
Marijuana Alternatives
With any alternative, it’s not going to be exactly the same. So be patient with this suggestion and most importantly be safe. Check in with yourself and see if these alternatives are helping before giving up entirely.
Beware of Synthetic Marijuana or Spice
One of the most common marijuana alternatives, that you might already be aware of is synthetic marijuana or spice. While this alternative is super easy to get a hold of, beware. This legal high could make you potentially die.
According to a recent study, synthetic marijuana compounds, also known as K2 or Spice, are treated chemically different than marijuana and are more dangerous than cannabis.
Synthetic marijuana compounds have reportedly caused numerous side effects including seizures, psychosis and even death.
When some of these compounds are broken down in the body, their by-products can activate the CB1 receptor which can increase the toxicity of these drugs and can create adverse side effects not seen with marijuana.
Another issue with synthetic marijuana or spice, is often buyers don’t know what’s really in the product they’re purchasing. There is usually a minimum of about three different types of synthetic cannabinoids in a single product.
Give a Natural High a Try
Some of the best ways to treat anxiety, depression, and stress, could come from a natural high like running, yoga and meditation.
Recent studies have found that regular exercise and meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression for some people. These effects can also be long-lasting, and a regular exercise and meditation schedule can significantly reduce these symptoms over time.
If you’re into or open to running, you may be able to experience a runner’s high which is described as a light-headedness and euphoria, but also a sense of calm at the same time.
If it’s too cold to run, alternatives like 100 jumping jacks indoors can help create the same sensation.
Meditation also can help alleviate anxiety, stress, depression and even help with pain management. Consistently meditating over a long period of time, has been shown to develop parts of the human brain connected to memory, emotion, empathy and learning ability. Meditation has also been proven to be good for your heart.
Yoga also activates your endocannabinoid system. A yogi’s high is almost like a combination of the effects you get from running and meditation. Yoga is great for reducing anxiety and depression.
It has been found that yoga modulates your stress, which is why most yogis tend to be calm, happy and generally content.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is a root from the South Pacific Islands that has been used in traditional medicine for a while. It’s known to calm and sedate users, and some have compared it to drugs like Valium.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing high to help with stress and anxiety, this might be the alternative for you. It also helps with insomnia, without making you too drowsy.
You can ingest kava kava as a tea, but it’s also available in a pill form. You can often find kava kava where vitamins are sold, health food stores might be your best bet. Some places also have kava bars, which are like a cross between a hookah bar and cafe.
Blue Lotus
Blue Lotus can often be found in your local head shop, even if weed isn’t legal in your state. Blue Lotus can be smoked or made into a tea. Drinking steeped blue lotus tea can have a relaxing sedated effect.
Be warned, too much Blue Lotus can be somewhat hallucinogenic, so enjoy it in moderation. This tea has been known to help relieve stress, and help get you into a relaxed and positive state of mind.
CBD Oil
You’ve probably already heard of the wonders of CBD or cannabidiol. CBD comes from the cannabis plant, but it’s legal because it doesn’t contain THC, which is what makes you high.
But, CBD has been reported to have the same benefits of smoking weed like anxiety and chronic pain relief. But not all states allow it, so if you live in a state where marijuana is illegal, double check that CBD is legal.
If CBD is allowed in your state, you can usually get it at a local head shop. Some boutique coffee shops and juicers are even making CBD lattes or juices. Just make sure you look up where you’re buying your CBD oil from as it ranges widely in quality.
Find The Alternative That’s Right For You
Now that you have the knowledge of what the different marijuana alternatives are, find the option that’s convenient for you. All of these suggestions are going to take time before they start working, so be patient.
We can not stress again how bad synthetic marijuana or herb is, whatever you do, do not use that as an alternative.
If you’re athletically inclined, you might just find like taking up running, yoga or meditation might just help with your stress, anxiety or depression. It’s always best for our bodies when we can remedy issues with something that is natural. Not to mention running is free, and yoga and meditation can be too with youtube tutorials.
Also look into kava kava, blue lotus, and CBD oil. Like anything you’re trying for the first time, make sure you try a little to see how it works on you before going crazy.
For more information and articles on marijuana and legal marijuana alternatives and advice, be sure to check out our blog.