Anxiolytic
/ang-zee-oh-LIT-ik/
A drug or substance that reduces anxiety. CBD and low-dose THC have demonstrated anxiolytic effects in preclinical and clinical studies.
In Depth
Anxiolytic effects of cannabinoids are mediated through multiple mechanisms: CBD via 5-HT1A agonism and CB1 modulation, THC via CB1 activation in the amygdala at low doses. CBD has shown anxiolytic effects in human studies of social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety, and PTSD. The dose-dependency of THC's anxiolytic vs. anxiogenic effects is critical — low doses reduce anxiety while high doses increase it.
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Further Reading
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