Does Weed Help with Anger Issues?

Does weed help with anger issues, or is it best to avoid lighting up when we're at our most irate? Anger caused by work, personal issues, or health problems can affect our overall happiness and have a detrimental effect on our relationships with those around us. Finding an effective and safe way to calm and/or release anger can therefore be highly beneficial to people struggling with feelings of rage.

What Causes Anger Issues?

According to a 2023 study, the prevalence of inappropriate, intense, or poorly controlled anger in the U.S. population is 7.8%. This figure reflects people who reported uncontrollable anger or aggressive impulses because of their rage. 

But, what is causing these anger issues?

Genetics and Upbringing

According to specialist psychologists in anger management, some people are simply more hot-headed than others. This can manifest itself in two ways: while some are prone to angry outbursts and get enraged easier than others, others are perpetually irritable or grumpy. Both of these profiles of people can suffer socially as a result of their foul temper.

Some people suffering from uncontrolled anger issues tend to have a low tolerance for frustration and can't take things in their stride as many others manage to do. Not having learned how to channel negative feelings constructively in one’s family of origin can also result in angry outbursts in adulthood that are directed either inward or toward others. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

In some cases, anger may be a symptom of a condition like post-traumatic stress disorder. When this hyperarousal symptom is present with PTSD and the sufferer doesn’t have an effective strategy to deal with it, the anger can lead to self-harm or aggression toward others.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder

People with intermittent explosive disorder can have explosive and overwhelming bouts of anger or rage that occur with little provocation. These explosions of anger can be dangerous or scary for people around them. Treatments for IED typically involve psychotherapy and medications.

How Cannabis Could Help with Anger Issues

Anger issues alone aren't currently listed as one of the Arizona qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card. However, medical cannabis can be used to treat other conditions that may include anger, anxiety, or stress as secondary symptoms.

Relaxing cannabis strains may help to temporarily calm the nervous system and quell feelings of anger. However, cannabis should only be considered as a complement to traditional anger management therapies such as anger management classes or psychotherapy rather than being used in their place.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in Arizona. Consuming cannabis could potentially help relieve some symptoms associated with this disorder. Always follow medical advice if you smoke weed to treat a mental health disorder and research the best MMJ strains for PTSD before purchasing.

Chronic Pain

Anger is common in individuals with chronic pain. It is no surprise that chronic pain could cause significant emotional distress—sometimes manifesting itself as anger or resentment. Living with pain often limits people's lives and their ability to enjoy activities they used to love.

Patients suffering from chronic pain are eligible for an MMJ card in Arizona. Though most patients consume cannabis primarily to treat their pain or discomfort, some may also benefit from the feeling of relaxation or bliss sometimes associated with marijuana use. Less pain could also translate to reduced mental and emotional distress.

How to Take Cannabis for Anger Issues

There are various types of cannabis you could try with the aim of improving your mood and overall well-being. Everybody is different, and some people may report different effects from different strains. However, some internet users recommend the following strains for anger issues:

Champagne Kush

Champagne Kush energizes and relaxes at the same time and offers a warm sense of calmness and well-being. This strain has a very high THC content and is not recommended for beginners.

Dream Berry

This strain is best known for its relaxing and de-stressing qualities. People with anger problems could benefit from blowing their stress away with this fruity, delicious strain.

White Queen

White Queen is a fairly potent strain often associated with stress relief. This indica-dominant strain is best kept until the end of the day because it might make you feel sleepy.

Strawberry Ice

This delicious strain smells just like fresh strawberries and is useful for relaxation, pain relief, and relieving anxiety. Consumers also report feelings of happiness and motivation, the perfect antidote to anger and stress.

Cannalope Haze

Cannalope Haze is a potent energizing and pain-relieving strain also known for its euphoric and anxiety-relieving properties. Expect tropical fruity and citrus flavors.

Blue Haze

Many cannabis consumers enjoy the berry and earthy flavors of Blue Haze as well as the happiness and feelings of calm and contentment it provides. Consumers report feeling relaxed and euphoric as they leave their worries behind.

Linalool (Terpene)

Some of the medical benefits of terpenes could help anger-prone people reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression that contribute to their angry outbursts. Linalool, in particular, has been investigated for its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), antidepressant, and anti-stress properties. Strains that are high in linalool include Durban, Red Haze, Xena, Wedding Mints #13, and Candy OG.

Consider MMJ for Anger-Inducing Qualifying Conditions

Because anger is a symptom and not a qualifying condition in itself, people who are suffering from anger issues should first seek to identify the source of their feelings. Anger issues that stem from a lack of appropriate emotional management strategies may be able to be improved effectively with therapy. 

If your anger is a secondary symptom caused by chronic pain or a condition like PTSD, it may improve (along with an improvement in your primary symptoms) with medically supervised cannabis consumption. Consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis to learn which treatments—whether medical marijuana, therapy, or both—could be most effective.