Cannabis as a Potential Remedy for Workplace Burnout

The Prevalence of Workplace Burnout

Burnout has become a pervasive problem, affecting people across all industries and job levels. According to a Gallup survey, nearly two-thirds of American workers experience burnout on the job, while 23% of them reported that they always or very often felt burned out.

A subsequent study by the American Psychological Association estimated that 64 percent of adults consider work-related stress to be a source of stress, while 41 percent reported that their job is either a very or somewhat significant source of stress.

These statistics certainly paint a grim picture of the landscape of workplace mental health. Burnout does not affect just the individual employee; rather, it can spread into the firm itself through growing absenteeism and turnover, and increased healthcare costs.

• 23% of employees reported feeling burned out at work very often or always
• 44% Sometimes feel burned out
• 64% of adults point to work-related stress as a major source of stress
• 41% report that their job is a very or somewhat significant source of stress

Cannabis and Burnout: How It Can Help

Cannabis contains a wide variety of active compounds, major ones including THC and CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to create a wide array of different effects. While specific research on the actual benefits of cannabis for burnout is scant, there are some ways it may be of benefit.

One of the key ways that cannabis may help alleviate burnout is by reducing stress and anxiety. THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, has been shown to exhibit anxiolytic properties-that is, to decrease anxiety. Likewise, another key component of cannabis, CBD, has also been shown to exhibit anxiolytic properties. By reducing stress levels and the feeling of anxiety, cannabis can, in theory, help individuals to feel more relaxed and better able to cope with pressures at work.

The other way cannabis may help in treating burnout is by improving sleep. Good sleeping is a feature of good physical and mental health, while bad sleeping habits are usually a symptom of burnout. The truth is, cannabis has actually proved to show sedation effects and may reduce the time taken before one falls asleep, increasing the time one spends sleeping. At this point, with improved sleep, cannabis may render one rested and be in a better position to put up with challenges at work.

Finally, cannabis might help with burnout because it can improve mood and motivation levels. THC has been proved to increase brain levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. This may enable one to feel more optimistic about work and motivated to work. The use of cannabis may make an individual more involved in work and satisfied with a job due to improved mood and motivation.

• The anxiolytic effect of both THC and CBD could, therefore, help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Cannabis produces sedation, hence may be used to afford better sleep. For one, THC raises dopamine levels, therefore increasing mood and motivation.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While cannabis has been lauded as a great way to stem burnout, it is not a behavior that is completely harmless. One of the major risks associated with cannabis use includes impairment. Impaired cognition and/or motor skills as a result of cannabis consumption might make the worker unfit to undertake the job without posing a risk to others or even themselves. Workers operating heavy machinery are, of course, at greater risk in this matter.

Cannabis use is also vulnerable to dependence. Frequent administration of cannabis leads to dependence, later manifested as withdrawal symptoms after its use has been stopped. This may be particularly problematic for those individuals who have come to rely on cannabis as their primary management of symptoms of burnout and may find it hard to perform without it.

First of all, there are legal considerations to keep in mind regarding cannabis use.

While medically or recreationally legal in a variety of states, on the federal level it remains an illegal drug. That means even in these states, cannabis use can be banned by employers. Individuals are supposed to be responsible in taking cannabis and show discretion about the policies of their employers on cannabis use.

Finally, there is the potential for cannabis to interact with other medications and to cause certain adverse effects. Individuals on other medications will thus need to consult their health care providers so that they may establish whether cannabis will be effective and safe for their needs.

It influences the impairment of cognitive functioning and motor skills.

Regular cannabis use is also associated with dependence and a withdrawal syndrome.

Differences:

• Cannabis is still illegal under federal law, and may be prohibited by employers
• Cannabis may also interact with other medications and cause adverse effects

Methods of Consuming Cannabis

Different methods of consumption have their own advantages and disadvantages. Smoking is thought to be the most traditional mode of cannabis consumption, but for the lungs, it is harsh and not suitable for everyone. Vaporizing is far healthier compared to smoking because in vaporizers, cannabis is warmed up to such a temperature that will result in the release of the active plant compound without the appearance of smoke. Nevertheless, even this may affect respiration.

Other great ways of consuming cannabis are edibles. These are food and drink items mixed with cannabis, giving a more long-lasting effect than other ways of consumption. It’s much harder to predict the effects of edibles and to control them. It can also take longer to kick in.

Other ways of consuming cannabis include tinctures and topicals, both of which have more focused effects. Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts taken sublingually, usually under the tongue, and boast fast-acting effects. Topicals are cannabis-infused creams, balm, and a variety of other products applied directly to skin for relief in very specific areas and often without psychoactive effects common with other methods of consumption.

• Smoking is the most common method but hits the lungs harshly.
• Vapourisers are a healthier option to smoking, but they can also affect respiration.
• Edibles are longer-acting, but also more unpredictable and difficult to regulate.
• Tinctures allow quick action and the dosage is easily controlled.
• Topicals provide localized relief without psychoactive results.

Picking the Right Cannabis Product

In choosing a product for burnout, considerations include a number of factors Probably most important, the ratio of THC to CBD within the product. THC is considered the main active psychoactive constituent of cannabis-it’s responsible for the “high” associated with the use of cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and possibly provides some therapeutic benefits devoid of the intoxicating effects of THC.

While products with higher THC might work better to reduce anxiety and improve mood, for instance, products with higher CBD content could be more effective at reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation. It is very important to choose a product that has a proper ratio of THC to CBD for your needs and tolerance level.

Another important factor in choosing a cannabis product is the strain of the product itself. Because of its chemical composition, some cannabis strains can vary in their specific effects; it may be more energizing and uplifting or more relaxing and sedating. Choose a strain that would fit your needs and preferences better. Also, when cannabis is being administered for burnout, it has to be in low dosages, which can then be gradually increased if one feels the need for it. It is upon the notion that cannabis can have adverse effects on anxiety and paranoia at high ranges, further deteriorating cognition. Ensure your cannabis products are of high quality and sourced from reputable sources to ensure safety and effectiveness.

• The ratio of THC to CBD in the product
• Pick a strain that will suit your needs and preference.
• Start with low dosing and increase as needed
• Use high-quality cannabis products from credible sources

Conclusion

Management of burnout in the workplace is multifactorial in nature and requires an equally multifaceted approach. While cannabis may be a potential remedy for some people, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Cannabis use should be approached with caution, and consultation with a healthcare provider is advisable before starting its use.

If one is going to use cannabis for burnout, study up on a high-quality product with a good source and be responsible in one’s usage-in moderation. A holistic approach to managing burnout-in other words, self-care combined with effective stress management techniques, mindfully and appropriately using either cannabis or another remedy-will find individuals improving their mental and physical well-being and actually thrive in their personal and professional lives.