Ever wondered if CBD and THC might help turn down the volume on anxiety or restless thoughts? In this episode, I share my personal experiment with medicinal cannabis and why it felt like a logical step in exploring dyslexia-friendly ways to manage an overactive mind. I talk about the challenge of high cortisol levels that can spark overthinking, and how these oils—now legal for medicinal use in New Zealand—might calm the storm.

During the episode, I touch on the day-to-day differences I noticed when I tried CBD compared to THC. I also consider how these substances work alongside habits like meditation and exercise. If you’ve been wondering about alternative ways to soothe those neurodiverse spikes in stress, this episode gives a candid look at the pros and cons of this particular route.

Why I Considered CBD and THC for Dyslexia

Let’s face it—dyslexia doesn’t vanish just because we’re older. Stress can build fast, and sometimes a busy, creative mind won’t settle down. That’s where my curiosity came in.

“As an adult, I wanted to give CBD oil and THC oil a go to see if it can help with the challenges of Dyslexia.”

I realised that while meditation, exercise, and other daily practices help me most days, life can still get overwhelming. My cortisol levels can skyrocket, causing mental loops and panic. It feels like my brain is in constant overdrive. So, I decided to see if there was something else out there that could help bring those stress hormones under control.

The Effects on Anxiety and Overthinking

CBD and THC are known for their potential to reduce stress. CBD, in particular, seems to gently relax the mind without the strong psychoactive “high” typically associated with THC. By contrast, THC can calm anxiety in some people but may also trigger paranoia if too high a dose is used.

During my trial, I noticed:

• A reduction in racing thoughts about small miscellanea.
• A gentle, soothing effect that made it easier to focus on tasks.
• Less of that “heart racing, can’t think straight” feeling.

However, it wasn’t an overnight cure, and it still took some experimentation to find the right balance. If you’re curious about trying it, I’d recommend starting low and going slow—particularly if you’re sensitive to changes in mood.

Common Challenges and Surprises

No journey with new substances is smooth sailing. There were moments when the THC felt a bit heavy, so I had to watch out for possible side effects. Brain fog isn’t super helpful when you’re trying to get things done. I was also careful about how CBD and THC interacted with my current routines. For instance, combining them with meditation was a pleasant surprise. It slowed my mind enough to drop deeper into the moment.

I also learned that reading or writing while on too much THC could get a bit tricky. I felt calmer, but my dyslexic brain got even more disorganised. That changes from person to person, so if you’re thinking about trying it, staying mindful of your personal tolerance is essential. And remember to consider local laws as well—luckily in New Zealand, medicinal use is legal, but regulations in other places vary.

Key Learnings on Self-Care

Beyond the effects of CBD and THC themselves, what really stood out was the importance of approaching these tools with the right mind-set. I believe in building a foundation first, so if stress gets out of hand, a deep breath or a quick walk around the block can work wonders before anything else.

Here are a few thoughts I shared about self-care during the episode:

• Stay mindful of your daily habits—hydration, nutritious food, gentle exercise.
• Give meditation a fair shot—sometimes just five minutes of mindful breathing helps.
• Reflect on the root cause of your stress—CBD or THC can mask it, but they won’t replace self-awareness.
• Don’t be afraid to talk to a professional—let an expert guide your dosage or methods.

At the end of the day, managing dyslexia is a journey. No single thing is likely to solve everything, but small adjustments can bring a significant difference over time.

Takeaways

• CBD might help soothe overthinking and high stress levels.
• THC can be calming too, but too much might increase brain fog.
• Meditation and exercise remain great tools to manage anxiety.
• Start low and slow—everyone’s tolerance is different.
• Speak to a professional if you feel overwhelmed or unsure.

If you’d like a more detailed rundown of my experience or want to hear the personal stories that shaped my thoughts, the full episode is ready at the top of this page. Happy listening—and remember, whether you explore these oils or stick to tried-and-true methods, your dyslexic brain is worthy of kindness and patience.

Go ahead and press play on the podcast player above for the complete conversation!