In the US, phenibut, a medication used to treat anxiety, has become more well-liked for a number of reasons. Just as some people use marijuana for its therapeutic and euphoric effects, others use phenibut for recreational purposes and as medicine. But unlike cannabis, there isn’t as much scientific data on phenibut’s physiological effects.
Many people who buy medical card online, combine phenibut and marijuana claim that the combination intensifies the stimulating effects of marijuana, calling phenibut a “happy” drug. However, because there has been little research on the effects of combining phenibut with other drugs, such as marijuana, the medical community frequently recommends against doing so.
Here, we’ll examine the most recent studies to take into account before combining phenibut and marijuana.
Understanding Phenibut
The synthetic drug phenibut was created in the 1960s by Russian scientists in the former Soviet Union. Phenibut is a controlled substance in Australia and Hungary but a prescription drug in Russia. Phenibut’s position is not as clear in the rest of the world.
Despite claims of health benefits, phenibut has not been proven to be an effective treatment for any disease or disorder by official studies. The FDA’s official position in the United States is that phenibut doesn’t fit the requirements to be considered a dietary supplement. It is legal to buy phenibut as a dietary supplement online even though it is not authorized for clinical use in the US
Phenibut: Uses and How it Works?
A nootropic (also referred to as a smart drug or cognitive enhancer) is phenibut. It is a central nervous system depressant that was first prescribed to Russian cosmonauts as an anxiety reliever. Phenibut then became widely used in Eastern Europe to treat a variety of illnesses, such as:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Insomnia
Phenibut is now frequently referred to as a “wonder drug.” Research indicates that this wonder drug may have a stimulant-like effect at low doses by raising dopamine levels, which are linked to motivation and pleasure. In addition to alleviating social anxiety, phenibut users report feelings of euphoria and improved learning, memory, concentration, and social skills.
By acting as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist, phenibut increases the body’s concentration of this neurotransmitter. GABA relaxes the nervous system and prevents signals from reaching brain cells. Consequently, by increasing the activity of GABA receptors, GABA antagonists such as phenibut have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects, easing tension or anxiety.
Anvifen, Adrafinil, and Noofen are among the phenibut products available in capsule form, along with phenibut powder.
Potential Benefits and Risks of Combining Cannabis and Phenibut
Given the established effects of each drug, the following are some possible advantages and disadvantages of combining phenibut and marijuana.
Potential Benefits
The connection between the body’s GABA receptors and endocannabinoid system (ECS) may explain the possible advantages of combining phenibut and marijuana. The primary two cannabinoids found in marijuana, CB1 and CB2, influence receptors in the brain that localize in close proximity to GABA receptors.
Preclinical studies have directly contrasted GABA-elevating medications and CB receptor agonists like marijuana, arguing that some of their central effects are similar. When taken together, GABA medications strengthen THC’s stimulant effects and may lead to better therapeutic results.
Furthermore, proponents of phenibut post positive anecdotal reports in online forums like Reddit, stating that both phenibut and cannabis raise dopamine levels in the body, thereby elevating feelings of happiness. The anxiolytic properties of phenibut are also said to be able to counteract the elevated anxiety or panic attacks that occasionally result from high THC levels.
Potential Risks
According to patient reports and scant scientific studies, phenibut on its own may have certain unfavorable side effects, such as:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Increased blood pressure
- Stomach cramps
The poison center of the CDC states that when phenibut is taken in large amounts with other drugs, like alcohol or marijuana, its adverse effects may become more severe. When using phenibut and marijuana recreationally, you may develop a higher tolerance to the drugs and need to take larger doses to experience the same effects. Higher dosages can cause addiction, phenibut overdose, and substance use disorders.
What to Consider If You Need to Use Both Phenibut and Marijuana
In the US, phenibut is not a medication that is prescribed. If you must take phenibut and marijuana together, consult your physician.
The Conclusion
Current research on phenibut, a GABA analog developed to treat anxiety, is not very comprehensive. Most of the data comes from online “wonder drug” users and medical professionals who treat patients who report phenibut overdose or withdrawal symptoms.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that combining small amounts of phenibut and marijuana produces “happy” effects and may help control some undesirable effects, like paranoia. To prevent building up a tolerance to larger dosages, it is crucial to speak with a doctor and keep an eye on diet. In the event that the physician determines that medical marijuana is the best option for you, he will also give you an online medical card that enables you to use marijuana legally in your state.