June is Men’s Mental Health Month—a time to raise awareness, break down stigmas, and encourage men to prioritize their well-being. While stress doesn’t discriminate, research shows that men may internalize stress differently than women—and that can have serious mental and physical consequences if left unaddressed.
At Fine Fettle, we believe in showing up for our community with compassion, education, and support. That includes talking openly about men’s mental health and offering potential tools—like cannabis—that may help manage stress naturally and effectively.
Men, Stress & the Hormone Connection
Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and epinephrine (aka adrenaline). These hormones help us react to danger—but over time, they can wreak havoc on the body, raising blood pressure, disturbing sleep, and even weakening the immune system.
Interestingly, research suggests that oxytocin, a hormone that helps us relax and connect emotionally, may be released at lower levels in men than women during stressful moments. That might explain why some men are more likely to “power through” or avoid stressors rather than seek support or self-care.
The result? Chronic stress—which may contribute to anxiety, depression, heart disease, and a lower quality of life.
How Cannabis May Help Men Manage Stress
The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps regulate stress response, mood, and overall balance. When activated, the ECS works to bring us back to a “baseline”—a non-stressed, stable state.
That’s where cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, come in. Research shows that CBD and THC may interact with ECS receptors to:
- Ease anxiety and racing thoughts
- Improve sleep
- Lower inflammation
- Balance mood
- Calm the stress response
Let’s break it down:
CBD: The Stress-Soothing All-Star
Several clinical studies have shown that CBD (cannabidiol) can significantly reduce the stress response and promote relaxation—even when compared to pharmaceuticals.
CBD may help regulate cortisol levels, block stress-related receptor activity, and calm the nervous system without the “high” associated with THC.
Whether in the form of CBD tinctures, edibles, or vapes, this non-intoxicating cannabinoid may offer men a natural option for managing day-to-day stress, workplace pressure, or post-gym recovery.
THC: Mood, Relaxation & Sleep
Low to moderate doses of THC have shown promising effects on mental and physical relaxation, especially when used in the evening. Strains or products rich in calming terpenes like myrcene or linalool may be particularly helpful for winding down.
THC may also:
- Help manage pain or physical tension
- Improve sleep quality
- Promote a deeper sense of calm
Just be mindful—when using THC for stress, low and slow is key. Start with a small dose and increase gradually to avoid unwanted effects like heightened anxiety or paranoia.
Better Sleep = Lower Stress
Sleep and stress go hand in hand. Lack of sleep can raise cortisol levels and reduce our ability to handle stress. Fortunately, many cannabis users report better sleep as a major benefit.
Products with CBD, CBN, or low-dose THC may help:
- Fall asleep faster
- Stay asleep longer
- Wake up feeling more refreshed
If you struggle with stress-induced insomnia, talk to a Fine Fettle associate about exploring cannabis for sleep support.
Men Deserve Support, Too
Men are often told to “tough it out”—but stress isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a biological response that deserves attention and care. Whether through cannabis, therapy, meditation, mindfulness, or simply talking to someone, taking steps to manage stress is not a weakness—it’s a strength.
This Men’s Health Month, let’s normalize the conversation, uplift each other, and explore the wellness tools that help us feel our best—mind and body.
Need help finding the right product for stress relief?
Stop by your nearest Fine Fettle location and speak with one of our knowledgeable team members. Whether you're new to cannabis or a seasoned consumer, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.