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Is it possible to avoid paranoia from cannabis, and what leads to it?
For many individuals who frequently consume cannabis, it’s a pleasurable experience. However, for a few, it can be unsettling. A notable adverse effect of smoking or ingesting edibles is cannabis-induced anxiety. This article delves into the reasons behind this and explores whether it’s possible to prevent cannabis-related paranoia.
What is cannabis paranoia?
What does the term “cannabis paranoia” refer to? It’s typical to experience occasional pessimistic thoughts or become excessively focused on our own or others’ words and actions. Nonetheless, cannabis has the potential to intensify these emotions, similar to how it enhances more positive feelings.
As familiar to anyone who uses cannabis, the impact of cannabis frequently leads to an initial release of scattered thoughts. For instance, after a lengthy day, the first rolled joint tends to unearth these thoughts, including a few unfavorable ones- occasionally inducting slight sensations of unease as we revisit specific actions and exchanges. Typically, this phase subsides swiftly, transitioning the impact into a more enjoyable, imaginative, effective, or calming stage.
Nonetheless, certain users experience heightened levels of cannabis-induced paranoia. Recognizable indications of mild paranoia encompass concerns about one’s spoken words, and suspicions that individuals might be observing or discussing them (particularly in social settings). In more severe cases, symptoms of paranoia might involve individuals grappling with intense self-questioning or believing that others harbor malicious intentions toward them.
Several factors contribute to cannabis-induced paranoia, yet it frequently emerges in typical situations such as being in unfamiliar surroundings, navigating social scenarios, and attempting to engage in routine activities and responsibilities while one shouldn’t be under the influence. Those who’ve encountered a distressing episode like struggling at a supermarket while stoned can certainly relate to these circumstances.
What triggers cannabis paranoia?
Before we learn about stopping cannabis paranoia, let’s try to figure out why it happens. The main reason for feeling paranoid after using cannabis is a part of the brain called the amygdala. This part is like an emotions processor, especially for feelings linked to fear (like when we feel scared or want to run away). These feelings can also affect other things our brain does, such as making memories, choices, and how we act when we’re around other people.
As we learn more about cannabis and how it works in our bodies, we’ve discovered that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a big role in how our body works. Compounds in cannabis, like THC and CBD, connect with specific parts of the ECS called receptors. These receptors are found in the brain, including the amygdala.
Studies published in the medical journal Science Direct propose that when THC floods these receptors, it makes the amygdala get really active, which leads to the feeling of paranoia.
Additional aspects influencing cannabis paranoia
That’s the biological reason behind cannabis-induced paranoia, but when we think about why some individuals are more likely to experience cannabis paranoia than others, there are other factors at play.
- Your genetic make-up: Just like how some people can’t consume alcohol, caffeine, or certain foods because they don’t feel well when they do, the same thing happens with cannabis. Research indicates that females are more likely to experience paranoia, possibly because of higher levels of estrogen.
- Too much THC: Cannabis breeding is ongoing, leading to higher levels of THC (the part of cannabis that affects the mind) in various strains. In many situations, this increase in potency can lead to paranoia because the cannabis becomes too powerful.
In places where cannabis is allowed, a significant advantage is the availability of a broader selection of consumer products with lower THC levels. Additionally, regulations help consumers maintain a consistent dosage that suits them, reducing the likelihood of experiencing cannabis paranoia.
Another clear advantage of legalization is the creation of an environment where open discussions and education about cannabis use and its impact on individuals become possible.
How to prevent cannabis paranoia?
- Take fewer puffs: Control the quantity of THC you consume by reducing the dose. In certain instances, cannabis paranoia arises from consuming too much, too quickly. Therefore, begin with fewer puffs to experience a milder effect. Remember, you can always have more puffs later if needed.
- Control the environment: Opt to use cannabis in a location where you feel comfortable both physically and emotionally. When socializing, choose to be around people you trust and can rely on, and don’t hesitate to express your concerns. Every person who uses cannabis can understand and relate to what you’re experiencing.
- Go outside: Feelings of being confined often accompany cannabis paranoia. If this occurs, consider taking a brief stroll outside if possible. Physically moving around can actively help lessen those paranoid thoughts until the moment subside.
- Breathe: If going outside isn’t an option, take a moment to breathe deeply and slowly. Try to calm your thoughts by recognizing that the paranoia is a temporary side effect that will fade away.
- Eat and drink: Similar to alcohol, using cannabis on an empty stomach can intensify its impact. Frequently, having something to eat or drink (like water) can help ease paranoia. However, the long-standing belief that vitamin C can reduce the effects if you’re too high isn’t supported by scientific evidence!
Avoid cannabis paranoia by choosing a strain with lower THC levels
If you grow your own cannabis at home, picking a type with less THC is a good way to stop cannabis paranoia. Cannabis with more CBD is also less likely to cause paranoia.
Certain types have a good mix of THC and CBD, like strains with equal amounts of both (like 1:1 THC/CBD strains, with about 10% THC), such as Nebula II CBD and Durga Mata II CBD. These types are less likely to make you feel paranoid. Another choice is to go for a High CBD strain, like CBDivine or CBDrelax, where THC is very low.
Conclusion
For certain individuals who use cannabis, feeling paranoid can be a side effect. There might not be a perfect solution to stop it from happening. For most people who use cannabis, recognizing the feeling and reminding themselves that it’s just their brain overthinking and that it will go away soon, is usually enough to handle this uncomfortable effect.
However, for some people who can use cannabis, it’s not as easy. The truth is, they need to have an honest talk about how cannabis affects their body. If that means they need to stop using it, then it’s important to decide that for the sake of their health
Studies show that for people who use a lot of cannabis, it might take between 14 to 90 days for their body to get rid of it completely. So, in some situations, feeling paranoid and anxious can last for up to 4 weeks as the body goes through the process of getting rid of the cannabis.
