Cannabis Paranoid: Why it Happens and How to Prevent it
Most people associate cannabis with relaxation. However, some people have experienced feelings of paranoia and anxiety. What’s the deal? It’s essential to first understand what paranoia is. Paranoia is similar to anxiety but more specific. Paranoia is an irrational suspicion about other people. It is possible to believe that others are watching or following you or trying to harm or rob you.
Why it happens
Experts believe that your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a key component of cannabis-related paranoia. Certain compounds in cannabis, including THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, can bind to endocannabinoid receptors in different parts of your brain including the amygdala.
Your fear response and other emotions like anxiety, stress and paranoia are controlled by your amygdala. Your brain receives more cannabinoids when you use cannabis high in THC. Research suggests that this high amount of cannabinoids could cause anxiety and fear by overstimulating the amygdala. This could also explain why products high in CBD, which is a cannabinoid that doesn’t directly bind with endocannabinoid receptors but seems to not cause paranoia, are so popular.
Why might you be more susceptible to it?
Not everyone experiences paranoia after using cannabis. Most people don’t feel paranoia after using cannabis. What makes it more likely that someone will experience it? Although there is no one answer, there are some key factors you should consider.
Genetics
A 2019 study has shown that cannabis can produce positive effects such as relaxation and decreased anxiety when it stimulates the front part of the brain. Researchers suggest that this is due to the high number of opioid reward-producing receptors in the brain’s front. However, if the back of your brain is more sensitive to THC than the anterior, you may experience adverse reactions, including paranoia or anxiety.
THC content
Paranoia and other negative effects can also be caused by marijuana which has a higher THC level. A 2017 study that looked at 42 healthy adults discovered evidence to show that THC consumption of 7.5 mg (mg), reduced stress-related negative feelings. Higher doses of THC (12.5 mg) had the opposite effect and led to more negative feelings.
Other factors, such as tolerance, genetics, and brain chemistry, can also play a role here. However, it’s more common to feel paranoid or anxious if you consume large amounts of cannabis or use high THC strains.
Sex
A 2014 Animal Study investigating THC tolerance found evidence that higher estrogen levels may increase cannabis sensitivity by up to 30% and lower tolerance.
What does this all mean? This means that if you are female, your tolerance to cannabis and its effects may be higher. This applies to both positive effects like pain relief and negative effects like paranoia.
How to handle
There are some things you can do to get relief from cannabis-related paranoia.
Relax in a peaceful environment
Relax by coloring, listening to soothing music, or taking a hot bath. Customers of a Minneapolis cannabis dispensary report that Yoga and Deep Breathing Exercises can help. Try to find a place that makes you feel more relaxed. Try these suggestions if you are at someone else’s home or cannot change your surroundings.
- Turn on soothing or chill music
- Wrap yourself in a blanket
- Pets can be cuddled or stroked.
- Call a friend that you trust
Smell the pepper.
Some chemical similarities exist between cannabinoids (such as pepper terpenoids) and terpenoids. This may explain why they appear to have some benefits to counter the effects of too high THC. You can grind fresh peppercorns and take a deep, exhaling breath. You shouldn’t be too close. Sneezing and stinging may temporarily distract from paranoia, but not in a fun manner.
Make lemonade
Have a lemon? Another terpene may help reduce the side effects of too much THC. If desired, squeeze and zest a few lemons and then add sugar or honey to the water.
How to avoid it in the future
You’ve made it through an episode. You can choose to not use cannabis at all, but this may not be the best option if you feel some of its benefits are beneficial. There are several things you can do that will reduce the chance of experiencing another episode of paranoia-related to cannabis.
Use less at once
You may experience paranoia again if you reduce the amount of cannabis that you consume. You should start with a smaller amount than what you would normally use in one sitting. Give it at least 30 to an hour for the effects to kick in. You can try different doses until you find the right one. This will allow you to experience the desired effects without experiencing paranoia.
You should look for marijuana that has a higher CBD level
CBD is not psychoactive like THC. Research suggests that CBD-rich cannabis might have antipsychotic properties. Paranoia can be a psychotic symptom. Products that contain higher amounts of CBD to THC are increasingly popular. There are edibles, tinctures, and even flowers that contain CBD/THC in a range of 1:1 to 25:1. People also report strains that have a peppery, citrus, or piney smell (remember those Terpenes?). Although it is possible to increase relaxation and reduce paranoia, this is not supported by scientific evidence.
The bottom line
Paranoia can be a bit frightening at times and a little disconcerting at others. Keep calm and know that it will soon go away once the effects of cannabis have subsided. Do discuss it with the budtender at your marijuana dispensary in Minneapolis before choosing a cannabis product. Talk to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience paranoia or intense thoughts.