Does smoking weed give you anxiety?

Many individuals might experience anxiety after smoking weed. The primary cause for this is the level of THC in cannabis.

Research indicates that increased levels of these chemicals over activates the amygdala making individual feel a sense of fear and anxiety.

However, it is safe to say that not every individual experiences anxiety after smoking weed, and on the other hand some individuals might experience anxiety upon some instances of smoking weed and not all.

therefore there might be many other factors that might contribute to an individual experiencing anxiety after smoking weed than just the chemicals in weed.

What are the symptoms one experiences upon smoking weed?

 

 

Smoking weed might lead to anxiety in some cases which result in the following symptoms:

• Increased heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Irrational and intense feelings of fear
• Complaints of chest pain or a choking sensation
• Fear of being judged by others
• Trembling or sweating
• An impending fear of doom
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Chills or numbness
• A sense of disconnect from reality or oneself
•  

Why one might be more prone to weed-related anxiety than another?

 

Not everyone experiences anxiety after using a drug like weed. Moreover, even if an individual does experience anxiousness, it does not follow a recurring pattern, that is it is not necessary that an individual experiences anxiousness every single time they use weed.

Some factors that make an individual more likely to experience anxiety than the others could be as follows:

Genetics

Weed makes an individual feel relaxed and calmer by providing stimulation to the frontal region of the brain. However, if the back portion of an individual’s brain is more THC sensitive than the frontal part of the individual brain, they can experience an adverse effect or reaction which often leads to anxiety.

THC content

It is found that when an individual uses weed with a higher THC content it may contribute to feelings of anxiety or other negative symptoms.

This could help to conclude that even though THC when used in the right amount helps in reducing negative feelings, a higher dose of it can have an opposite effect on an individual by increasing the negative feelings that they have been trying to push back.

Sex of an individual

Studies have shown that higher levels of Estrogen increases weed sensitivity by about 30% and reduce its tolerance for weed. This means females may be more sensitive to weed and its effects. This could apply to pain relief, anxiety, and other negative effects.

What are the main triggers of anxiety after smoking weed?

 

Even though anxiety is seen among many individuals certain triggers make some people more vulnerable to anxiety than others after smoking weed. Some contributing triggers of anxiety after smoking are:

Negative thinking

An individual’s behavior and emotions are certainly controlled by one’s thoughts. When an individual is upset and dwells on negative thoughts it further leads to discomforting emotions and detrimental thoughts causing a vicious cycle.

These negative thoughts are then projected to various areas of an individual’s life creating an overall sense of lack of control over oneself and the environment which triggers anxiety.

The occurrence of negative thoughts might increase after smoking weed making an individual more vulnerable to anxiety

Stress

Daily stressors might contribute to one’s intensity and frequency of anxiety and anxiety attacks. These stressors though suppressed with each day might resurface after smoking weed causing anxiety

However long-term or chronic stress leads to long-term anxiety and a build-up of negative taught processes and emotions that impact an individual’s mental health.

Conflict

Individuals might also experience anxiety as a result of interpersonal or intrapersonal conflicts concerning smoking weed after its use.

Personal triggers

Personal triggers can be as minor as a smell, place, or even a song that reminds an individual of negative and discomforting experiences. Personal triggers can remind an individual of an unconscious or conscious dramatic event in an individual’s life that triggers their anxiety.

If you can identify and understand your triggers, you can work to avoid them and learn to cope with them.

Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.

How can you manage anxiety caused by smoking weed?

 

The occurrence of anxiety post the use of weed is very unpredictable. However, there might be some self-help techniques that an individual can adopt to get through the week moment.

Some self-help techniques that can be adopted by an individual are:

Remind oneself that you’re not in danger

Weed-related anxiousness or panic attacks may vary from individual to individual. The uncomfortable feelings that an individual experience during these attacks is due to the physiological reactions that the body displays.

However, an individual must remind themselves that this is a temporary mechanism and will pass away once they start to calm themselves down consciously.

Try and relax

When an individual is feeling anxious, they should most importantly settle themselves down in a comfortable position. Following which they can practice alternate nostril breathing where they hold on to one side of the nose closed and breathe in and out several times after which they switch sides and repeat the circuit.

Use of pepper

Pepper and cannabinoids share similar chemicals. To counter the effect of too much THC if an individual can use fresh peppercorns in the powdered form and inhale them the sneezing and stinging eyes may help to distract an individual from the anxiety for a brief period however this method is not very user friendly and might cause some level of discomfort.

Eat something

 

Studies showed that the consumption of weed on an empty stomach can influence its intensity leading to a higher sensation in the body.

By taking something to snack on regardless of being hungry at the moment can help to reduce the effects of THC as well as the panic attack.

Do something challenging

Weed-related anxiety or panic attacks can be overwhelming. Using grounding techniques can be another alternative method to modulate these attacks and their effects.

Here are a few steps one can adopt:

• Pick up several objects that you like. focus on its characteristics and its texture.
• Cuddle or hold your pet close
• Try and run your hands under cold or warm water
• Try aromatherapy such as lighting up a scented candle or making a cup of spiced tea.

Conclusion

It is believed that we can impact an individual’s mental and physical health. Weed is known by different names such as marijuana or cannabis.

Weed can play a dual role in how they make an individual feel. That is they can make an individual happy and relaxed for a short period or make a person more anxious and paranoid.

The chemicals present in weed are responsible for sudden changes in mood and behavior in individuals.

researchers have also found out that we can have a diverse effect on an individual’s mental health leading to schizophrenia or psychosis in a long run

Individuals must look into the side effects and benefits of weed before smoking. Being aware of its effect makes them more equipped to handle the anxiety that results from it.

What we recommend for curbing Anxiety

Below are some of the services and products we recommend for anxiety

Online Therapy

• Online therapy is another thing we should all try. We highly recommend Online therapy with a provider who not only provides therapy but a complete mental health toolbox to help your wellness.

Anxiety Weighted Blankets

• Anxiety Weighted Blankets are by far the number 1 thing every person who suffers from anxiety should at least try. Anxiety Blankets may improve your sleep, allow you to fall asleep faster and you can even carry them around when chilling at home.

Light Therapy

• Amber light therapy from Amber lights could increase the melatonin production in your body and help you sleep better at night.  An Amber light lamp helps reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep and increases overall sleep quality.

Frequently asked questions

what are the negative side effects of smoking weed?

 

Some common side effects of smoking weed are:

• Increased sweatiness
• Racing or looping thoughts
• A sense of paranoia
• Hallucinations or other symptoms typical of psychosis
• Experiencing brain fog or numbness
• Increased heart rate
• Difficulties with concentration and memory

How can weed affect an individual’s mental health?

Weed usually makes an individual feel happy and relaxed but only for a short period. On the other hand, weed can have some negative impact on an individual’s mind and body that is it might lead to a sense of anxiousness or paranoia.

The chemicals present in weed can cause a change in mood and behavior which are otherwise unexplained.

Research has also indicated that there is a relationship between smoking weed and developing schizophrenia or psychosis.

Can quitting weed cause a panic attack?

Anxiety and a panic attack can be caused both by the intoxication caused by using weed or even by the withdrawal from it.

Can taking weed cause psychosis?

Psychosis is evident when an individual is on a particular substance or drug one such drug that can cause a state of psychosis is a weed however this state of psychosis usually fades away when the drug intake is ceased off.

Citations

https://www.healthline.com/health/marijuana-paranoia#risk-factors

https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/learn-more-about-conditions/cannabis-and-mental-health/