Recreational marijuana is legal in nine American states, while medical marijuana is legal in twenty-nine.
So, what about the rest?
Well, it’s hard to say what the future will look like, but it appears that the trend is only going to push that number higher, as more people advocate for the benefits of marijuana.
Of course, those benefits are not without their side-effects, one of the most noteworthy being marijuana paranoia or anxiety. However, these can be easily managed with a few tweaks to your product and the way you consume it.
Before we get into what you can do, let’s take a deeper dive into what this anxiety actually looks like.
What Does Marijuana Paranoia or Anxiety Feel Like?
On one end of the spectrum, you’ve got people who swear by marijuana as the cure to their insomnia, anxiety, and everything in between. On the other, you have others who claim it causes paranoia and panic attacks.
So which is it?
The thing to remember with cannabis is that everyone experiences it differently.
In a nutshell, cannabis contains a psychoactive compound called THC that binds to your amygdala which incidentally also helps regulate fear, anxiety, and paranoia. When you use marijuana that is rich in THC, excessive cannabinoids can overstimulate your amygdala causing you to feel paranoid.
Additionally, other factors make some people more prone to marijuana paranoia than others.
What Makes You Prone to Weed Induced Paranoia?
Even though you and your friend consume the same dose of the same marijuana, you notice that only one of you feels anxious. Why does this happen?
Well, here are a few things that could play a role in how your brain reacts to cannabis.
- Genetics
- Sex
- Tolerance
- Brain chemistry
Some studies show that higher levels of estrogen increase your sensitivity to THC, thereby reducing your tolerance for marijuana consumption. This could point to a general difference between how some men and women experience the effects of marijuana.
However, regardless of who you are if you ever do experience any of these symptoms, here’s what you can do to manage your anxiety.
The Panic Attack Protocol
If you feel like you’re in the middle of a marijuana-induced panic attack, or if you’re with a friend who is experiencing one, here are a few things you can do.
However, first do try and come to terms with the fact that you are experiencing an attack.
- Take a few deep breaths
- Try to be mindful of your breathing
- Step outdoors for a breath of fresh air
- Take a shower or wash your face
- Have a quick bite or drink
- Try and focus on a single object to ground yourself
Additionally, the same also works if you feel a sudden burst of paranoid thoughts or if you’re in the middle of an anxiety attack.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
When you feel overwhelmed or anxious, try and keep in mind that there are still ways to relax your body. Here are a few relaxation techniques that might help.
- Deep breathing exercises
- Focus exercises
- App-guided meditation and breathing
- Listening to music that relaxes you
- Talking to a friend
- Playing with your pet
- Watching your favorite T.V show
If you know something that definitely works, make sure you have access to doing that thing whenever you decide to consume cannabis or marijuana. It’s also a good idea to tell your friends about what helps you so that even if you forget, they’ll be there to put you on track!
A Whiff of Pepper or a Dash of Lemonade
The terpenes present in pepper and lemons can help relieve the symptoms of marijuana-induced anxiety. Crush fresh peppercorns, and take a few deep breaths to experience some relief from your paranoid state. Do keep in mind that this may also cause your eyes to sting a little bit, but it’s the price you may have to pay.
Alternatively, squeeze a lemon and combine it with a bit of lemon zest, sugar, and honey for a different approach to your panic.
Try a Lower Dose Next Time
If you’re wary of how your body or brain reacts to marijuana, it is always smart to start off with a small dose first. A smaller dose will help you monitor any minor changes to your brain while feeling relatively in control.
If you do notice your mind getting increasingly anxious, you’ll know that it’s time to stop.
Consider Switching to Different Cannabinoids
If you experience the same feelings every time you consume marijuana, it might be time to make a switch.
Look for cannabis that has been specifically bred to cure and reduce anxiety. Cannabis with low THC might be the answer to your marijuana blues. In fact, plenty of people swear by the use of CBD oils.
So does CBD help with anxiety? The answer is generally positive.
There’s plenty of research to suggest that it does, so if you’re looking for relief, it might be worth a shot.
Consider the Pros & Cons of Your Experience
Do your research, make a few changes, try different forms of cannabis, and observe the difference. If you’re always experiencing marijuana paranoia and anxiety, no matter what you try, then perhaps it’s time to come to terms with the fact that it just isn’t for you.
Like this article? Share it with a fellow anxious friend across your social media and help them find a cure to their own paranoia!
June Potter wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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