Why do I sometimes feel paranoid about smoking marijuana?
This is just my paranoid feeling, hehe
Run away with me, yes
It's just my paranoid feeling
running away
Hey man, you know where I get paranoid?
When I'm walking in a mall or shopping center
Everyone's staring at me like I'm undercover
I don't know what they're thinking, you know what I'm saying?
People often associate marijuana with relaxation, but it’s also known that it can cause some people to feel paranoid and anxious. So what’s going on?
First, it's important to understand what paranoia involves. It's similar to an anxiety disorder, but a little more specific.
Paranoia describes an irrational suspicion of others. You may believe that people are watching you, stalking you, trying to rob you, or harm you in some way.
Why is this happening?
First, let’s talk about the medical aspect. Experts believe your endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in marijuana-related paranoia.
When you use marijuana, certain compounds in it, including THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, bind to endocannabinoid receptors in various parts of the brain, including the amygdala.
Your amygdala helps regulate your response to fear and related emotions, such as anxiety and stress, as well as waiting and paranoia. When you consume THC-rich cannabis, your brain suddenly receives more cannabinoids than usual. Research shows that this cannabinoid overload may overstimulate the amygdala, which in turn can make you feel fearful and anxious.
This also explains why products rich in cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid that does not directly bind to endocannabinoid receptors, do not seem to cause paranoia.
Why does this feeling happen easily?
Not everyone will experience paranoia after smoking marijuana. And most people who experience paranoia don't notice the sensation every time they smoke.
So what makes people more likely to experience paranoia after smoking? There's really no single answer to this, but there are certainly several factors to consider.
THC content
Using marijuana with higher THC content may also lead to paranoia and other negative symptoms.
Generally speaking, low doses of THC are more tolerable and stimulate the release of dopamine, while higher doses may make people feel anxious, says Peter Greenspoon. He is a primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and the author of "Seeing Through The Smoke," a review of the latest medical research on marijuana.
A 2017 study of 42 healthy adults found that taking 7.5 mg of THC reduced negative emotions associated with stress. On the other hand, a higher dose of 12.5 milligrams had the opposite effect, deepening the same negative emotions.
Other factors such as tolerance, genetics and brain chemistry also play a role. But generally speaking, when you use a large amount or a high THC dose of marijuana at one time you are more likely to feel paranoid or anxious.
your mental state
Marijuana enhances the perception of all senses, which is why some people find food tastier and music better when they are high.
"If you use marijuana on a nice, sunny day," said Grisell, a psychology professor at Bucknell University. "Then cannabis will enhance a relaxed, relaxed atmosphere. This also means that for people who experience anxiety, cannabis may make them more susceptible to stress sensitivity or more susceptible to paranoia."
Teens at higher risk of getting anxiety disorders
Decades of clinical research have found that THC can have negative effects on the developing brain, and that regular marijuana use in adolescence is linked to a higher likelihood of anxiety and depression later in life.
Experts say regular marijuana use over time will alter the brain's response to the drug. Frequent and long-term use can lead to a reduction in the number of cannabinoid receptors, which is why people may begin to experience reduced effects of the drug over time.
gender
A 2014 animal study examining THC tolerance found evidence that higher estrogen levels increase sensitivity to cannabis by 30% and reduce tolerance to cannabis.
What does that mean to you? That said, if you're a woman, you may be more sensitive to marijuana and its effects. This includes both positive effects, such as pain relief, and negative effects, such as paranoia.
What about CBD?
CBD has a similar structure to THC, but its effects on the brain's reward circuits are different, which means CBD has a lower risk of abuse. Additionally, there is a growing body of research supporting that CBD may be able to reduce anxiety or stress.
A small study published last year showed that cannabis with equal amounts of CBD and THC may cause less anxiety than "THC-dominant" cannabis.
California resident Danny Guildemontes-Davila, 27, works online selling marijuana-related products. She said that during the workday, she usually smokes marijuana at the end of the day to combat anxiety, usually using a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC. Denny said she prefers marijuana to other prescription drugs she takes.
"I have three prescriptions and I can easily say the one with the fewest side effects and still feeling like myself is cannabis," she said.
Regular use of CBD may affect the metabolism of other drugs in the body, so people should consult a doctor or pharmacist who understands cannabis when using other drugs.
Understand the impact
Smoking a marijuana cigarette is not like drinking a glass of beer or wine. Each puff of marijuana is a "double dose," potentially making you higher. Some suggested: "Always start with a bite and see how it feels. Because even a small bite can make you super high."
Experts say that for some people, marijuana is never enjoyable. It's the same reason some people don't drink alcohol or coffee, they just don't like the way they feel after drinking it. "Some people who use marijuana say it's the only thing that helps them feel less anxious," experts say. "There are other people who may even be using the same product and say it was the worst experience of my life."
Summarize
If you are unsure about your situation, it is recommended to consult a professional. I hope everyone can stay in a good mood and fly high and happily.