{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/paranoia/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3769-markdown","title":"Why Does Cannabis Make Me Anxious and Paranoid? ","slug":"why-does-cannabis-make-me-anxious-and-paranoid","content":"Cannabis is well known for its relaxing, euphoric \"high\" that soothes stress and boosts mood. For some people, though, the opposite happens, and that aromatic joint or tasty edible triggers an episode of [anxiety and paranoia](https://hellomd.ca/articles/how-to-stop-a-marijuana-induced-anxiety-attack). While the feeling may pass, it can be frightening and perplexing. \n\nIf you've ever wondered why marijuana has sent you reeling, we now have the answer! [Recent research on the effects of cannabis on the brain](https://www.healthline.com/health/marijuana-paranoia#risk-factors)\n reveals how and why THC, the mood-altering compound in cannabis, can cause deep relaxation as well as [extreme anxiety and paranoia](https://hellomd.com/articles/why-does-cannabis-cause-paranoia-for-some-people).  \n\n### THC: The 'Feel Good' Cannabinoid also Causes Anxiety\nThe cannabis [Sativa plant](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-indica-sativa-and-hybrid-explained#:~:text=Sativa%20Marijuana%20Strains%20Impart%20Energizing,noticeable%20effects%20on%20mental%20activity.) contains more than a hundred compounds that affect the human brain and body. Many of these compounds haven't been thoroughly studied, but considerable research has been devoted to understanding the effects of the most famous of them all: delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. \n\nTHC is the most well-known cannabinoid and the only one capable of producing mood-altering, psychoactive effects. This is due to the way it interacts with a complex network of cell receptors in our body called the [endocannabinoid system (ECS)](https://hellomd.com/articles/is-your-endocannabinoid-system-in-balance).\n\n### The Biphasic Effect of Cannabis on the Body\n\nSome medications have biphasic properties, which means that the effects at a low dose are the opposite of those at a high dose. THC is one of those substances which helps explain why cannabis can have relaxing, pleasant effects at a low or moderate dose, but at higher doses, THC can cause [anxiety, and paranoia](https://dualdiagnosis.org/marijuana-abuse/marijuana-paranoia/).  \n\nThe good news; some of the unpleasant effects caused by too much THC can be mitigated by consuming cannabidiol (CBD). That said, you may still have to wait until the THC works through your system, which may be several hours. To avoid this, consuming cannabis strains that have a high percentage of CBD relative to THC can reduce the risk of anxiety or similar side effects.\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-10-30 at 2.48.39 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_10_30_at_2_48_39_PM_f75c74b168.png)\n[Charlotte's Web](https://www.charlottesweb.com/thc-free-cbd-oil-25mg-cbd-1ml) sells CBD tinctures available throughout the United States\n\n### The Endocannabinoid System Controls Your Reaction to Cannabis\n\nThe human body contains a little-known, but essential system of cell receptors called the endocannabinoid system. The ECS is a critical key to maintaining balance among your body's many subsystems. The ECS receptors respond to cannabinoid compounds produced by the body and those from outside sources, mainly the cannabis plant.  Science has identified two main receptor types, CB1 and CB2, found in tissues throughout the body.\n\nThe brain is [rich in cannabinoid receptors](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-46215-7), especially CB1, the receptor directly activated by THC. Many CB1 receptors are located in areas of the brain related to pleasure and reward. In these areas, THC appears to support the expression of \"feel good\" chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, which inhibit negative responses like anxiety and fear. That makes it possible for people to feel relaxed, euphoric, and even sleepy when they use cannabis.\n\nBut not all brains are the same, and recent research indicates that [a person's response to cannabis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4332941/) depends on the number of endocannabinoid receptors they have, and where those receptors are located in the brain.\n\nThe brain's frontal, or anterior, areas contain structures related to mood, cognition, and decision-making – \"executive functions\" that help people manage complex tasks and coordinate movement.  But the posterior area of the brain is home to the amygdala and limbic system, which regulate responses such as fear, anxiety, and other negative emotions. \n\nWhen a person has more cannabinoid receptors in the anterior structures of the brain, they're more likely to get the expected, pleasant \"high\" from cannabis. But suppose a majority of the brain's cannabinoid receptors are concentrated in the amygdala and other posterior regions. In that case, the THC in cannabis can ramp up activity in those areas, causing anxiety, paranoia, and even psychosis.\n\n### Your Predisposition Plays a Role to Your Reaction to Marijuana\n\nThe new research on the natural distribution of cannabinoid receptors in the brain indicates how [genetics play a significant role](https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/sns-tft-genes-cause-marijuana-paranoia-20190913-sqh4elyytjdmfmwauykbe35dny-story.html)\n in determining how cannabis may affect you. Studies found THC-rich cannabis is more likely to trigger an adverse reaction in people with certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorder or schizophrenia.\n\n![shutterstock_399643504-min.jpg](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/shutterstock_399643504_min_9f3d63489b.jpg)\n\n### Cannabis is More Potent than Your Parent's Weed\n\nAnother reason cannabis can cause anxiety and paranoia is that today's cannabis strains contain [stratospheric levels of THC](https://hellomd.com/articles/is-more-thc-better-when-it-comes-to-cannabis-strains). Although this may increase the appeal for people seeking a potent high, cannabis products with high doses of THC can also raise the risk of negative reactions. In the 1970s a typical joint might contain 6% THC, whereas today, an average joint may start at 18% THC - that's a big difference! The weed your parents smoked was way less potent than today's weed.\n\n### Dealing With Anxiety and Paranoia Caused by too Much THC\n\nIf you're completely new to cannabis, there's no way to predict how it might affect you. And even if you're a seasoned consumer, it's possible to have a bad experience.  But cannabis experts point out that there's a lot you can do to help yourself get through a difficult trip. \n\nHere are a few suggestions:\n\n- Take CBD which will help take the edge off \n- Stay in comfortable, familiar surroundings and find some calming activities  \n- Take deep breaths and remember this won't last for long\n- Put on some quiet music, or chat with a friend\n\nIt's important to remember that the anxiety and distress caused by cannabis isn't life-threatening, and will pass as the chemical leaves the body.\n\nCannabis can be the perfect companion for chilling at home or a gathering with friends, but the factors contributing to that pleasant high can also trigger unpleasant feelings. Knowing why that happens and what to do about it can help make your cannabis experience the best it can be.\n\n### Get Your Medical Card with HelloMD\n If you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can also help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private, and efficient.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFAgP/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAGzL7pigbE//8QAHBAAAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAxESEyEi/9oACAEBAAEFAutGbytAeXvracWpxgz/xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEP/aAAgBAwEBPwEn/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAgEBPwE//8QAGBAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERAkL/2gAIAQEABj8CFl65LYZUKlCn/8QAGhABAQEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAITFBYf/aAAgBAQABPyFQ6w+4meOfWoe7rNDIlL5iiwF5cFj3f//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQNy//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABADH/2gAIAQMBAT8QCTt//8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH/2gAIAQIBAT8QqP/EABsQAQADAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAEAESExQaFx/9oACAEBAAE/EEYtNVewQrbh6IV8+wFiFgk5BC89Ittr8IuinlmXXQ7kAJRqnyf/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.4388489208633093,"src":"/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/14b42/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/f836f/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.jpg 200w,\n/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/2244e/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.jpg 400w,\n/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/14b42/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.jpg 800w,\n/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/47498/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.jpg 1200w,\n/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/0e329/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.jpg 1600w,\n/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/ce66a/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.jpg 5673w","srcWebp":"/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/58556/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/61e93/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.webp 200w,\n/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/1f5c5/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.webp 400w,\n/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/58556/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.webp 800w,\n/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/99238/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.webp 1200w,\n/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/7c22d/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.webp 1600w,\n/static/03f76512900209c21800ea63b36abee3/7293b/e0f8af68f643efec0f322a3a470d31a2.webp 5673w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2046-markdown","title":"The Connection Between Marijuana and Anxiety","slug":"the-connection-between-marijuana-and-anxiety","content":"People familiar with marijuana know that the plant can have two very\ndifferent effects. Sometimes, people who consume marijuana feel\npleasantly mellow and anxiety-free. Other times, marijuana consumption\nresults in paranoid feelings that leave the consumer less than relaxed.\nMany people wonder how the same plant can produce two reactions that are\nso very different. The answer comes down to brain chemistry and each\nuser's individual experiences.\n\n**How Marijuana Affects the Brain**\n\nIn order to understand why marijuana sometimes causes relaxation and\nsometimes causes paranoia, it's important to understand how the\ncompounds contained in marijuana affect the human brain. When marijuana\nis consumed, the cannabinoids (such as THC) in the plant react with\nreceptors in the brain. Many of these receptors are located in the\namygdala, which is responsible for processing complex emotions such as\nstress, fear, and paranoia. As the cannabinoids react within the brain,\nthey influence the function of the amygdala, causing a series of\nemotions that can be either positive (relaxation and happiness) or\nnegative (paranoia and anxiety).\n\nIn some cases, cannabinoids like THC can overstimulate the brain,\nleading to feelings of paranoia and anxiety. This is especially common\nin people who are new to the use of medical marijuana. While nobody\nknows exactly why THC produces anxious feelings on some occasions but\nnot on others, one working theory is that the human body relies on a\nstore of natural endocannabinoids that act very similarly to the\ncompounds found in medical marijuana.\n\nThe brains of people who have suffered trauma or intense stress have\nbeen found to have lower levels of endocannabinoids. When individuals\nwith depleted endocannabinoid levels consume medical marijuana, the\ncannabinoids contained within the plant replenish the body's store of\nendocannabinoids, which produces a relaxing effect. This may offer some\nhint as to why marijuana makes some people feel relaxed and others\nanxious. While further research is needed to solidify this connection,\nresearchers are optimistic about the potential treatments that this\nconnection may pose for people suffering from mood disorders.\n\n**Marijuana and Anxiety**\n\nThe first thing to understand about the connection between marijuana and\nanxiety is that a consumer's pre-marijuana anxiety levels have a huge\neffect on post-marijuana anxiety levels. According to [a 2009\nreview](http://www.uniad.org.br/desenvolvimento/images/stories/arquivos/Cannabis_and_anxiety.pdf)\nof several prominent cannabis and anxiety studies, people who use\ncannabis frequently have higher anxiety levels than moderate users.\n\nAdditionally, these consumers generally show signs of anxiety disorders\n*before* they show signs of cannabis dependence. Upon further review,\nresearchers interpreted these results to mean that people who are\nnaturally prone to anxiety tend to use cannabis as a means to cope with\nthat anxiety. This theory lies in direct opposition to the theory that\ncannabis causes anxiety.\n\nWith those results in mind, however, it is important to remember that\nthe presence of anxiety is highly dependent upon many factors, including\nthe following:\n\n-   Family history\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   Personality\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   Gender\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   A consumer's personal history of paranoia or anxiety\n\nWhen a consumer uses cannabis on a regular basis, other factors like the\nfrequency of cannabis use and the dose consumed can affect anxiety\nlevels as well. With that being said, researchers have noted that people\nwho use marijuana on a regular basis actually see a decrease in anxiety\nlevels. As a general rule, new users or those who consume a high level\nof THC are more likely to experience marijuana-induced paranoia or\nanxiety.\n\n**Avoiding Paranoia and Anxiety When Using Marijuana**\n\nDespite the fact that marijuana and anxiety are highly individualized,\nthere are things consumers can do to avoid marijuana-induced spells of\nanxiety and paranoia. These include the following:\n\n-   Consumers who are new to marijuana or have experienced anxiety and\n    paranoia while using cannabis in the past should opt for a strain\n    that is low in THC and/or [high in\n    CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b4fec6ea6a2d000c000077/high-cbd-marijuana-strains).\n    Because CBD is non-psychoactive, it's likely to decrease anxiety and\n    produce a more relaxed and lucid experience.\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   Regardless of whether a consumer is an experienced marijuana user or\n    not, it's important to be careful about doses while\n    consuming marijuana. As a general rule, it's more difficult to\n    control the dose of\n    [oils](https://www.hellomd.com/products/5c6c9b099fcb5d56b3f3df6d/wellness-cannabis-tincture)\n    and\n    [edibles](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56ce39abde99bd000c0000bb/how-to-make-marijuana-brownies-recipe)\n    than it is\n    [vaporizing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b10a386d677f000b00007d/vaporizing-or-vaping-what-you-need-to-know)\n    or smoking. Consumers who have had poor experiences with marijuana\n    in the past should consider smoking or vaporizing and upping the\n    intake dose slowly to avoid uncomfortable episodes.\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   One of the best ways to avoid marijuana-induced anxiety and paranoia\n    is to always consume cannabis products in a comfortable and\n    calm space. Selecting to use these products at home rather than in a\n    crowded setting can help consumers reduce the likelihood of\n    marijuana-induced paranoia naturally.\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   Consumers who are having difficulty avoiding anxiety even after\n    trying the above tips should consider changing the strain of\n    marijuana consumed. While this may seem like a simple tip, every\n    strain of marijuana offers a different selection of chemicals, which\n    affect the body differently. Consumers shouldn't be afraid to\n    experiment with [different\n    strains](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55d4c0dc6338310006000000/indica-or-sativa-making-the-right-choice)\n    to determine which ones work best for their personal preferences\n    and needs. When experimenting with new strains, consumers should\n    remember that Sativa strains generally produce a more active\n    experience while Indica strains are known to be more mellow\n    and relaxed.\n\nWhile marijuana-induced anxiety and paranoia do occasionally happen,\nthere are steps consumers can take to avoid these negative emotions. By\nbeing educated about how marijuana affects the brain and knowing what to\ndo to limit the risk of anxiety and paranoia, consumers can be proactive\nabout ensuring a positive marijuana experience every time.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/aarontait/4838674414/in/photolist-8nztjW-5kvvMH-6nPdsQ-cHpX2U-7RcebZ-5GZ9gG-212Mh-8RfLJ6-2eoZM-5w7Yug-ZzSST-bmjrrW-aCZNJ8-5FjL5v-9pgCL-vadyu-bD2hug-vadyw-5fBjdX-9oFteL-59VJ6B-6bDkq8-4APEGb-4VdtNb-99ARHw-bAqUVa-s8iL6-3bNYMX-bnNUht-8f536s-AvTY1-kMkEz-5bU1W2-8LbqWZ-4FJL46-E6Ah6-8kRK6T-8pQUew-9Z95id-5SbiPY-5w9Cm5-8NTwV2-5XaTNt-4P4NsU-8FZhNo-4VdtN7-8kmdKZ-6CZwwt-4gVAQh-6U6qdZ)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/ee604/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.png","srcSet":"/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/69585/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.png 200w,\n/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/497c6/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.png 400w,\n/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/ee604/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.png 800w,\n/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/22700/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.png 914w","srcWebp":"/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/58556/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/61e93/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.webp 200w,\n/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/1f5c5/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.webp 400w,\n/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/58556/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.webp 800w,\n/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/851bf/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.webp 914w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5609,"name":"Paranoia","slug":"paranoia","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}