Cannabis is a plant that has been used for the treatment of a variety of conditions for many years. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people using it for recreational purposes. Although there are a lot of individuals who think that cannabis has a lot of advantages, there is also some data that suggests that it might create paranoia and violence in those who take it.
Cannabis has an effect on the endocannabinoid system, which is an important part of the body that helps regulate mood, memory, and perception. When this system is thrown off balance, it may cause people to become hostile and paranoid. Cannabis usage may also be linked to an increased risk of developing preexisting mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, according to some studies.
If someone in your family has a history of mental illness, and you use cannabis, there is a possibility that you will have an increased chance of getting psychosis. It is imperative that you consult with a medical professional if you are worried about the implications that cannabis may have on your mental health in the future. They will be able to evaluate your unique set of risk factors and provide you with guidance about whether or not cannabis is the best option for you.
Because of cannabis's medical qualities, it has been utilized for a number of purposes throughout the years. It is only very lately that several countries and regions throughout the globe have passed laws making it illegal. Although cannabis remains against the law in much of the United States, this might change in the near future.
The use of medical marijuana has been made legal in several jurisdictions, and more states are seriously contemplating following suit. There is a lot of controversy around the question of whether or not cannabis genuinely causes users to become paranoid and hostile.
There are some who hold the opinion that it does, while others maintain that it does not.
The euphoric effects of cannabis are brought on by a molecule known as THC, which is present in cannabis. Because it attaches to receptors in the brain, THC is responsible for giving users a high. In addition to this, it warps the user's sense of both time and space. THC has the potential to produce paranoia and aggressive behavior when used in large doses.
It is essential to keep in mind, however, that not every person who consumes cannabis will experience the aforementioned symptoms. It's possible that some individuals are more sensitive than others.
In addition, the effects of THC might change based on the person's surroundings as well as their state of mind. After consuming cannabis, a person is more likely to suffer paranoia and aggressive behavior if they are already in a scenario that is stressful or causes them to feel anxious. There is no foolproof method for preventing these symptoms, but consumers may lessen their likelihood of experiencing them by avoiding large doses of THC and selecting cannabis strains that contain less of the psychoactive compound.
Why does it take place
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your body is thought by specialists to be involved in cannabis-related paranoia.
When you consume cannabis, some molecules in it, including THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, attach to endocannabinoid receptors in different sections of your brain, including the amygdala. These endocannabinoid receptors are responsible for regulating your mood and emotions.
Understanding the interaction between cannabis molecules and the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, including the amygdala, underscores the importance of reliable hemp testing lab services. By analyzing the composition and potency of cannabis products, these testing services can provide valuable insights into the levels of THC and other compounds, helping individuals make informed decisions about their consumption and ensuring a more personalized and controlled experience while considering the potential effects on mood and emotions.
Your amygdala plays a role in the regulation of your reaction to fear and other associated feelings, such as worry, tension, and — wait for it — paranoia. When you consume cannabis that has a high concentration of THC, the cannabinoids that are normally sent to your brain are suddenly increased. According to research, an excessive amount of cannabis may overstimulate the amygdala, which can result in feelings of dread and anxiety.
This would also explain why products that are high in cannabidiol (CBD), a kind of cannabinoid that does not directly bind to endocannabinoid receptors, do not seem to trigger paranoia in consumers.
Why you could be more likely to be affected by it
After using cannabis, not everyone will suffer feelings of paranoia. In addition to that, the majority of those who do feel it don't notice it each and every time they consume cannabis.
So, what are the factors that put certain people at a greater risk than others? There is no one right solution, however you should think about the following important considerations:
Genetics
Cannabis tends to create good effects, such as relaxation and reduced anxiety, when it offers greater stimulation to the front area of the brain, according to a research conducted on animals by 2019Trusted Source. The study was conducted in 2019.
The authors of the study hypothesize that this is due to the high concentration of opioid receptors in the frontal lobe, which are responsible for the production of pleasurable feelings.
However, if the posterior region of your brain is more sensitive to THC than the anterior region, you may have a negative response to the drug, which is often characterized by feelings of paranoia and anxiety.
THC content
The use of marijuana with a greater concentration of THC has been linked to an increased risk of paranoia and other adverse effects.
A research conducted in 2017 on a group of 42 healthy people showed evidence to imply that eating 7.5 milligrams (mg) of THC decreased the negative sensations associated with a demanding activity. On the other hand, a greater amount of 12.5 mg had the reverse impact, and it enhanced those same unpleasant sentiments.
Consuming a large quantity of cannabis at once or using high-THC strains puts you at a greater risk of experiencing paranoia or anxiety. This is true even if other variables, such as tolerance, heredity, and the chemical makeup of the brain, may also play a role in this phenomenon.
According to the findings of an investigation on THC tolerance, there is evidence to indicate that increased estrogen levels might enhance cannabis sensitivity by up to 30 percent and diminish tolerance for marijuana.
What does this imply for you moving forward? It's possible that women are more susceptible to the psychoactive effects of cannabis than men are. This is true both for the effects that are desirable, like pain alleviation, and those that are undesirable, such as paranoia.
The best way to deal with it
There are a few different things you might do in order to get relief from the paranoia that is associated with cannabis use.
Relax
Engage in activities that help you unwind such as:
- doodling,
- listening to soothing music,
- or soaking in a hot tub.
Some individuals claim that doing yoga and deep breathing techniques, especially breathing through the opposite nostril, may also be beneficial.