Why Does Cannabis Make You Paranoid?
Hey folks! Welcome back to another exciting blog post to help you build your cannabis knowledge, courtesy of your one and only locally owned cannabis shop. Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been looking at some of the side effects of consuming cannabis and why they happen. We’ve already covered why we get the munchies and why our eyes turn red after consuming ganja so this time around we’re going to be shedding some light on why weed consumption can sometimes result in paranoia and what we can do about it! So, pop on those tinfoil hats and let’s do some learnin’!
THC and Paranoia
We all know at least one of those people: Smokes a ton of weed, reads a lot of online “research” and thinks that the government is comprised of a cabal of lizard folk who can read minds and are listening in on all of their conversations via a satellite orbiting directly over their house. Generally speaking, most people would say, “Man, you’re being paranoid. Also stop going on reddit.” but I would go a step further and tell them to lay off the weed for a bit.
When we consume cannabis, a variety of cool things happen; colours seem brighter, food tastes better, watching paint dry suddenly becomes a thrilling pastime, etc. However, some other potentially not so cool things can happen as well. For example, I once got so high that I legitimately thought that my cat was trying to murder me and make it look like an accident. I didn’t let that little furball out of my sight for hours, lest he get the proverbial pounce on me and send me for a premature meeting with my maker. Once I sobered up, the idea became laughable (though I still don’t 100 percent trust him, between you and me), and that’s because my brain was no longer overstimulated by the effects of THC. Specifically, my amygdala.
Amyg-Whata?
The amygdala is a part of the human brain that’s responsible for processing emotions as well as linking them to past events. It also plays a part in our fear responses. That last bit about fear is the important part, because when THC makes its way into our bloodstream it stimulates the amygdala by way of our nervous system. The end result is a hazy paranoia that can descend upon the cannabis consumer like a cold wave of panic that leaves one peaking at neighbors from behind curtains and hiding in the bathroom anytime there’s a knock on the front door.
Some people’s paranoia is more pronounced when smoking sativa strains as opposed to indica strains, which is usually owed to sativa strains having a lower CBD content on average than their indica cousins.
So, They’re Not Out to Get me?
Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s not as bad as you think it is. While there is no dedicated off button for the paranoia cannabis can sometimes cause, CBD has been shown to counteract some of the more intense effects. Worst case scenario, just take some CBD, drink a glass of cold water, eat some healthy snacks and watch Spongebob Squarepants; you’ll be fine in no time.
However, if you find yourself regularly experiencing anxiety, paranoia or any worsening symptoms of THC overstimulation, it’s time to take a break and let your body bounce back. Till next time folks!
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