Cannabis is often used for its calming effects, but for some people, it can lead to unwanted feelings like paranoia. This guide will explain how cannabis might cause paranoia and why certain people are more likely to experience it. Check this also weed delivery scarborough
What is Paranoia?
Paranoia is when someone feels an unreasonable or exaggerated fear of others. A person might believe that others are watching, following, or trying to harm them, even if there’s no real evidence.
How Does Cannabis Cause Paranoia?
Cannabis can cause paranoia due to how it affects the brain. When people use cannabis, the psychoactive compound called THC connects to specific receptors in the brain, particularly in a part called the amygdala. The amygdala is involved in controlling emotions like fear, stress, and anxiety. Overloading the brain with THC can overstimulate the amygdala, which may trigger feelings of fear, anxiety, and paranoia.
Who is More Prone to Cannabis-Related Paranoia?
Not everyone who uses cannabis feels paranoid, but some people are more likely to experience it. Several factors can make someone more prone to cannabis-related paranoia.
Genetics: A 2019 study on animals showed that when the front part of the brain is more stimulated by cannabis, people tend to feel relaxed. This is because the front brain has more receptors that produce a sense of reward.
THC Levels: Using cannabis with high THC content can also make someone feel paranoid. A 2017 study found that small doses of THC (around 7.5mg) helped reduce negative feelings during stressful tasks. However, a higher dose (12.5mg) increased those feelings of stress and paranoia.
Female Hormones: A study in 2014 showed that higher levels of estrogen can make women more sensitive to both the positive and negative effects of cannabis. This means women might experience paranoia more easily than men.
How to Manage Cannabis-Related Paranoia
If cannabis makes you feel paranoid, there are a few ways to manage or prevent these feelings:
Stop Using Cannabis: The simplest solution is to stop using cannabis if it consistently makes you feel bad. If the negative effects outweigh the benefits, quitting might be best for your mental health.
Relaxation Techniques: If you do feel paranoid after using cannabis, try relaxing activities like listening to calm music, doing yoga, or taking a warm bath.
Use Less Cannabis: If you still want to use cannabis but want to avoid paranoia, try using smaller amounts less often. Reducing your dose can lower the chances of feeling paranoid.
Seek Professional Help: People with mental health conditions like anxiety, psychosis, or schizophrenia are more likely to experience paranoia when using cannabis. If you struggle with anxiety or paranoia, it’s a good idea to talk to a therapist. They can help you understand what’s causing these feelings and teach you techniques to cope with them.
Although cannabis might temporarily relieve anxiety, it doesn’t fix deeper issues and may worsen mental health problems over time, especially if a cannabis addiction develops. Getting professional support is an effective way to manage both cannabis use and mental health issues.
