Article title: Why Do Some People Become Paranoid After Using Marijuana?
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It seems apparent that a significant number of people are obeying Bob Dylan's command from his 1966 Rainy Day Women 12 & 35 track with the message, "Everybody must get stoned." Although the songwriter refutes claims that the track is themed on marijuana, half a century later, it's appearing more like it.
At least 200 million people are using marijuana globally, making it the most used illicit drug worldwide. Since it's linked with reducing anxiety and stress, it is perceived as a substance that people use when they need to relax. Nonetheless, there are numerous instances where cannabis causes paranoia to the user, which this article explores why it happens to fewer individuals and not others.
How does marijuana cause paranoia?
Paranoia is the feeling individuals have, making them feel in danger of harm or threatened without evidence. These people usually believe that others have ill motives against them despite lacking any tangible reason. Up to 50 percent of people are believed to have a paranoid thought every month, although the estimates vary.
It's seemingly true that people using marijuana are more susceptible to this way of thinking. A study published in 2011 in psychological medicine examined England's paranoia rate in the general population.
It found out that most marijuana users believed that someone was trying to harm them, which was five times more likely seriously. Likewise, it also evidenced that cannabis non-users were three times less likely to believe that someone was intentionally trying to cause them harm than users.
Researchers believe that compounds including THC bind to Cannabinoid (CB) receptors in varied parts of the brain, including the amygdala. It's the brain's part responsible for regulating peoples' responses to fear and its associated emotions such as anxiety, stress, and paranoia. Therefore, this relationship between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and marijuana plays a role in paranoia.
If your amygdala gets excessively stimulated by too much THC from the brain, it results in anxiety and fear. And since CBD doesn't bind directly to CB receptors, it explains why it doesn't cause paranoia.
Numerous cannabinoid receptors are located in the amygdala, as a 2014 study published in the journal, 'Neuron.'
Why do some people become paranoid but not others?
The degree of paranoia seems to vary, with particular percentages of cannabis users reporting paranoid thoughts after using it, while others feel the same occasionally. Although that's the case, there isn't any single factor involved. The following theories have an impact.
THC tolerance
Some people have a significantly higher tolerance to THC than others due to the frequency of use or genetics. The substanceaffects people differently and is marijuana's largely intoxicating cannabinoid.
Your extent of using marijuana will give you varied reactions since THC - and CBD seemingly offers a biphasic response. However, there's evidence that tiny amounts of THC can provide therapeutic benefits, giving rise to micro-dosing practice. Nonetheless, there's an immense risk of an adverse effect the more you use it.
University of Chicago researchers in 2017 published a study in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, outlining the THC's biphasic effect in practice. The study aimed at testing how THC affected 42 stressed cannabis users.
The quantity of THC intake proportionally varied the extent of emotion, with those who consumed 7.5 mg reportedly feeling less stressed than those who took a placebo. Nonetheless, those who took 12.5 of THC reported massive negative emotions compared to those who used the placebo while performing a similar task.
Since edibles have relatively high THC amounts, it's particularly essential to be cautious when using edibles. Besides, the high risk of being delayed can often coerce a consumer to take in more THC due to the resulting impatience.
Genetics
Researchers in 2019 published a study in 'nature' that investigated the impact of cannabis on animals. They concluded that the substance reduced anxiety and increased relaxation, stimulating the brain's front region because it features an incredible number of opioid receptors.
There's also an immense risk of a negative reaction if your brain's back portion has a higher THC sensitivity level, including paranoia and anxiety.
Gender
An animal study from 2014 published in 'Drug and Alcohol Dependency' found that higher estrogen levels could increase marijuana sensitivity by up to 30%. At the same time, the THC tolerance consequently reduces. However, this theory has less evidence.
That means females are more likely to experience paranoia and anxiety than males since they're more sensitive to the effects of marijuana. Nonetheless, they're more likely to benefit from the positive effects, including pain relief.
The aging process, mood, and new breeding and techniques
As we age, our brains and ECS change, meaning that using cannabis at 45 could have unanticipated effects than when you're 25.
You're more likely to get anxiety and paranoia if you're already stressed out, meaning that your environment and mood also have an impact. Besides, if you're uneasy and fear being caught using weed, it'll naturally play on your mind.
Also, factually, cannabis strains have become incredibly potent recently. Breeders are constantly attempting to produce stronger strains, unlike in the 1960s and 1970s where getting THC-rich cannabis was challenging to find. A few decades ago, you might have got 5-7% THC. However, it's pretty normal to find over 20% THC today.
How to reduce the risk of paranoia when using cannabis
Taking your weed in peace is essential, and that means finding a comfortable place as your ideal setting. Consider putting on some soothing music or dimming the lights in a place where you won't constantly look over your shoulder.
Besides, use a low to moderate THC strain or pick one with a high CBD level, with a minimum of 1:1 CBD to THC ratio. Such levels can module excess cannabinoid effect in the brain, reducing the likelihood of anxiety.
Why cannabis causes paranoia in some users: Conclusion
Using a cannabis strain with high THC content automatically increases your levels of paranoia, and it all settles on your consumption amount. If you fall into the pool of individuals genetically more prone to paranoid thinking after taking marijuana, you need to consider whether you want to continue using it seriously.
The effects of cannabis may also vary ten years from now as your brain and ECS change with age. In this regard, you'll be able to counter paranoia if you limit your marijuana consumption to sensible amounts or consider strains with enough CBD. That can help you counter the negative impacts of THC.
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