Why Does Weed Make You Paranoid?

Cannabis, also commonly referred to as weed or marijuana, is a drug well-known for helping people relax. But, in some cases, people can become paranoid through the use of the drug.

This paranoia can extend throughout the time they are “high” or even contribute to a state of general paranoia and developing mental health issues. But – why is this the case?

Discover everything you need to know in this article.

Common Symptoms of Cannabis-Induced Paranoia

Paranoia caused by cannabis use can manifest in various ways, including:

• Heightened anxiety
• Fear of being watched or judged
• Distrust of people around
• Feeling threatened without reason

Psychological and Physical Signs

Users may experience both psychological and physical symptoms, such as:

• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Irrational thoughts and fears

How Common is Weed-Induced Paranoia?

According to various studies, it’s actually quite a common side effect of cannabis use. The common denominator in the majority of research done on this topic is their findings on THC. The Centre for Biostatistics found that a substantial percentage of those who took part felt paranoid after consuming cannabis, which was caused by THC overstimulating the brain.

The University of Oxford also conducted a study to investigate how cannabis use caused paranoia and found that 1 in 5 of their participants felt an increased sense of paranoia, which they directly linked to THC.

In another research study which looked at cannabis and its ability to induce psychotic symptoms in users, participants also reported the same thing. An increased sense of feeling paranoid, as well as experiencing hallucinations, anxiety and panic.

Why Does Weed Make You Paranoid? 

There are many reasons as to why weed can make someone feel paranoid.

Individual Differences

Genetic factors, personality traits, and individual mental health history can influence how someone reacts to THC.

People with a predisposition to anxiety or those who have experienced trauma may be more susceptible to paranoia when using weed. Additionally, first-time users or those consuming high doses of THC are at a higher risk of experiencing these adverse effects.

Environmental Context

Where you smoke weed and how you feel at the time can also cause you to feel paranoid; we call this the “set and setting” of your consumption.

“Set” refers to your mindset at the time, while “setting” denotes the physical and social environment you are in.

A positive, comfortable environment can mitigate feelings of paranoia, whereas a stressful or unfamiliar setting can exacerbate them. So, if you are relaxing while watching a movie in a comfortable space, you may not feel the same paranoid response as you would if you were in an unfamiliar crowd where you felt unsafe.

Your heightened response to psychological triggers causes an episode of paranoia as the cannabinoid receptors are at work, increasing your perception of the environment.

Studies have also indicated this link between environmental factors and mental episodes suffered by people under the influence of cannabis.

Do Different Strains Make You More Paranoid?

Different cannabis strains have varying levels of THC and other cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), which can modulate the effects of THC.

Strains high in THC and low in CBD are more likely to induce paranoia. CBD has been shown to counteract some of THC’s psychoactive effects, potentially reducing the risk of anxiety and paranoia. Additionally, the method of consumption, whether smoking, vaping, or ingesting edibles, can influence the intensity and onset of effects, with edibles often producing a more potent and prolonged experience that can increase the likelihood of paranoia.

The Role of THC

The primary culprit behind weed-induced paranoia is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.

THC interacts with the brain by binding to cannabinoid receptors, particularly the CB1 receptor, which is abundant in regions responsible for mood, memory, and perception. When THC activates these receptors, it can alter normal brain function, leading to a variety of psychological effects.

THC can significantly alter perception, making ordinary experiences seem unfamiliar or threatening. For some individuals, the heightened sensitivity to their surroundings can trigger a fear response, leading to the belief that they are being watched or judged, even when they are safe. This is classic paranoia, and it is contributed by the levels of THC in your system and your elevated perception of events and surroundings.

THC vs. CBD

Cannabis contains numerous cannabinoids, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the most prominent:

• THC: The psychoactive component that produces the “high” and can cause paranoia.
• CBD: Non-psychoactive and known for its calming and medicinal properties, often counteracting the effects of THC.

Impact of Increasing THC Levels

If you have been smoking weed for a long time, you may look for a stronger strain as you build up a tolerance to THC to get the same feeling.

But by moving on to stronger stars, you are increasing the chances of paranoia.

If you smoke weed daily, a study has indicated you are 5 times more likely to develop mental health issues, and it has been proved THC can cause paranoid thoughts in vulnerable people with existing mental health conditions.

Coping Strategies for Those Who Experience Paranoia After Cannabis Use

If you’re already feeling stressed or emotionally down, it’s probably best to steer clear of weed. It can sometimes amplify those feelings and leave you feeling worse. Instead, try grounding yourself with some deep breathing exercises, staying hydrated, and reminding yourself that any anxious feelings are just temporary.

If you find yourself struggling to stop smoking weed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Talk to a friend or family member who you trust. Sometimes, just sharing how you’re feeling can make a huge difference. There are also support groups and professionals who can help you.

Remember, taking care of your mental health is super important. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to take a step back from cannabis if it’s not making you feel good.

The bottom line is that if you’re experiencing paranoia from cannabis use, the best thing you can do is to stop using this substance. And if you’ve already tried this and are finding it tough to stop smoking weed, know that you’re not alone. Call our team today on 0151 268 6992 for free and confidential advice about cannabis use.

Posted on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 at 3:15 pm in Mental Health.