How Can Weed Make You Anxious?
While many people consume cannabis to relax and unwind, others can feel overwhelmed and anxious. This is a result of overstimulated endocannabinoid receptors in the amygdala, the part of your brain that is associated with fear and panic. Cannabis is biphasic, meaning that it has a different effect at a lower dose versus a higher dose.
There are several other factors besides overconsumption that can lead to an anxious high. Set and setting can be the difference between a relaxing evening and a nervous nightmare. Especially for newer users it is important to have a safe and comfortable place to be high in. Having activities like listening to music, drawing, or watching a show can help relax anxious feelings.
Everybody Is Different
Just because your friend swears by a particular strain doesn’t mean that it's going to be the one for you. Everyone’s endocannabinoid is unique and will react differently with the products they use. Find the product that works best with your system.
An animal study found that the presence of estrogen can increase the experience of cannabis suggesting that women may be more sensitive to cannabis. This could mean that they would have heightened feelings of euphoria, but also the potential for increased feelings of anxiety as well.
How To Avoid Anxiety
Aways start low and go slow. When eating edible products start off with a single serving and give it a few hours before eating more. Smokeable products have a faster onset time so it can be easier to gauge the effects.
Finding products with higher CBD:THC ratio can also help avoid anxious highs. CBD reacts on different cannabinoid receptors and can counteract the negative effects of THC. For new users suggest a CBD pre roll along with their purchase in case they do experience anxiety during their high. Some studies have suggested that CBG may be even better than CBD for anti-anxiety properties.
Many sources report that deep breathing exercises can help people calm down when they are experiencing overwhelming feelings caused by THC. One important thing to remember is that there are no THC receptors on the brain stem so it is never possible to stop breathing from too much THC.
Products That May Help
Products with Low THC doses:
Lion's Mane gummies
The Turn Down
The Room Service
Dose Capsules (from mend)
Balance Capsules 1:1 (from mend)
Products with High CBD:
Pre-roll
Gorilla Glue 8.77% THC & 13.98% CBD
Gummies
Raspberry 2:1 (CBD:THC)
Berry Kiwi 1:1
Send It Squares 1:1
Sour Cherry 1:1 (Upstate elevator)
Yuzu 1:1 (CBG)
Tinctures
Triple Tincture 1:1:1 (includes CBG) Balance Tincture 1:1
Recover Tincture 2:1
Relax Tincture 2:1
Chill blend 1:1
Balance blend 1:1
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