Paranoia and cannabis are two concepts that are often intertwined, as paranoia can be an adverse effect of smoking weed. While not all cannabis consumers experience paranoid thoughts, some people are more susceptible to them than others. This article delves into what paranoia is, how it can be triggered, and how to avoid or manage it when consuming cannabis.
What is paranoia?
Paranoia is a state of mind where an individual believes that others intend to cause them harm, even if there is no evidence to support this belief. Paranoia is often associated with paranoid personality disorder (PDD) and psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia. However, it can occur without a mental illness. Symptoms of paranoia include an inability to trust people, feeling that outcomes are being controlled by external forces, finding hidden meaning in others' behavior, and hypervigilance.
Causes of Paranoia
Certain populations, such as those living in poverty, isolation or exploitation, those with low self-esteem, poor physical health, or those who have experienced trauma, can be more prone to paranoid thinking. Some substances, including cannabis, can also trigger paranoia.
How can weed cause paranoia?
Research has confirmed that THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, can trigger paranoia, especially in individuals who are prone to paranoid thinking. THC appears to impair the way the brain processes random events, leading to abnormal salience. Additionally, THC can overstimulate the amygdala, a part of the brain that regulates fear-related responses, leading to an over-activation of negative emotions, which can trigger paranoia.
CBD Strains May Ease Paranoia
CBD, another compound found in cannabis, can have the opposite effect of THC, helping to ease paranoia. Research has shown that CBD can reduce amygdala activity, which can decrease fear responses. CBD-dominant strains have been found to reduce tension and anxiety, whereas THC-dominant strains have been linked to an increase in paranoia.
Vulnerability to Paranoia When Consuming Cannabis
Studies have shown that about 51.4% of cannabis users have had paranoid thoughts when using cannabis. However, certain factors can make some individuals more vulnerable to paranoia than others. Research has shown that telling participants that THC can cause paranoid thoughts can exacerbate the paranoia, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Conclusion
Paranoia can be an unpleasant experience, especially when it is linked to the consumption of cannabis. Understanding the causes of paranoia and how to avoid or manage it when consuming cannabis can help individuals who are prone to paranoid thinking. While THC can trigger paranoid thoughts, CBD can help ease them. Therefore, individuals who experience paranoid thoughts after smoking weed can try using CBD-dominant strains to reduce their symptoms.