Accurate Education – Marijuana (Cannabis): Combating Cannabis-Induced Anxiety, Panic and Paranoia

Combating Cannabis-Induced Anxiety, Panic and Paranoia

To start with, experiencing anxiety whether mild or severe with use of marijuana-based products is not uncommon, it is not abnormal and it will always go away. While it can often be avoided, it may occur with even seasoned users of marijuana-based products, especially when there is a change in dose or form of administration.

So, if this happens:

DON’T PANIC. YOU ARE FINE AND EVERYTHING IS OKAY.

Remember, marijuana and marijuana-based products are safe and there is no record of overdose directly resulting in any deaths.

Why does it happen?

The constituents in marijuana, especially THC and CBD, work on the emotional centers in the brain. THC is the primary cause of triggering anxiety and panic while CBD can reduce this side effect of THC as well as reduce anxiety coming from other causes. Cannabinoids bind to receptors throughout the brain, many of which are in the amygdala, the area of the brain involved in emotional processing, modulating such responses as fear, stress, and paranoia. THC can overstimulate these neural pathways, especially in individuals who are new and unaccustomed to the use of cannabis.

Additionally, those with pre-existing anxiety disorders may be more vulnerable to experiencing anxiety side effects. In this population it is especially important to understand that these side effects may occur and be prepared to address them.

How does one avoid these side effects?

The adage, “Start Low, Go Slow,” is the perfect answer to this question. Whenever starting a cannabis-based product, begin with a low dose and always increase the dosage slowly when there is a need to increase. Also, since THC is the major contributor to these side effects and CBD reduces these side effects, it is best to start a cannabis-based product with a low THC content also containing CBD. Once one builds experience with a product, one can slowy adjust doses and ratios of constituents based on the individual’s response.

When using cannabis-based products for the first time, do so in a comfortable, low stress environment accompanied by a friend or family member. Avoid starting with “edibles” due to their greater complexity in dosing. “Edibles” are not permitted in Louisiana. Always feel free to contact your physician guiding you in your use of cannabis-based products with any concerns regarding any side effects from their use.

What to do when it happens

Understand first that most symptoms of anxiety will dissipate within minutes to hours, with no lasting effects. With a little time, these feelings will eventually pass, always. To speed up the resolution of anxiety and panic symptoms, put yourself in a familiar and comfortable emvironment with low levels of stimulation and noise. When able, lie down and if possible go to sleep. It is likely upon awakening the symptoms will have passed. Otherwise, consider a warm shower or bath. light some candles.

Distracting one’s self by playing music or watching television. Consider calling a friend if you feel overwhelmed. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine products as these may aggravate the situation.

Special Tips

Don’t forget, CBD reduces the anxiety associated with THC. It is recommended, especially with people first starting out with cannabis-based products, to keep extra CBD products around in addition to recommended THC-based products. Supplememting with CBD can not only reduce anxiety but also can enhance sleep, relaxation and muscle tightness.

Also, understand that other constituents found in marijuana plants that are not necessarily present in cannabis-based medicinal products. These constituents include other cannabinoids, which for the most part are not commonly available independently. But terpenes, the aromatic constituents also found in varying amounts in different strains of marijuana plant, are independently available, possibly in your kitchen.

Terpenes

Terpenes (and terpenoids) are chemically related to the cannabinoids. They are organic chemicals produced by most plants and  are volatile aromatic molecules, meaning they evaporate easily, providing flavor and fragrance to fruits and spices commonly found in a normal diet. But there is growing research demonstrationg that they exert therapeutic effects in combination with the cannabinoids, including reducing anxiety.

Black Pepper

Black pepper, a popular home remedy for THC-induced anxiety, contains several terpenes including a-pinene, b-caryophyllene and myrcene that reduce anxiety. Chewing a few black pepper corns was popularized by Neil Young as a means of reducing THC-induced anxiety. Others have found simply smelling freshly ground pepper provides a rapid response.

Lemon

Lemon peels, with a high content of the terpene, limonene, has been demonstrated to reduce anxiety with inhaling or chewing. The use of lemon in the 1800’s in Tunis and Morocco was documented as a cure for overdoses of cannabis.

The use of aromatic substances is the basis of aromatherapy, an alternative medical therapy that has enjoyed growing traction recently. The olfactory nerve in the nose is directly connected with the brain and is connected with emotional and memory areas of the brain, believed to be the mechanism by which terpenes exert their rapid and effective therapeutic responses.

See: Terpenes