Cannabis is a drug that has a wide range of effects on people. Some can feel relaxed, euphoric or even giggly while others can be anxious, fearful or paranoid.
Some studies have shown that regular use of cannabis can increase your risk of developing mental health problems, including depression and schizophrenia. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship.
1. It can make you feel high
The impact of cannabis on mental well-being is complex and can vary a lot. For example, it can cause euphoria and relaxation for some people, while it can increase feelings of anxiety or paranoia in others.
It can also make you feel sleepy and irritable, making it difficult to concentrate or remember things. You might also experience nausea, dry mouth and fears or hallucinations.
Usually, when you smoke or eat cannabis the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) goes into your bloodstream very quickly and sticks to the receptors in your brain. These receptors are the nerve endings that tell your brain what to do and how you feel.
This means that the effects of THC start to occur within minutes of inhaling or eating cannabis and last two to four hours. However, this can change depending on the amount of cannabis you have and how long it takes for the effects to be fully felt.
The time of day you consume it can also affect your high. If you’re using it during the day, it’s likely to have a more sedating effect, while night-time use might make you feel more relaxed and euphoric.
If you’re a new user of marijuana or have a sensitive system, it’s best to start very small and work your way up from there. You’ll want to try a very low dose, about 2 or 3 milligrams of THC per dose, to see how you react before increasing it.
You should also be aware that regular cannabis use is linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, as well as psychosis. This is because the THC in cannabis can affect your endocannabinoid system and how it works.
It’s also important to note that the more you use cannabis, the more likely you are to develop a tolerance to it. This means you need to take higher amounts of it to get the same effect, and the effects can get worse over time.
This can make it hard to stop, and you may start experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you do. If you do stop, it’s best to get help from a trained health professional.
2. It can make you feel euphoric
Despite the many misconceptions surrounding cannabis, scientists are increasingly finding that it can have a positive impact on mental well-being. It can be used to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as treat conditions such as PTSD and depression. It can also reduce the pain associated with various medical illnesses, such as arthritis and cancer.
The effects of cannabis can vary from one person to the next. Some people experience relaxation, while others feel euphoric and happy. It depends on the amount you take, how much you smoke and your personal preferences.
Another factor that can affect the way you feel when you use cannabis is the type of weed strain you are using. Indica strains can help you relax and sleep better, while sativa strains can make you more energized.
It’s important to remember that different strains can have different effects on you, and that they can differ based on the terpenes found in them. Some terpenes, such as pinene, have been shown to help ease anxiety and increase the production of endorphins.
However, some terpenes can cause negative effects in people who consume them regularly. They can also worsen your symptoms of a mental illness, such as schizophrenia.
If you suffer from a mental health condition, such as depression or bipolar disorder, you should talk to your doctor before smoking marijuana. They can help you decide if it’s safe for you and how to use it safely.
A recent study found that chronic cannabis users were more likely to have depressive symptoms than non-abusers. The researchers said this may be due to the fact that they had less dopamine in their brains than non-abusers did.
Fortunately, there are drugs that are approved by the FDA to treat this condition. These drugs, which contain THC or CBD, work to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life.
The endocannabinoid system is an intricate network of receptors that interact with each other to regulate the way we feel. THC binds to these receptors and activates them, causing a variety of sensations, including happiness, creativity and relief from pain.
3. It can make you feel relaxed
Many people find that using cannabis can help them feel relaxed. It can also improve their mood and help them sleep better.
This is because the drug can affect a variety of different parts of your brain. It interacts with the CB1 receptors found in your brain that are responsible for releasing GABA, glutamate, serotonin, and noradrenaline, among other neurotransmitters.
THC binds to these CB1 receptors and triggers the release of these neurotransmitters. This can cause a whole range of psychoactive effects, from anxiety-reducing to euphoric, says Kinsey.
However, it’s important to note that the way you feel when you take a hit can vary depending on your genetics and the level of dopamine in your brain. This is because some people are more likely to have a high dopamine level than others.
For instance, ADHD patients who have a lower dopamine level are more likely to experience stress and anxiety when they take marijuana. Similarly, people who have an increased dopamine level are more likely to feel euphoric.
This is why you should always take a small dose of cannabis to ensure you don’t get overwhelmed by the drug’s effects or end up feeling worse than before you took it. It’s also important to avoid taking a large amount of THC at once, as this can make you feel anxious and nervous instead of relaxing.
While the impact of cannabis on mental well-being is still being investigated, there are some positive results from clinical trials that have shown that it can reduce depression and PTSD symptoms. A recent review published in Clinical Psychology Review reviewed the scientific literature and found that there was some evidence to support the use of cannabis to treat these conditions.
There is also some research that suggests that cannabis can be used to alleviate social anxiety. One small preliminary double-blind study found that CBD (a non-psychotropic compound in cannabis) may relieve social anxiety symptoms.
It’s important to understand that everyone’s body and mind are built differently, so it’s unlikely that cannabis will make you feel more anxious than you already are. But if you’re worried about your mental well-being and want to try it, it’s worth talking to a doctor or therapist about it.
4. It can make you feel sleepy
Cannabis is an effective and natural sleep aid that can help people manage insomnia, pain, stress and anxiety. It also can help you fall asleep more quickly and get a better night’s rest.
However, using cannabis can have negative effects if you aren’t careful. It can also lead to dependence and abuse, so it’s important to use it responsibly.
Some research suggests that synthetic forms of THC can reduce nightmares and improve sleep for those who suffer from PTSD. It can also help those with chronic pain or obstructive sleep apnea.
The sedative effects of THC and CBD are believed to work by mimicking a naturally occurring chemical in your body called endocannabinoids, which interact with cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found throughout the body and work together to regulate a number of vital functions, including sleep cycles.
In addition to THC, some marijuana strains also contain terpenes that make them smell pleasant and relax you. One of these terpenes is musky myrcene, which gives some strains their sweet musk scent and helps to make them sedating.
You might also consider using a high-CBD strain for its calming and sleep-inducing properties. This type of herb has higher levels of CBD and lower THC than other strains, so it’s less likely to cause psychoactive effects or a heightened sense of euphoria.
As with any drug, cannabis can make you feel sleepy in some people and wake you up in others. This isn’t to say that you can’t sleep while high, but it’s best to consume in a moderate amount and avoid smoking too much marijuana at once.
If you want to try a sativa or indica strain, it’s best to choose one that has a low THC content. This will help you get the most out of the plant’s sedative and relaxing effects.
It’s important to note that consuming too much marijuana can cause anxiety-inducing effects and leave you feeling groggy the next day. This is why it’s important to use marijuana in moderation and to exercise regularly, which can help you sleep soundly while maintaining your overall health.
