By Miguel Ordoñez


Weed and anxiety have quite a unique and interesting relationship. Multiple studies[1] have examined cannabis, or its constituents, as a potential form of anxiety treatment, with some experts looking to develop novel cannabinoid-based anxiolytic agents[2].

But at the same time, cannabis—more specifically, THC—also bears the reputation of a paranoia trigger. Similarly, some studies[3] link the magic herb with the development of anxiety disorders.

It’s essential we point out that medical and recreational users alike can autumn victim to supposed weed anxiety. This makes knowing how to deal with the condition all the more important. With that in mind, let’s delve into the phenomenon of weed anxiety and why it happens. Then, we’ll introduce some ways to stop it in its tracks and prevent it from happening in the future.

What Is Weed Anxiety?

Certain life situations bring about anxiety. Those moments before you step on stage to deliver a keynote speech, you feel your palms sweating, your heart beating faster. You lose focus on the present moment and instead worry incessantly about what’s to come.

These are all normal reactions. And once you compose yourself and start breathing properly, you shake off those nagging doubts and insecurities.

There’s a bit of a difference with weed anxiety. Much like “greening out”, the symptoms are uncomfortable—sweating, shaking, fatigue—except weed anxiety primarily elicits mental distress as opposed to physical. That being said, anxiety is known to cause stomach discomfort, nausea, and even vomiting.

Apart from common knowledge, researchers have established an association between cannabis use and anxiety. In a community survey[4] conducted in Australia, for example, 22% of respondents reported panic attacks after cannabis use.

What Is Weed Anxiety?

How To Identify Weed Anxiety

The symptoms of weed anxiety can be difficult for some to discern, but there are certain telltale signs.

It usually starts out with a barrage of negative thoughts brewing in the mind. These are troubling, vexing ruminations that are difficult to shake off. It then manifests into physical symptoms, including shortness of breath (which itself triggers anxiety) and an inability to move around comfortably.

People who go through episodes of weed anxiety feel like they’re trapped in their own head. Their thoughts are way too loud, which hinders them from focusing or following what’s presently going on.

A classic sign of paranoia among recreational cannabis smokers is checking outside the window for the cops. The worry of having done something illegal can be overwhelming enough to cause panic.

How To Stop Weed Anxiety

The first thing to keep in mind if you experience a bout of anxiety after smoking weed is to accept what’s going on.

This may sound difficult, but it’s a key aspect of anxiety reduction even when weed isn’t involved. From here, it will be easier to take a few breaths and get back to feeling normal. But if that doesn’t help, here are some other tips to try out:

Take a cold shower
At the very least, pour some cold water on your neck. That sudden rush can help you snap out of your current dazed and confused state.
Eat or drink something
This will help shift your focus away from being in a state of panic.
Distract yourself
Take a walk around the neighbourhood. Put on some relaxing music. The goal here is to keep your mind off those thoughts that ramp up anxiety.
“Force” a positive mindset
Remind yourself that this is all in the mind and that you’ll be okay. Sometimes, kindly nudging yourself to adopt a positive mindset can ease you down and put you in a better disposition.
  • Will Weed-Induced Anxiety Go Away?

Yes! Like any impairing recreational substance, you’ll feel the effects wane over time.

In the case of weed-induced anxiety, the duration of symptoms depends largely on the method of intake—the effects of edibles, including negative outcomes, last hours longer than inhaled or sublingual cannabis. So with that in mind, it can take between 10 minutes and a couple of hours to feel composed again. It may feel like an eternity, but by following the steps mentioned in the previous section, you’ll do alright.

Ultimately, you’re going to be just fine. But the discomfort can be distressing, especially for new cannabis users.

How To Prevent Weed Anxiety

Prevention is always better than a cure, as the adage goes. Here are a few ways to ward off potentially traumatising weed anxiety episodes.

More CBD, less THC
Pick a strain with a THC:CBD ratio that favours the latter. A ratio of 1:1, also known as the “golden ratio”, will still get you high, but the psychotropic force will be more tame thanks to the presence of CBD.
Microdose
This is geared specifically to first-time users who are most susceptible to weed anxiety. It’s okay to take smaller doses for your maiden cannabis voyage. This way, you get to familiarise yourself with its effects much better. This is especially pertinent when it comes to taking edibles for the first few times.
Set up a comfortable environment
Ideally, you want to be in a controlled space with people you trust. Set up the lights in a way that creates a chill vibe. Also, have some food nearby for when the munchies hit, and some water for the cotton mouth.

Why Do I Get Anxiety When I Smoke Weed?

To answer this question, we’ll get a bit scientific. When THC enters the body, it binds to the two main receptor types of the endocannabinoid system—CB1 and CB2.

For those unfamiliar, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a regulatory system that extends throughout the entire body. Based on studies[5], it appears to play a key role in modulating brain function, the endocrine system, and immune tissues. Research also shows a connection between the ECS and the secretion of reproductive and stress hormones.

Upon stimulating the ECS, THC starts to induce its noticeable effects. Here is what’s believed to happen after you smoke, vape, or otherwise ingest THC.

  • The Amygdala

The amygdala is the region of our brain that plays a role in both conditioned and unconditioned fear generation. It’s also responsible for both fear extinction and conditioned inhibition.

Recent research[6] discovered the presence of a multitude of CB1 receptors within the amygdala. This has led experts to find a connection between a possible provocation of an emotional reaction upon THC intake. As a result, anxiety when smoking weed with lots of THC makes more sense.

  • The Central Nervous System

Like the amygdala, the central nervous system is home to cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1—which THC binds with to elicit psychotropic effects.

So where does anxiety autumn into all of this? A 2014 study[7] investigated the relationship between THC, muscle spasms and bladder problems. Despite some promising findings, one of the adverse effects among respondents was anxiety. Along with psychosis and dysphoria, these effects were all associated with higher concentrations of THC.

  • The Cardiovascular System

Research[8] from 1994 claims that panic disorder and chronic anxiety increased cardiovascular disease morbidity. The study highlights the connection between chronic cannabis use and chronic anxiety, noting how both could be an “indirect contributor” to cardiovascular disease mortality.

What Can Trigger a Bad Trip on Cannabis?

Why Does Marijuana Anxiety Affect Some People and Not Others?

This is a very common question, and a very valid one at that. However, there isn’t a short and straightforward answer, as there are several factors at play.

  • Genetics

Cannabis is beloved for bringing about some positive effects and sensations. When taken at a specific dose, THC appears to induce relaxation while providing mental stimulation. Certain strains are known for the creativity and serenity they inspire in users.

But as a 2019 study[9] suggests, the positive effects appear to be prevalent among those who are THC-sensitive in the front part of their brain. Those who are THC-sensitive in the posterior part of the brain appear to experience more anxiety. Other perceived unfavourable outcomes for these people include paranoia and negative emotions.

  • Age

As our body ages, so does our brain. And with that, our endocannabinoid system is affected as well.

Receptor density, for instance, tends to decrease[10] as we grow older. And according to academic Dr Gregory Gerdeman, PhD[11], cannabis could affect people differently depending on their age.

According to Gerdeman, a 30-year-old individual may feel more paranoid after smoking cannabis than they did in their 20s. As he notes, the endocannabinoid system in the brain “may not be at the same set point”.

  • Sex

It appears sex may also play a role in weed-induced anxiety. As a 2014 study[12] suggests, oestrogen may increase cannabis sensitivity.

The study was conducted on female rats, where it found a connection between oestrogen and increased sensitivity to THC. Specifically, oestrogen appeared to have an interaction with THC’s physical soothing qualities.

Such sensitivity could potentially increase a woman’s vulnerability to THC-induced anxiety and paranoia. However, the study also suggests that females develop a tolerance to THC a lot quicker than their male counterparts.

  • Tolerance

Just like with alcohol, people tend to develop a tolerance to cannabis after a period of use. While genetics and the brain’s neural makeup play a role, usage is still the biggest factor.

Studies suggest that as the brain gets frequently exposed to THC, the CB1 receptors become desensitised[13]. What happens next is a process called internalisation[14], where the receptors retract. Ultimately, it results in a less-intense THC experience.

Developing a tolerance could be both a good thing and a bad thing. If you’re the type who enjoys being high, a comparatively weak experience could be irritating. If that’s the case, you may want to take a tolerance break and allow your system to reset and be free from THC for a short while.

Some experts believe four weeks[15] is enough time to repopulate cannabis receptors in the brain back to normal levels. So you don’t even need to abstain for that long!

Mood
  • Mood

We don’t need high-quality scientific studies to understand that being anxious directly before smoking cannabis makes someone more likely to be anxious after the fact. Although some individuals may feel the weight lifted off their shoulders after some hearty tokes, others will only feel their negative thoughts exacerbated.

Like any substance, it’s always better to partake when you’re in a positive state of mind.

How Much THC Will Start Triggering Bad Effects?

Science actually has an answer to this question, at least according to a 2017 study[16]. A group of 42 participants was divided into two groups. The “low-dose” group received a 7.5-milligram capsule of THC, whereas the “moderate-dose” group received a 12.5-milligram capsule.

Participants were then given 10 minutes to prepare for a mock job interview, after which they were made to go through a five-minute interview where they weren’t given feedback of any kind.

The final test was for the participants to count backward from a five-digit number by subtracting 13. They were required to do this for five minutes.

Participants who received the lower dose reported feeling less stressed. Meanwhile, those who took the moderate dose experienced “greater negative mood” before and during the aforementioned tasks.

So if you’re a beginner, consider starting with a dose at the lower end of the spectrum (around 5–7.5mg of THC). This may even be just a few puffs from a joint!

Don’t Let Anxiety From Smoking Weed Ruin Your Appreciation for the Herb

Cannabis has a high likelihood to cause anxiety and paranoia. And while you may feel like you’re about to experience something life-threatening, worry not. It’s all a byproduct of several factors mentioned above.

If you want a non-anxious, non-traumatising experience with weed, your best move would be to start low and slow. As soon as you perceive yourself developing a tolerance, you can ramp up your intake accordingly.

Also, consider incorporating more CBD, and potentially less THC, into your smoke sessions. Most importantly, relax and enjoy. It’s not a contest to see who can smoke the most!

Be sure to keep our tips in mind as you go along your cannabis journey, because regardless of your experience, knowledge is power.

External Resources:
  1. The role of cannabis in treating anxiety: an update : Current Opinion in Psychiatry https://journals.lww.com
  2. Cannabinoid-related agents in the treatment of anxiety disorders: current knowledge and future perspectives https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. A positive association between anxiety disorders and cannabis use or cannabis use disorders in the general population- a meta-analysis of 31 studies | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com
  4. A community survey of adverse effects of cannabis use - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. [The role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of endocrine function and in the control of energy balance in humans] - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Multiple Mechanistically Distinct Modes of Endocannabinoid Mobilization at Central Amygdala Glutamatergic Synapses https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  7. Systematic review: Efficacy and safety of medical marijuana in selected neurologic disorders https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  8. Symptoms of anxiety and risk of coronary heart disease. The Normative Aging Study - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. The Bivalent Rewarding and Aversive properties of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol are Mediated Through Dissociable Opioid Receptor Substrates and Neuronal Modulation Mechanisms in Distinct Striatal Sub-Regions | Scientific Reports https://www.nature.com
  10. SAGE Journals: Your gateway to world-class journal research https://journals.sagepub.com
  11. ​Why Pot Makes You Paranoid—but Mellows Out Your Buddies https://www.menshealth.com
  12. Estrogen increases cannabis sensitivity, study shows https://www.sciencedaily.com
  13. Rapid CB1 cannabinoid receptor desensitization defines the time course of ERK1/2 MAP kinase signaling https://www.sciencedirect.com
  14. Regulation of CB1 cannabinoid receptor internalization by a promiscuous phosphorylation-dependent mechanism https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  15. Reversible and regionally selective downregulation of brain cannabinoid CB1 receptors in chronic daily cannabis smokers https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  16. Low-dose THC can relieve stress; more does just the opposite https://www.sciencedaily.com
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: