By Miguel Ordoñez

Paranoia, in mild or extreme forms, is experienced by half the population every month. However, many users have reported feeling heightened levels of paranoia when smoking weed. Often this feeling goes when the high dissipates, but nothing ruins a great cannabis experience quicker than wondering if that siren in the distance is coming for you.

Regardless of your own experience, the link between cannabis and paranoia is a complicated one. If you are someone who experiences these bouts of paranoia when smoking, the good news is there are ways to combat that paranoid feeling and techniques to help prevent the feeling occurring in the future.

WHAT IS PARANOIA?

Paranoia is characterised by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy or feeling under threat. Where rational thought process might lead a person to see situations as coincidence, a person experiencing paranoia will see them as constructed and purposeful. They may even feel like others intend to inflict harm on them during their paranoid state.

In extreme circumstances these irrational fears or fixations can become a person's reality, making it incredibly hard to convince them otherwise. Add cannabis to the equation, and it is easy to see how the two have come to be linked by popular opinion. Given the feeling of being high is used by many to detach from everyday reality, combining being high and paranoia in certain circumstances becomes a self-fulfilling cycle.

Our paranoid thoughts are detached from reality while cannabis keeps us in a state removed from reality. Assuming all marijuana has this effect would be very shortsighted. Often paranoid thoughts exist before smoking marijuana, although users may not be fully aware of such ideas until high.

The Link Between Paranoia And Cannabis

SYMPTOMS OF PARANOIA

Symptoms of paranoia include:

  • A feeling of suspicion or mistrust
  • Feeling targeted or singled out
  • Feeling like people or a person wants to cause harm, either physically or emotionally

You may feel like the whole world is talking about you when paranoid, or a partner is cheating when working late. Neither have any grounding in reality, but in our paranoid state, we often create links between unrelated events. Reading negative connotations into every situation is often upsetting and by no means healthy for our mind or body. If users experience these feeling when smoking weed, it can put them off doing so permanently.

If you are unsure whether what you experience is paranoia, the best approach is to explain the situation to someone else. If that person doesn't make the same links, connections or thoughts about a scenario, then it could point to you experiencing paranoid thoughts.

THE LINK BETWEEN MARIJUANA AND PARANOIA

Knowing what paranoia is and what we feel when paranoid can help when trying to combat paranoia. If, however, smoking weed does make us paranoid, it could be a lose-lose situation for cannabis users.

Despite the apparent link between cannabis and paranoia, users have been smoking marijuana for hundreds of years to help alleviate negative mental states. Anxiety, often linked to paranoia, is a feeling many users combat with cannabis. Assuming that all marijuana encourages thoughts of paranoia is a direct contrast to smokers using cannabis to support their mental health. Instead, it appears THC may be the culprit by enhancing feelings of paranoia in specific cases.

Smoking Cannabis

WHAT DOES RESEARCH SUGGEST?

A joint study[1] between the University of Oxford, the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London and the University of Manchester sought to understand if THC did contribute to feelings of paranoia. Focusing specifically on what constituted as “feelings of paranoia”, 121 volunteers were given either a 1.5mg dose of THC or a saline placebo. The 1.5mg dose of THC would mimic the act of smoking a strong joint, but isolated from the other cannabinoids that shape the effect.

Extensive assessment of each candidate was undertaken to test for paranoia. None of the volunteers knew whether they had been administered with THC or the placebo, but the results proved reasonably conclusive. Using virtual reality scenarios, real-life social situations, questionnaires and interview assessments, they found half of those given THC experienced paranoia, compared to 30% of candidates in the placebo group.

Each of the candidates had smoked cannabis at least once in their life but did not report any previous mental health issues. The study also found that paranoid thoughts subsided as the feeling of being high wore off. However, rather than THC causing paranoia, researchers concluded we are more likely to experience periods of paranoia when we are worried, anxious or have a reason to distrust someone.

COMBATING PARANOIA WHEN SMOKING WEED

THC can bring these feelings to the forefront of our mind, primarily down to the way THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the emotional areas of our brain. If, as a cannabis user you do experience paranoid thoughts and feelings when smoking, asking ourselves what may have led to those thoughts can help combat the symptoms occurring.

Regardless, paranoia is likely to affect all of us at some point. Whether that is the result of smoking cannabis or not, the feeling is not pleasant nor healthy for us to experience repeatedly. Several practical steps can be taken to help ease or alleviate that paranoid feeling.

Royal Medic From Royal Queen Seeds

SWITCHING STRAINS

If research suggests THC can bring about heightened feelings of paranoia, then a simple switch of strain could be the answer. Picking a strain with a lower THC content, or a strain devoid of THC altogether is an excellent place to start. Instead, strains high in CBD would give users a more balanced esxperince with less risk of inciting or emphasising paranoid thoughts. CBD is linked to feelings of calm and overall well being. It is also known to regulate and counter the more psychoactive effects of THC.

If getting high is a must, then the following tactics can help limit paranoid episodes.

ENVIRONMENT

Smoking cannabis is a social activity, as such house parties are often rife with weed. As well as providing some of the best memories, house parties bring with them a whole host of social anxieties. Add cannabis to the mix, and it is easy to see how paranoia sets in. If you feel paranoid feelings coming on, the best thing to do is change your environment. Moving away from the situation and refreshing your mind can help control the paranoia before it becomes too severe.

The same process can be adopted regardless of whether you are at a house party or not; if the situation is making you uncomfortable, moving away and changing environment is the perfect remedy.

Music And Relaxation With Cannabis

RELAXING MUSIC

Picking a playlist that reminds you of a time or place you experienced happy thoughts is the best place to start. Think of the music as a light in the dark, combating those negative thoughts.

FRESH AIR

Working hand in hand with the change of environment mentioned above. Taking a walk, in a park or an area naturally peaceful can provide your mind with a much-needed reset. Take deep breaths as you walk, in through your mouth and out through your nose.

Cannabis Fresh Air

STAYING HYDRATED

A cup of tea is often heralded as the saviour in many stressful situations. Try adding honey for a sugar hit that helps promote feelings of calm and warms the body at the same time. Being dehydrated also limits our ability to think clearly. Always ensure you stay hydrated, whether that is through tea or any other drink you find enjoyable.

HAVING A SHOWER OR BATH

A cold shower or hot bath, either will do. Just pick the one you prefer the most. Both will provide a moment for you to collect your thoughts and make your body feel better in the process.

External Resources:
  1. How Cannabis Causes Paranoia: Using the Intravenous Administration of ∆ 9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to Identify Key Cognitive Mechanisms Leading to Paranoia | Schizophrenia Bulletin | Oxford Academic https://academic.oup.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: