The Link Between Marijuana Sleep And Dreams
Dreams occur in the stage of sleep known as rapid eye movement sleep. This stage was given its name as during REM sleep your eyes move rapidly from side to side. During this stage of sleep, your muscles become paralyzed, a biological feature which keeps you safe by preventing you from acting out your dreams.
REM sleep usually occurs around 90 minutes after you fall asleep and alternates with four stages of deeper sleep known as non-REM or slow-wave sleep. You go through several full sleep cycles every night, with longer and deeper periods of REM occurring toward morning.
During REM sleep, the thalamus region of your brain becomes active. It sends images and sounds to the cortex which is what results in dreams. There are also a number of chemical changes in your brain during each sleep cycle along with changes in brain waves, heart rate, and blood pressure.
This is where cannabis comes in. It is well-known for its ability to induce relaxation and promote sleep. It is also often used to relieve conditions such as anxiety and PTSD, both of which can cause poor sleep, vivid dreams, and nightmares.
These effects are due to marijuanas influence on the endocannabinoid system of the body. The exact way that weed influences the ECS to aid sleep is still unclear, but it is thought to be related to the way that cannabinoids like THC affect adenosine.
The Link Between Weed & Panic Attacks
A 2010 study published on Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology looked at panic behaviors in adults in the United States who use marijuana. It accounted for various factors, such as age, income, race, education, and socioeconomic status.
After accounting for these factors, the study concluded that marijuana use is indeed correlated to an increased likelihood of experiencing a panic attack.
In fact, the study found that people who smoke weed for a long time were likely to have been diagnosed with panic disorders. Some people even resort to marijuana to treat their generalized anxiety disorder.
Create A Relaxing Environment
If your environment makes you feel anxious or stressed, that wont help your paranoia much.
If possible, try to go somewhere you feel more relaxed, like your bedroom or a quiet space outdoors.
If youre at someone elses house or unable to easily change your surroundings, try:
- switching on chill or soothing music
- wrapping up in a blanket
- cuddling or stroking a pet
You May Like: Why Do I Feel Anxiety In My Stomach
What Kind Of Marijuana Should I Smoke If I Have Anxiety
THC and CBD are active compounds found in weed. THC is mostly known for it’s psychoactive effects, the high euphoric feeling, while CBD is known for its medicinal benefits like anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties. Put simplyweed with higher THC levels can make you feel anxious, while weed with higher CBD levels can give you a more calming effect. If you’re prone to anxiety, use a weed with higher levels of CBD.
Most cannabis is categorized as an indica or sativa strain, or hybrid of the two. The main difference between indica and sativa is that indica provides more of a body high, which tends to be better for anxiety and sativa is more of a head high which can sometimes accentuate anxiety.
Cannabis : Cbd Vs Thc
The first thing to understand about cannabis and anxiety is that not all weed is created equal.
Theres hundreds of compounds produced by the cannabis plant, but when it comes to anxiety, theres two you need to know about: tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol .
THC is what most people think of when they think of cannabis. Its the compound responsible for getting you high.
CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychotropic meaning its not going to produce the same oh man, Im so stoned feeling you get from THC.
Theres no one-size-fits-all approach to cannabis its not like CBD is better than THC or vice versa.
But understanding the differences between the two and how it relates to your particular brand of anxiety can help make your experience with cannabis more anxiety-relieving and less anxiety-inducing.
There are a lot of different types of anxiety which will definitely influence how people respond to different forms of treatment or therapeutic intervention with something like cannabis.
Anxiety can be anticipatory or it could be generalized or it can be connected to depression or it could be more of a panic disorder, says Emma Chasen, cannabis educator and founder of Eminent Consulting Firm. And so all of those different types will respond differently to cannabis.
CBD is non-psychotropic, so its not going to give you any of those negative side effects, says Chasen.
You May Like: Is Medical Marijuana Good For Anxiety
Thc & The Body: Its A Complicated Relationship
The cannabis plant is made up of many cannabinoids responsible for different effects once consumed. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC,is one of at least 113 cannabinoids. Cannabinoids can do all sorts of amazing things–some have anti-inflammatory properties, some can reduce headaches or nausea, and others even give you the munchies.
THC is primarily responsible for that high feeling. High elevations of it can cause racing thoughts, heart palpitations and other feelings of anxiety, which is why its important to consider the other cannabinoids in your product as well. Think of your weed like wine–you dont purchase wine based on alcohol content alone, but also on flavor, smell, etc. Its important to consider THC content alongside other components of your product, such as other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Related article: THC and CBD, and the Entourage Effect!
With many products, the market focus has been on creating as high of THC percentages as possible, and consumers have been trained to ask for those numbers without understanding how that translates into experience . The trick to consuming THC without getting anxious is to make sure you are getting the other cannabinoids as well.
A high THC content isnt the only reason youre feeling anxious, though. There are a number of factors that can influence your high experience- and not compromise it.
What Does Cannabis Anxiety Feel Like
Anxiety is anxiety. We have all felt it. Some people call it paranoia. Others describe this as a panic attack. Essentially it is the feeling that something bad is going to happen. Or could happen. In turn, it causes a physical reaction – the body tenses up. Some people sweat. Others experience a racing heartbeat. The mind can loop on potentialities for a long time.
It is an absolutely horrible experience. It can occur on its own or as part of other symptomology.
Cannabis more specifically certain cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, work in many cases to quell these feelings. Again it is not entirely understood why, but in some individuals, cannabis ingestion can cause the same, prickly, uncomfortable feelings.
Also Check: How To Retrain Your Brain From Anxiety
The Complete Guide To Marijuana Induced Anxiety And Panic Attacks
With new marijuana laws and weed legalization, it’s becoming more and more common to hear about people getting struck with anxiety and panic attacks while consuming cannabis. A panic attack sober is scary enough, so if you’re high it can make the experience that much more confusing and harder to handle. So we made this complete guide to help you through it.
Take Stock Of Your Situation And Surroundings
For many, weed-based anxiety involves a hefty dose of paranoia about other people. Because marijuana is a drug enjoyed in social settings, getting too stoned can lead to suspicions that your own friends resent you, or that you’re somehow “ruining”their good time.
“Research has shown that individual responses to a given drug can absolutely be influenced by the situation in which it occurs,” Vandrey says. “If somebody takes a drug that produces anxiety in uncomfortable surroundings, they may heighten their anxiety. Cannabis is a perfect example.”
If environmental factors are contributing to your fear or stress, removing yourself from that context can help.
Don’t Miss: Why Do I Have Such Bad Anxiety In The Morning
Why Does Weed Make You Paranoid
Weed thoughts are not the same across the board. For some people, weed is how they get rid of their dark thoughts and fear, while for others, it is a cause of high paranoia. The Sativa strain of cannabis has high THC, and it is more likely to cause social anxiety when compared to low THC strains such as Indica. Low THC strains are, therefore, low paranoia strains. Find out more about why you get paranoid when you smoke weed.
Exploring Medical Cannabis Use
Cannabis has been used as a medicine in many parts of the world for thousands of years. These days, many people in Canada want more evidence about what cannabis is effective in treating, and the best way to deliver that treatment.
As it stands today, there is scientific evidence of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for the following conditions: anti-spasm for multiple sclerosis, anti-convulsive for epilepsy, anti-nausea for chemotherapy, and appetite stimulant for people experiencing extreme weight loss. Recent research has shown cannabis is effective in managing pain.
Although cannabis can impact mental health in certain circumstances, some people with a mental health problem use it to relieve the symptoms of their condition or the unpleasant side effects of their medication.
When it comes to youth, research suggests that young people may be using cannabis for reasons that are similar to those of adults. Some studies suggest that youth experiencing mental health problems might be seeking relief through cannabis use. Mental health issues such as depression, insomnia and anxiety were reported as significant problems that interfered with their ability to function at school and with family and friends.
THC and other compounds in cannabisnotably CBD or cannabidiolare being studied for their healing potential. Researchers believe that the ratio of THC to CBD is a crucial factor in how cannabis affects a person’s mind and body.
You May Like: What Does Anxiety And Depression Feel Like
I Thought Weed Was Supposed To Help My Anxiety
Marijuana’s effects on the human body are complex and different for everyone so it might take some trial and error to figure out what works for you. If you plan on using marijuana to help with anxiety, get a strain high in CBD and make sure to microdose, starting with small doses and then working your way up if you need to. The effects will come on gradually and be more subtleyou’ll feel more in control. People have been using for decades and as cannabis laws loosen nationwide, farmers are growing more complex strains specifically for anxiety. Click here to read how to ensure a positive high with cannabis.
How To Prevent A Panic Attack While High
While panic attacks are not dangerous, they are extremely unpleasant. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce your risk of experiencing one.
Its important to get the dose right in order to reduce side effects. Marijuana-induced panic attacks are often related to taking too high of a dose, especially for a new user.
You can also try using high-CBD strains. CBD reduces many of the negative side effects of THC, and has anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic properties. CBD does not cause panic attacks.
If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, or panic attacks, its recommended that you tread carefully when using marijuana. Start low and go slow to find a dose that works for you without becoming overwhelming. Some people with these disorders find they cant tolerate products with THC.
Finally, your attitude plays a huge role in the development of panic attacks. If you have a calm, open, and accepting attitude toward the experience, marijuana is much less likely to give you a panic attack.
Sign Up to Our Newsletter
Get notified about exclusive offers every week!
Read Also: Do Pediatricians Prescribe Anxiety Medication
How Can I Get Help If Cannabis Is Affecting My Health
Can I see my GP?
Speak to your GP if cannabis use is affecting your physical or mental health. Be honest with your GP about your cannabis use and symptoms. Your GP may not offer you the right support if they dont know the full picture.
Your GP might:
- offer you treatment at the practice, or
- refer you to your local drug service.
You can find local drug treatment support by clicking on the following link: www.talktofrank.com/get-help/find-support-near-you
What can my local drug service do?
The service can offer counselling, support groups and advice. They can help you to:
- reduce your cannabis use,
- reduce the affect that cannabis has on your life, and
- support you to not start using again.
The service may be provided through the NHS or through charity. You may be able to self-refer to this type of service. If you cant self-refer speak to your GP or health professional.
Should I be referred to a specialist mental health service?
Your GP should refer you to a specialist mental health service if they think you have psychosis.32 The service could be the Community Mental Health Team or an Early Intervention Psychosis service. Both psychosis and schizophrenia can be treated using antipsychotic medication and talking treatments.
Find out more about:
Or call our General Enquiries team on 0121 522 7007 and ask them to send you a copy of our factsheet.
Can I be excluded from services?
You shouldnt be excluded from:
Can I see a therapist?
- you misuse drugs, and
Can I get further support?
What To Do When Youve Gotthe Shakes
Its important todistinguish between tremors resulting from acute cannabis intoxication andthose that may arise as withdrawal symptoms in dependent users.
The best advice for aninfrequent user who finds themselves feeling a bit shaky after using cannabis, wouldbe to just breathe and relax! Wait for the symptoms to pass, and maybe consumea bit less next time!
If the tremors are part of cannabis withdrawal they should begin to subside after a few days, along with any other withdrawal symptoms, as the CB1 receptors in the brain return to normal functioning.
Read Also: What To Do When Anxiety Is Overwhelming
What Is The Difference Between Psychosis And Schizophrenia
Psychosis and schizophrenia arent the same illness.
Psychosis is the name given to symptoms or experiences, which include hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations make someone experience things differently to other people. This might be seeing things or hearing voices. Delusions are when people have unusual beliefs that other people dont have.
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects how someone thinks or feels. Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations and delusions. But often it will have other symptoms like feeling flat or emotionless, or withdrawing from other people.
Use the links below to find out more about:
Or call our General Enquiries team on 0121 522 7007 and ask them to send you a copy of our factsheet