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If you are someone who is on the fence about medical marijuana, because you're worried it will make you paranoid, you are not alone. For some people, marijuana can cause increased anxiety and worry. But, there are ways to enjoy cannabis without getting paranoid.
Don’t let fear of something that is completely avoidable cause you to shy away from getting your medical marijuana card. There are ways to get the relief of cannabis without suffering from paranoid thoughts.
Why does marijuana make some people paranoid?
For most people, cannabis helps REDUCE anxiety and stress. But, for some, a sense of anxiety can occur, which may lead to paranoia. Part of that may have to do with how your brain responds to THC.
Some people have higher tolerances than others, and if your tolerance is low, the amount that makes most people relax could trigger anxious feelings by overstimulating your brain’s cannabinoid receptors. Small amounts of THC typically trigger a therapeutic effect, but when you go over your tolerance threshold, the opposite effect can occur, which may lead to paranoia.
How can you avoid being paranoid?
There are several steps you can take when consuming cannabis to increase your chances of experiencing a therapeutic feeling instead of anxiety. Here are some steps to consider:
Start low and go slow.
The best advice for finding the perfect cannabis dose is to begin with a low amount of THC and slowly work your way up to a dosage that feels right for you.
The “go slow” part of this advice is important, because sometimes - especially when consuming edibles - the high doesn’t kick in right away. Some edible products may even take hours to reach their full effect. It’s okay if you don’t feel a lot this time. Take note of your dosage and up it a little each time until you get the desired effect.
Purchase products higher in CBD.
Combining CBD and THC in the right combination could be the key to getting the best medical marijuana experience for your personal needs. If you’re feeling anxious from too much THC, consider purchasing a strain or vape that is higher in CBD. For more information on how CBD and THC work in tandem, we’ve put together this guide that explains The Entourage Effect.
Talk to a dispensary professional.
Your concerns are valid, and are something that most budtenders or dispensary employees are familiar with. Speak to a professional at your local dispensary if you are concerned about cannabis causing anxiety.
Sometimes, there are strains and other products, such as vapes and tinctures, that are better suited for those who are prone to anxiety. Cannabis affects everyone differently, so it’s worth it to discuss options as you figure out what works best for you.
Try microdosing.
Microdosing is when you consume marijuana in smaller doses on a more regular basis to receive the benefits of cannabis without becoming impaired. For more info, CLICK HERE to view our handy Guide to Microdosing Medical Marijuana, which explains how this low-dose process works.
Many cannabis users have found that microdosing eliminates any anxiety-related symptoms and allows them to get the most out of their medical marijuana experience.
What if you get too high?
If you realize that you’ve taken a higher than-ideal dose, that’s okay. It happens at one time or another to most cannabis patients. Take a deep breath and know that you are okay.
It’s important to note that using too much cannabis has not killed anyone yet. Some sources say that you would have to smoke 1,500 pounds of marijuana in 15 minutes in order to have a fatal overdose.
If you find that you’ve gotten too high, just CLICK HERE and go through our list of What To Do if You Get Too High, which includes some home remedies to counteract THC, and activities to focus your minds on things other than anxious thoughts.
Relax. It’s legal.
Getting the safe, natural relief that marijuana provides is legal in the state of Missouri, as long as you have your state medical card. If you don’t have your card yet, we can help you with that. Our doctors are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. Schedule an appointment with a Missouri marijuana physician online by CLICKING HERE, or give us a call at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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