Marijuana, Panic Attacks, and THC’s Negative Effects
Panic attacks from weed use, commonly known as cannabis-induced panic attacks, can be a distressing and overwhelming experience for users. While marijuana is often associated with relaxation and euphoria, it can also cause intense feelings of fear, anxiety, and a loss of control in certain users. These episodes or attacks can be alarming and further highlight the dangers of marijuana use. This comprehensive article dives into the topic of weed and panic attacks, shedding light on the causes and symptoms, exploring how factors such as individual susceptibility, dosage, and strain types play a role, and discussing the negative effects of THC.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana – also referred to as cannabis, weed, Mary Jane, pot, herb, grass, bud, and ganja – is a green-gray mixture of dried flowers from plants like Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. It can be rolled into blunts, joints, or roaches and smoked, smoked in a bong, or smoked in a vape pen.
Because it’s made of leaves, weed can also be brewed as tea and baked into food. There are also concentrated versions of it that come in the form of square resins, which are dabs. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
The THC in cannabis is responsible for the high that people experience, as well as its other side effects.
The effects of weed include:
- Confusion
- Decreased motor movement or motor skills, or difficulties moving
- Distorted perception of time or being out of touch with reality
- Drowsiness
- Feelings of calm and relaxation
- Heightened sense of smell, hearing, and sight, such as seeing brighter colors
- Increased appetite
- Lowered inhibitions, which increase the chances of risky behavior
- Sleepiness
The effects of marijuana may vary depending on the type that is used, how much of it is used, and whether the person uses it with other substances. While marijuana may seem safe, it can be harmful to the brain, lungs, and it can induce anxiety.
Marijuana purchased on the streets is often laced with other additives and drugs, also referred to as synthetic marijuana or fake weed. Fake weed is a man-made replica of marijuana, but it contains chemicals that can be even more harmful.
Cannabis and synthetic marijuana can both be addictive. Chronic cannabis users are more likely to develop mental and physical dependence. Many people who suffer from panic attacks and anxiety from using marijuana require anxiety treatment to manage symptoms.
At Seaside Palm Beach, we offer a luxury detox program that helps patients wean off of drugs and alcohol, mitigates withdrawal symptoms, and reduces addiction cravings. This is usually the first step in the recovery process for most of our patients because it targets the immediate physical effects of substance abuse.
What Are Weed Panic Attacks?
Weed can cause panic attacks because of its impact on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates processes like mood, stress response, and anxiety levels. The active compounds in marijuana, particularly its active component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interact with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, altering neurotransmitter activity and inducing emotional responses.
The severity and duration of a panic attack from weed may vary depending on several factors, such as individual susceptibility, dosage, and strain types. Individual susceptibility plays a major role in determining whether someone may experience a panic attack on weed. Individuals with a history of anxiety disorders or those prone to anxious feelings, in general, are more likely to experience cannabis-induced panic attacks. Past traumatic experiences or highly stressful situations can also increase the risk of this reaction.
Dosage is also another critical factor. Consuming too much THC in a short period can overwhelm the user’s endocannabinoid system, resulting in intense anxiety and possibly a panic attack. This may vary from person to person, as people may have different tolerance levels. This means that what may be a mild dose for one person could be enough to induce a panic attack in another.
Marijuana strain types can also influence a weed panic attack. Cannabis strains with a high concentration of THC are more likely to induce anxiety and panic, as this compound is normally responsible for these side effects. On the other hand, strains with high cannabidiol (CBD) may interact with some of the anxiety-inducing effects of THC.
Furthermore, the way someone uses marijuana can also raise the risk of panic attacks. For instance, smoking or vaping weed leads to a faster onset and stronger side effects compared to ingesting edibles, as these take longer to metabolize. A rapid and intense high and intoxication from weed can be overwhelming, increasing the likelihood of panic and anxiety. The negative side effects of weed, such as hallucinations, a lost sense of personal identity, delusions, and anxiety, can also induce a panic attack.
All in all, panic attacks caused by weed are the result of the drug’s impact on the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in managing mood and anxiety levels. Individual susceptibility, dosage, and strain types can also determine the likelihood of experiencing a panic attack from marijuana. Understanding these factors can help individuals make better decisions regarding substance use and avoid any drug-related problems.
Can You Die From Weed Panic Attacks?
No, you cannot die from weed panic attacks. Whether triggered by weed or any other factor, panic attacks are not fatal in themselves. A panic attack is a sudden surge of fear that’s often accompanied by symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, and a feeling of impending doom. Although they can be very distressing, they’re not life-threatening.
Even so, an individual who experiences weed anxiety attacks may engage in risky behavior, accidents, or injuries as a result. Marijuana can also have adverse physical and mental health effects on individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, such as a heart condition or mental illness. Therefore, while weed panic attacks aren’t fatal in themselves, they can contribute to potentially fatal reactions or behaviors.
Negative Effects of THC
THC is one of several substances that can be found in the marijuana plant. It is the active chemical in marijuana that’s responsible for its psychological effects. It works by attaching itself to receptors in areas of the brain that play a role in common functions like thinking, memory, emotions, and coordination. When THC attaches itself to these receptors, it disrupts the way they perform, which can affect the person’s ability to function normally.
The negative effects of THC on the brain include the release of dopamine, which produces a euphoric feeling. This will encourage users to continue to ingest tetrahydrocannabinol, which can create addiction and cause further health troubles. This drug also interferes with the normal processes of the brain, disrupting the work of the hippocampus, which controls memories. Individuals suffering from the negative effects of THC can start their treatment in our luxury detox program.
Negative Effects of THC On the Body
The misuse of THC is risky and can lead to unwanted changes in the body. Because these changes can be critical, users should be treated for their THC addiction in our luxury residential rehab program in South Florida.
Some of the negative effects of THC may include:
- Impaired motor skills
- Impaired neural brain function
- Impaired short-term memory
- Difficulties retaining information
- Impaired judgment
- Respiratory problems
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Disrupted brain development
- Decrease in IQ
- Increased risk of chronic psychosis disorders (like schizophrenia)
- Relapse in schizophrenic symptoms
- Increased risk of using other drugs and substances, like opioids
THC use has increased significantly since the 1960s, resulting in a spike in THC addiction and marijuana use disorder. While it may be derived from a plant, there is nothing natural about tetrahydrocannabinol or what it can do to a person’s body. Overuse of this drug can lead to negative health conditions that may sometimes be irreversible.
At Seaside Palm Beach, we encourage those who are struggling to cut THC out of their lives to seek holistic treatment programs here. We help people quit their addictions in the comfort and safety of our high-end facility.
Help for Drug Abuse
Are you or someone you know struggling with marijuana abuse? Seaside Palm Beach offers compassionate and effective medically assisted detox and addiction treatment programs that address all kinds of substance use disorders. Our experienced team of professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care and can guide you through the journey of recovery with empathy and support.
Don’t let marijuana use control your life any longer. Take the first step to regain control over your future. Call us today at 561-677-9374 or contact us online for more information about our outpatient and residential addiction treatment in Palm Beach.
Related Reading:
The Dangers of Coke and Weed
Florida Drug Addiction: What Are the Most Common Drugs?
