Does the thought of getting high bring on feelings of anxiety? Or maybe you get scared when you get high.
Either way, you’re not alone.
While cannabis is often sought after for its relaxing effects, it can sometimes lead to discomfort or anxiety for some users.
But don’t worry — there are effective strategies you can employ to mitigate these feelings and enjoy a more pleasant experience.
In this article, I’ll share 8 simple techniques to help you manage and reduce anxiety when using cannabis.
Let’s explore these practical solutions that can make getting high a more enjoyable and stress-free activity.
1) Deep Breathing Exercises
For me, the most compelling technique to counter anxiety when getting high is practicing deep breathing exercises.
What’s intriguing about this technique is its simplicity and immediate effect.
When you get high and start feeling anxious, your breath might become shallow and quick. This kind of breathing can exacerbate your anxiety, creating a negative loop.
Deep breathing, on the other hand, signals your body to calm down. It slows your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure, inducing relaxation.
How to do it?
Just close your eyes, take a slow deep breath in through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and then exhale through your mouth. Repeat this cycle for a few minutes.
Over time, as you practice this technique, it will become second nature to you. As a result, whenever you’re getting high and start to feel anxious, you’ll automatically turn to deep breathing.
2) Mindful Meditation
Another simple yet powerful technique I’ve discovered in my research is mindful meditation.
It’s fascinating how this ancient practice can help manage anxiety when getting high.
Mindful meditation involves paying attention to your present experience without judgment. This includes your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and the environment around you.
Practicing mindful meditation regularly can dramatically reduce anxiety. It trains your brain to stay focused on the present moment rather than getting carried away by anxious thoughts.
Imagine this:
You’re getting high, and suddenly you start feeling anxious. But instead of getting caught up in the anxiety, you shift your focus to your breath or the sensations in your body. You observe these sensations without judgment or resistance.
This shift in focus breaks the cycle of anxiety and helps you stay calm and relaxed.
Isn’t that something worth trying?
I believe it is, and science backs it up too!
Mindful meditation has been proven to reduce anxiety and improve mental well-being. Plus, it’s a tool you can use anytime, anywhere – whether you’re getting high or just going about your day-to-day life.
3) Lower Your Dose
Building on the previous point, another technique that may seem counter-intuitive but can significantly reduce anxiety when getting high is simply lowering your dose.
Now, you might think:
“But if I lower my dose, won’t I miss out on the effects?”
This is where it gets interesting.
The relationship between cannabis and its effects isn’t linear. It’s more of a bell curve.
This means that a certain amount can bring about the desired effects, but going beyond that can actually lead to unwanted side effects, including anxiety.
That’s why you should consider taking a smaller hit or choosing a strain with a lower THC content. You might be surprised to find that less really can be more when it comes to enjoying your experience without anxiety.
4) Consider Your Intent
Have you ever wondered why you’re getting high in the first place?
Understanding your intent can play a significant role in managing anxiety when getting high.
If you’re using cannabis to escape from stress or negative emotions, it’s possible that these feelings could resurface and intensify, leading to anxiety.
On the other hand, if you’re using it with a positive mindset, to enhance your creativity, relax, or connect deeper with yourself and others, chances are you’ll have a more positive experience.
So before you light up next time, take a moment to reflect on your intent.
Are you in a good headspace? Are you hoping to enhance an already positive experience? Or are you trying to escape from something?
Being honest with yourself about the reasons why you’re getting high can help set the tone for your entire experience, making it less likely for anxiety to creep in.
5) Create a Comfortable Environment
Equally important to the techniques mentioned before, the environment you’re in when getting high can significantly impact your experience and the level of anxiety you might feel.
Think about it:
- Are you in a safe and comfortable space?
- Are you surrounded by people you trust and feel comfortable with?
- Is the setting peaceful and conducive to relaxation?
Creating a comfortable environment can make a world of difference. It’s about more than just physical comfort. It’s about ensuring emotional and psychological comfort as well.
So, before getting high, take time to set the mood. Choose a space where you feel at ease, be it your living room, a friend’s house, or outdoors in nature. Having familiar and comforting objects around can also help.
Simply put, creating a positive environment can help mitigate anxiety when getting high.
6) Hydrate and Nourish
As someone who has extensively studied this area, I can’t stress enough the importance of basic self-care when getting high.
Hydration and nourishment can often be overlooked, but they play a crucial role in how your body responds to cannabis.
If you’re dehydrated or haven’t eaten, the effects of getting high can hit harder and potentially trigger anxiety.
So, let’s make a pact to prioritize our basic needs. Before lighting up, ensure that you’ve had enough water and a proper meal.
This isn’t just about preventing dry mouth or munchies — it’s about creating an optimal internal environment for a positive experience.
7) Choose the Right Strain
Imagine this scenario:
You’ve followed all the previous techniques, yet anxiety still creeps in when you get high. Could it be that the strain of cannabis you’re using is not right for you?
As someone who has navigated the diverse world of cannabis strains, I can tell you that not all strains are created equal.
Some strains have higher THC content, which can induce anxiety in some people, while others have more CBD, which tends to counteract THC’s anxiety-inducing effects.
Therefore, choosing the right strain could be a game-changer in managing anxiety when getting high.
If you’re prone to feeling anxious, consider opting for strains with a balanced THC-to-CBD ratio or even those high in CBD.
8) Practice Patience and Self-Compassion
In my journey of exploring cannabis and its effects, one fundamental lesson I’ve learned is the importance of patience and self-compassion.
Navigating the world of cannabis can be a complex process, and finding what works best for you might take some time.
You might have to experiment with different strains, adjust your dose, or practice mindfulness techniques consistently before you see a significant reduction in anxiety.
And that’s okay.
It’s a process, and it’s important to be patient with yourself as you work through it.
Moreover, be compassionate towards yourself. If you experience anxiety when getting high, don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s a common experience for many people, and it doesn’t make your experience any less valid.
The influence of THC on paranoia
The primary psychoactive component in cannabis is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This compound is responsible for the feeling of being high.
When consumed, THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, memory, and fear.
An overstimulation of these receptors by THC can lead to increased anxiety and paranoia, especially in individuals predisposed to these conditions. This could explain why some people feel scared when they get too high.
It’s important to note that not everyone will have this reaction to THC.
The effects can vary greatly depending on factors like dosage, strain of cannabis, and the individual’s tolerance and sensitivity to THC.
Taking control of your cannabis experience
The fear or paranoia that some individuals experience when consuming cannabis is a valid concern.
However, by understanding the role of THC, acknowledging individual differences, and practicing mindful consumption, you can take control of your cannabis experience.
Utilizing this knowledge can help you manage or even prevent the fear associated with getting too high.
It’s crucial to remember that everyone’s relationship with cannabis is unique.
What works well for one person might not work for another.
The key is to listen to your body, understand your reactions, and adjust accordingly.