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April 18, 2025 by Weedwonderland 3 minutes

Weed and Mental Health: psychological effects of cannabis

Weed and health

Cannabis consists of an array of bioactive compounds with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the most studied. Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is a complex neurophysiological system that has important functions in determining our mood, memory, appetite, and stress responses.

Effects of cannabis on mental health

Typically, after consuming cannabis, a person will experience a hierarchy of acute cognitive and mental state changes. These responses can vary widely in immediate effects depending on cannabis chemotype, compound concentration, ingestion route, individual neurophysiology, and the setting of use. Some of them include altered sensory perception, emotional elevation, mental and physical relaxation, and restructuring of thought processes. While many derive therapeutic benefits or pleasure from these experiences, some experience discomfort or increased anxiety, illustrating the individualized nature of cannabis response.

The Anxiety Paradox

Cannabis has an interesting bidirectional relationship with anxiety states. Many people experience substantial relief of anxiety with a modest dose of cannabis, which accounts for its popularity as an alternative strategy to manage stress. However, at high doses of cannabis, particularly with high amounts of THC, it is possible for anxiety symptoms to develop or worsen, adding to the confusion of both recreational consumption and therapeutic use for anxiety disorders.

Mood Regulation Effects

A number of consumers express very strong emotional boost, and relief of depressive disorder symptoms, particularly with some varieties of cannabis. Yet longitudinal studies show associations between prolonged high-level use of cannabis and increases in the rate of depressive disorders among certain populations. This raises important questions about directionality.

Effects on Cognitive Function

Cannabis has short-term effects on many aspects of cognition, such as the ability to transfer information into short-term memory, stay focused on the situation at hand, process information to make decisions, act, and use verbal fluency. Cannabis cognition changes typically revert back to normal within a few hours following the acute episode of intoxication, but uncertainties remain regarding possible long-term consequences of consistent high-level low, and especially, heavy use of cannabis.

Relationship to Psychosis

Some research suggests that consumption of cannabis, and particularly high potency cannabis, can result in a higher likelihood of experiencing a psychosis episode in vulnerable persons. Persons with a history of psychosis, as well as those with a family history of psychosis, seem to have more risk when consuming cannabis. Vulnerable persons who start using cannabis when they are adolescents have even greater risk; this is likely due to the importance of the neurodevelopmental process that is occurring during adolescence, which has not yet been completed prior to alcohol and drug use initiation.

Dependence Issues

Cannabis is an ostensibly less addictive substance than many of the substances previously discussed. However 9% of users will experience some measure of psychological dependence on cannabis. Users that may consider themselves regular consumers of cannabis can experience withdrawal symptoms on stopping. Classic withdrawal symptoms include irritability, sleep architecture changes, and decreased appetite.

Less Uncertainty

As science outpaces our understanding of cannabis, and our changing social perspectives on cannabis evolve, we have a better and better understanding of how cannabis can contribute positively or negatively to mental health in various populations and situations. For more background knowledge and access to cannabis strains that could potentially support your journey to mental health, check out our list of products at Weed Wonderland. Order now and see for yourself!

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