High Anxiety - 3 Ways to Feel Less Anxious When You’re Stoned

This post is supported by Veil

“Weed makes me paranoid!” is a lament you’ll often hear. Even seasoned cannabis enthusiasts can probably point to a time when they experienced an anxious high. Ironically, Marijuana is increasingly being used to combat anxiety. So what’s the deal — does weed alleviate or exacerbate anxiety symptoms?

The answer is an unsatisfying both. There are euphoric properties of THC itself that can help those with depression-linked anxiety, but high doses can elevate your heart race and induce a sense of panic or paranoia.

Here are 3 simple ways that you can reduce anxiety and ensure an enjoyable experience:

Smell Good, Feel Good

A lot of people experience anxiety or paranoia because of how others perceive them when they’re stoned (or more accurately, how they think others perceive them). “They know I’m high” is such a commonly-experienced thought that it’s almost a cliché. 

A simple way to prevent this train of thought is to get rid of the odor of weed in your home (if you’re hosting) or on your clothing (if you’re venturing out). Shameless plug alert: we created Veil, an odor elimination spray specifically formulated for cannabis, for exactly this reason. It’s extremely effective, non-toxic (unlike many other solutions), and smells SO good. 

What, How, and How Much

What: The type of cannabis you’re using can completely change your experience. Most are aware of the differences between sativa vs. indica heavy strains, but CBD is another factor to consider. CBD can alleviate some symptoms of anxiety short-term, so try flower or products that have a high CBD : THC ratio (which is of course much easier in legalized areas).

How: If you’ve experienced higher anxiety using cannabis in one method, try changing it up. Typically, the intensity of ingesting THC via edibles is higher than smoking or vaping. You may also find less-traditional products, like patches or tinctures. 

How much: It goes without saying that the larger the dose of THC, the more intense (and potentially anxiety-inducing) your high will be. Measuring your dosage, though, is easier said than done. The key is to start slow and have patience — you can always add more THC into your system, but if you overdo it, the only cure is time! In areas where cannabis is legalized, it’s quite easy to get products that make the measurement a breeze, such as gummies or dose pens.

Context is Everything

Sometimes, the primary source of anxiety or paranoia when you’re high is an external factor — who you’re with, where you are, what you’re doing. If you find yourself often anxious when using cannabis, try changing up the context. If certain people elevate your anxiety levels, try imbibing with a different crowd. If being in large crowds or even just in public doesn’t work for you, try a more low-key or solitary environment.