I Loved Getting High – Why Did I Change?

Exploring the Transformation in Cannabis Experience

For many, the initial experience with cannabis is often described as euphoric, relaxing, or creatively stimulating. However, over time, the relationship with the drug can evolve into one that is fraught with anxiety and discontent. Understanding why this change occurs involves delving into the complex interplay of biochemical, psychological, and contextual factors that influence our reactions to cannabis. In this article, we explore various personal narratives, scientific insights, and the impact of cannabis on personal identity and relationships to uncover the reasons behind this transformation.

The Science Behind Changing Reactions to Cannabis

Biochemical changes with repeated cannabis use

Repeated exposure to cannabis can induce significant biochemical changes in the brain. James Giordano explains that persistent THC use alters the affinity of CB1 cannabinoid receptors, potentially heightening anxiety for some users. This adaptation process, also referenced by Matthew Johnson, plays a crucial role in how individuals respond to cannabis over time.

Role of THC and CBD

The balance of THC and CBD in cannabis strains greatly impacts user experience. Higher THC concentrations are often linked to euphoric effects, yet they can also evoke unwanted feelings such as paranoia. Conversely, CBD is known for its calming properties and may help alleviate anxiety, often without the intoxicating effects of THC. Users experimenting with strain ratios frequently find different results for relaxation and anxiety relief.

Impact of age and genetics on cannabis experience

Age and genetic predispositions further complicate the cannabis experience. Research indicates that older adults may perceive cannabis effects more intensely, particularly regarding cognitive impairments and heightened heart rates. Additionally, genetic differences can influence sensitivity to THC, affecting the likelihood of developing cannabis use disorders. Such nuances underline the importance of personal experiences and genetic backgrounds in cannabis reactions, highlighting why responses can vary dramatically from one individual to another.

Factors	Impacts	Examples
Biochemical Changes	Altered receptor affinity can increase anxiety	Increased vulnerability over time
THC vs. CBD	THC can evoke euphoria or paranoia; CBD promotes calmness	Varied user responses to strains
Age & Genetics	Older adults may experience stronger effects; genetic profiles affect sensitivity	Variability in reactions

When Bliss Turns Bitter: Personal Narratives

Experiences of Panic and Paranoia

Many individuals start using cannabis for its purported benefits, such as relaxation and creativity. However, personal experiences can shift dramatically over time. For instance, Greg Papania found that cannabis, once a source of inspiration, began to induce paranoia and panic attacks amid increasing life stressors. Similarly, Allison Moon transitioned from using cannabis to help her sleep to experiencing heightened anxiety from its effects. This evolution showcases how cannabis can impact mental state in unpredictable ways.

Psychological Shifts Over Time

The psychological effects of cannabis are not static; they can evolve based on various factors. Users might develop a tolerance, resulting in diminished effects, or heightened anxiety as their body adapts to THC. Christopher Klein’s experience illustrates this change, noting that cannabis ceased to provide the reliable sleep aid it once was after years of use. Changes in emotional resilience and the circumstances of one’s life can also deeply influence cannabis's impact on mental health, as highlighted by Pedro Martinez, who noted a positive shift when he adjusted his cannabis consumption to align with a more responsible lifestyle.

Impact on Mental Health

Research supports that regular cannabis use can lead to increased anxiety, particularly when stronger strains high in THC are used. Genetic vulnerability further complicates this, with some users predisposed to anxiety disorders or other mental health issues. The nuanced interactions between cannabis and mental health demonstrate the importance of understanding one’s personal history with the drug.

Experience Type	Notable Effects	Example Individual
Panic and Paranoia	Increased anxiety and distress	Greg Papania
Psychological Shifts	Diminished therapeutic effects over time	Christopher Klein
Mental Health Impact	Heightened risks of anxiety and dependency	Allison Moon

These narratives highlight the dual nature of cannabis—while it can enhance well-being for some, for others, it can lead to challenges that require careful navigation.

Why Your Relationship with Cannabis May Change

Factors Leading to Increased Anxiety

The relationship people have with cannabis can shift dramatically over time, influenced by factors such as dosage, individual psychology, and life circumstances. Many users report that while lower doses of THC may help alleviate anxiety, higher doses often exacerbate it, leading to feelings of paranoia or discomfort. Changes in personal life stressors can further amplify this anxiety, as seen in individuals like Greg Papania, who felt more anxious under pressure despite initially using cannabis for creativity.

Psychological and Emotional Influences

Cannabis affects emotional states variably; some feel relaxed and sociable, while others experience increased anxiety. This variability arises not only from the strain and THC to CBD ratios but also from personal contexts. The mental state before consumption can heavily influence whether one feels euphoric or anxious. For instance, Allison Moon found that her past experience of cannabis aiding sleep transitioned into anxiety over time, reflecting how personal histories can alter responses.

Tolerance Build-Up Over Time

As individuals continue using cannabis, they often develop a tolerance to its effects, meaning over time, the same dose may yield diminished benefits. This can lead to dependency, where some users feel increased anxiety in sobriety, relying on the drug for emotional regulation. Reports from long-term users, like Christopher Klein, highlight that cannabis may no longer provide the intended relief, complicating their relationship with the substance. Tolerance breaks can help reset this dynamic, allowing individuals to reassess their cannabis use and its impact on their lives.

Can cannabis affect how much I like or dislike people, including my boyfriend, when I'm high?

Cannabis can indeed affect how you feel about others, including your boyfriend, particularly when you're high. For some people, using cannabis can enhance feelings of honesty and connection, potentially deepening intimacy and empathy between partners. However, if you and your boyfriend have different habits regarding cannabis use, this disparity might lead to misunderstandings or feelings of alienation. Additionally, heavy smoking may sometimes cause neglect in communication, which can negatively impact relationship quality. Ultimately, the effects of cannabis on your feelings towards others can vary greatly depending on individual experiences and the dynamics within your relationship.

Cannabis and Altered Personality: Temporary Change or Lasting Impact?

Can cannabis change my personality when I'm high?

Cannabis can indeed alter your personality when you're high, primarily due to its main active ingredient, THC. This chemical influences mood and behavior, leading to various effects depending on the strain used. For instance, strains with higher THC levels, such as skunk, often result in stronger sensations—ranging from euphoria and relaxation to anxiety or paranoia.

While many users report enjoyable experiences, prolonged and repeated use can have drawbacks. Research connects regular cannabis consumption to an elevated risk of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders. This is especially concerning for individuals with a genetic predisposition to such conditions. Approximately 1 in 10 regular users face the possibility of developing a dependency, underlining that although cannabis can induce temporary changes in mood and personality, its long-term risks should not be overlooked.

Long-term effects on mental health

The potential for cannabis to influence mental health is significant. Regular use, particularly in younger individuals, can disrupt brain development and lead to chronic anxiety or even psychosis. Notably, sustained THC exposure may rewire brain chemistry, resulting in altered sensitivity towards emotional regulation and stress.

Genetic predispositions

Genetic factors can play a crucial role in individual responses to cannabis. Certain individuals might find themselves more susceptible to THC's negative effects, including heightened anxiety or mood changes. These genetic differences can shape personal experiences with cannabis, leading some to enjoy it while others may encounter detrimental outcomes over time.

Embracing Mindfulness: Navigating Unwanted Cannabis Effects

Managing anxiety while high

The effects of cannabis can be unpredictable, especially when it comes to anxiety. Some users report heightened anxiety or paranoia after consuming high THC strains. This reaction can be exacerbated if you are predisposed to anxiety or if you consume a strain that doesn’t match your tolerance.

To navigate this, consider using lower THC and higher CBD options, as CBD is known to help alleviate anxiety without the psychoactive effects of THC. Microdosing can also be a useful approach, allowing individuals to find a dose suitable for relaxation without intoxication.

Practical tips for a positive experience

Creating a calming environment can make a significant difference in how you feel while high. Engage in relaxing activities, such as listening to music or practicing deep breathing exercises. It can also be beneficial to consume cannabis with trusted friends, who can help create a positive atmosphere and provide support if anxiety arises.

Importance of context

The context in which you consume cannabis plays a huge role in your experience. Personal feelings, the social environment, and even the mental state before use can influence how you respond. For instance, being in a familiar, comfortable setting can foster a relaxed experience, while stressful environments might increase feelings of discomfort.

In essence, understanding these factors can help you cultivate a more enjoyable and mindful cannabis experience.

The Role of Context in Cannabis Experience

Influence of Environment on Drug Effects

The context in which cannabis is consumed can significantly alter the experience for individual users. Factors such as surroundings, the people present, and the occasion can affect both the emotional and physiological responses to the drug.

For instance, a user in a relaxed home setting with close friends might report feelings of happiness and connectedness, while the same individual in a crowded or uncomfortable environment may experience anxiety or paranoia.

Importance of Mood and Setting

Mood plays a crucial role when using cannabis. If someone approaches consumption feeling anxious or stressed, they might amplify these feelings rather than find relief. Conversely, entering a session with a positive or balanced mindset can highlight the calming and euphoric effects of cannabis.

Differing Reactions Based on Context

Individual responses can also vary based on prior experiences and genetic predispositions to cannabis. Some may find their emotional barriers lowered, leading to candid conversations, while others could become introspective or even paranoid, as seen in the experiences shared by users who have adapted their consumption over time.

Does being high reveal my true feelings?

Being high can indeed impact emotional expression, but the effect varies depending on the substance used and individual differences. Substances like alcohol tend to lower inhibitions, which may lead to more open emotional expression, while cannabis can induce a sense of calmness that may either help or hinder emotional honesty. Psychedelics can evoke profound emotional experiences, potentially revealing deeper feelings. However, it’s important to consider that factors such as personality traits and the context of use also play significant roles in how emotions are expressed when under the influence. Practicing self-awareness and mindfulness during these times can help navigate the complexities of emotional honesty, potentially enhancing communication and relationships.

Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Cannabis Tolerance and Dependence

Effects of Chronic Use on Tolerance

Repeated cannabis use can lead to increased tolerance, meaning users might need higher doses to achieve the same effects they once felt at lower amounts. This alteration occurs as the body adapts to the presence of THC, affecting users both physically and psychologically. Over time, as tolerance develops, the euphoric feelings associated with cannabis can diminish, leaving users to seek more potent strains or greater quantities to experience similar satisfaction.

Addiction Risks and Withdrawal

Cannabis can lead to dependency, with approximately 1 in 10 regular users developing some form of addiction. This risk increases for those who start using in their teens or consume the substance daily. Upon cessation, individuals might face withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, cravings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. These challenges can complicate efforts to quit, making it critical to recognize when cannabis is causing more harm than good in one’s life.

Strategies for Reducing Dependency

Managing cannabis dependency often involves creating a balanced approach. Individuals can initiate a tolerance break to reevaluate their relationship with cannabis and its role in their lives. Keeping a journal detailing the reasons for use and documenting feelings can provide insight into motivations and triggers. Additionally, changing daily routines, avoiding known triggers, and seeking support from friends can help make the transition easier. Simple techniques such as relaxation exercises can further assist in mitigating cravings, promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Cannabis, Identity, and Relationships: Navigating the Challenges

Impact of cannabis on personal identity

Cannabis use can become intertwined with an individual's identity. For some, it represents a lifestyle choice, a form of relaxation, or even a creative catalyst. The author’s experience of feeling dependent on cannabis illustrates how prolonged use can shape one’s perception of self, leading to challenges such as the psychological need for the substance.

Strains on relationships due to cannabis use

Relationships can face unique strains due to differing attitudes towards cannabis use. For example, Ariel and her boyfriend's situation reflects a fundamental clash; while Ariel views cannabis use as unacceptable, her boyfriend finds it integral to his social life. This conflict underscores how personal beliefs and habits regarding substance use can create barriers in relationships.

Navigating conflicts arising from differing views on use

Open communication is key to navigating these conflicts. As Stanton Peele suggests, mutual understanding is crucial in addressing perspectives on cannabis. Establishing boundaries and finding common ground can help couples reconcile their differing views on marijuana, which is essential for fostering a supportive relationship.

The interplay between cannabis use and personal identity, along with its effects on relationships, highlights a complex web of emotional, social, and psychological factors that can evolve over time.

From Enjoyment to Concern: Reflecting on Cannabis Use

Evaluating long-term impact of cannabis

When considering cannabis, it’s important to reflect on its long-term effects, as individual experiences can shift over time. For instance, many first-time users report feelings of relaxation and sociability, but consistent use may unearth adverse effects, such as increased anxiety or even panic attacks, particularly with potent THC strains. Greg Papania’s transition from creativity to paranoia illustrates how external stress can exacerbate negative experiences with cannabis, prompting a reevaluation of its role in one’s life.

Monitoring changes in well-being

Changes in well-being can signal the need to reassess cannabis consumption. Allison Moon’s change in anxiety levels associated with cannabis underscores how personal experiences evolve. What once aided sleep can turn into a source of distress. Therefore, noting how emotions and reactions fluctuate with different strains and consumption methods is crucial.

Deciding whether to continue or quit usage

Making the decision to continue or quit using cannabis often involves weighing its benefits against potential harm. With increasing tolerance, users may find the previously enjoyable effects diminish, leading to a cycle of dependency. Practical tips, such as disposing of smoking paraphernalia and creating a list of reasons for quitting, can facilitate this process. It’s vital for users to confront any issues stemming from cannabis use to avoid denial that hampers progress.

From Liberation to Limitation: The Spiritual Journey with Cannabis

Exploring spiritual practices with cannabis

For many individuals, cannabis serves not just as a recreational drug but as a catalyst for spiritual exploration. Users often report experiences of enhanced creativity, introspection, and connection to themselves and the universe when under the influence of cannabis. These moments can offer profound insights, reveal hidden emotions, and promote a higher state of consciousness.

Biblical perspectives and personal beliefs

In contrast, various religious texts and beliefs may view cannabis through a critical lens. Some interpret scripture as discouraging the use of mind-altering substances, while others find freedom in their use as a means of connecting with the divine. Personal beliefs about cannabis, often shaped by cultural and familial influences, play a significant role in how individuals approach their spirituality and cannabis use.

Balancing use with spiritual values

Finding harmony between cannabis use and spiritual values can be challenging. It necessitates reflection on how cannabis affects mental state and emotional well-being. For some, using cannabis can deepen spiritual practices, while for others, it may introduce confusion and anxiety, potentially detracting from their spiritual journey. Ultimately, this balancing act is unique for each person, shaped by their experiences, awareness of risks, and personal values.

Reflecting on the Changing Relationship with Cannabis

The journey from loving the high to questioning its effects encapsulates a broader narrative about how personal growth, physiological changes, and evolving life circumstances influence our experiences with cannabis. Recognizing the dynamics that contribute to shifts in enjoyment and potential negative outcomes is crucial for making informed decisions about its use. Whether it's a choice to continue, reduce, or cease use, understanding the transformations that occur with cannabis can lead to healthier and more balanced relationships—not just with the substance, but with oneself and others. A mindful approach can enable users to harness benefits while mitigating risks, fostering a deeper appreciation of their well-being and personal journeys.

References

• Why Does Cannabis Affect People Differently? Experts ... - GoodRx
• Your High Is Probably Going to Change As You Get Older - VICE
• Why smoking weed feels different as you age - Mic
• Cannabis triggered my derealisation disorder - The Mix
• What Does It Feel Like to Be High on Marijuana? Smoking and Vaping
• Cannabis: Effects, risks, and mental health impact
• Can I compromise with a marijuana smoker I love?