Ingesting large amounts of marijuana or using it for extended periods of time may make someone angrier.
Despite the fact that marijuana is frequently linked to a calming and relaxing effect, some reports indicate that some users may become more violent. Although the precise interactions are unknown, researchers theorize that they could be caused by a number of factors, including withdrawal symptoms or long-term marijuana use at a young age. That is why it is always advised to consult with a marijuana doctor before you start consuming marijuana for medical purposes.
The ingredients in the cannabis itself are also significant because strains with higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been linked to an increased risk of anxiety or paranoia, which is frequently accompanied by aggression.
This article discusses the potential connection between marijuana use and anger, as well as the causes and solutions.
How Marijuana Influences Your Mood
One type of cannabinoid found in marijuana is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This substance interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of transmitters that regulates our mood among other functions in our bodies, in concert with other cannabinoids.
Numerous receptors located throughout the body are mapped within our ECS and react to these cannabinoids. More precisely, it is believed that CB1 receptors regulate mood and anxiety levels.
The amygdala, cortex, and hippocampus are among the brain regions with high densities of CB1 receptors, which aid in controlling emotions. THC stimulates the CB1 receptor in the body by acting as an agonist.
Due to its strong binding to CB1 receptors, THC produces a range of psychoactive effects, including altered mood and motor control. The effects of cannabis use varies greatly from person to person, so the science beyond this point is hotly contested.
Feeling “High”
Cannabis users frequently report feeling “high” after consuming it. THC activates brain regions associated with pleasure, such as those related to food and sex. Dopamine, also referred to as our “feel good” chemical, is released in response, causing you to feel content and at ease. Lower doses are typically associated with this, whereas higher doses may have the opposite effect.
Effects on Thinking
Marijuana can lead to euphoric feelings as well as altered perception, heightened senses, a rise in risky behavior, and impaired motor skills. This is dependent on your tolerance level, the potency of your cannabis, and the way you use it.
Steve Jobs and many others claim that cannabis fosters creativity, but new research indicates that large doses of the drug may actually hinder divergent thinking.
In one study, participants’ creativity was not affected by low-potency marijuana, but it was in the placebo, high-potency, and low-potency groups. Those in the high-potency group, on the other hand, performed worse. This implies that high doses of cannabis may have a deleterious effect on our creativity, but further study is required to be certain.
Mental Health Conditions
Lower dosages of cannabis may lessen anxiety. Because of this, a lot of patients with anxiety disorders claim that smoking marijuana relieves some of their symptoms. However, research indicates that cannabis may increase anxiety levels with higher doses, which can be disastrous for people already dealing with anxiety disorders.
THC may be somewhat associated with the onset of psychotic disorders and other mental health problems because of its psychoactive effects. According to the results of one multicenter case-control study, individuals who regularly used marijuana had a 3.2-fold increased risk of developing a psychotic disorder compared to those who had never used the drug. Further research is necessary, but this could suggest that chronic users are more likely to experience negative outcomes related to their mental health.
An additional analysis revealed that people with mental illnesses had a higher propensity to use cannabis for self-medication, which further divided the views on the subject.
Can Marijuana Trigger Anger?
“Maybe and maybe not” is the best response to the question of whether cannabis use causes anger issues, given what we currently know. As was previously mentioned, marijuana use can have a variety of effects on mood. While euphoria is usually linked to cannabis use, some users report negative side effects like anxiety and paranoia, especially when using large doses of the drug.
We also need to investigate the possible connection between chronic marijuana use and feelings of irritability or anger, as well as whether marijuana contributes to psychosis.
Psychosis
About 50% of cases of psychosis, schizophreniform psychosis, and schizophrenia involve cannabis. In a similar vein, daily users of high-potency marijuana may be five times more likely than non-users to experience psychosis, per the National Institute on Drug Abuse Cannabis Research Report. It has been demonstrated that genetic variability, potency, and age at first use all influence this outcome.
It is crucial to acknowledge that the exact cause of the problem is frequently unknown, as research has indicated that teenagers who are at risk of developing a psychotic disorder are more likely to use cannabis, potentially as a self-medication method.
A 2017 study made the suggestion that the onset of psychosis and delusions of being attacked may be linked to aggressive conduct in cannabis users.
According to the report, there is a case of a person suffering from marijuana-induced psychosis who thought it would be beneficial for society to kill patients at a care facility. Although these results are anecdotal, which means they cannot be used to generalize to the entire population, they do indicate that further research on the potential association between marijuana use and psychosis is necessary.
Chronic Use
According to a 2021 report, the percentage of American citizens who used cannabis daily rose from 1.5% to nearly 4% between 2002 and 2019. Teenagers today hold a less negative view of regular cannabis use than they did in the past.
Though theoretical, the emergence of mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder following long-term marijuana use could account for signs like agitation and aggression in rare instances of marijuana users.
Chronic marijuana use has been linked to a higher risk of psychiatric disorders, according to studies. Although many unusual cases have followed this pattern, more investigation is required to ascertain whether there is a cause-and-effect relationship.
Marijuana Withdrawal
About 47% of chronic users who attempt to stop experience marijuana withdrawal, also referred to as “cannabis withdrawal syndrome.” The frequency and dosage of marijuana use have an impact on the length and actual severity of symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are frequently more difficult for long-term users who use potent dosages.
Clinical settings and concurrent use of tobacco or other substances are factors linked to an increased risk of developing cannabis withdrawal syndrome. Research indicates that the degree of withdrawal may also be influenced by other variables like environment, genetics, and gender.
Typical withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Feelings of aggressiveness, rage, or irritation
- Feelings of intense trepidation or anxiety
- Disruptions to sleep
- Reduced desire to eat
- Onset of depression symptoms
- Physical manifestations like fever, chills, perspiration, headaches, and stomachaches
Withdrawal symptoms for long-term marijuana users usually start a week after stopping use and reach their peak in ten days. After 10 to 20 days, the symptoms gradually get better, but if the person starts smoking again, they go away fast.
Because of the depression and distress that can arise during the withdrawal phase, people who stop using any kind of mind-altering substance, including marijuana, always run the risk of becoming more prone to accidents, showing poor judgment, and even having suicidal thoughts. As a result, anyone who uses marijuana regularly and wants to stop should always speak with their doctor or do so under the guidance of a mental health professional.
Ending Words
Studies suggest that marijuana may affect our anger response, even though it’s becoming more common in therapeutic settings. Generally speaking, higher dosages, long-term use, and withdrawal are linked to marijuana’s harmful effects.
There may be other influences as well, such as the users’ initial age, gender, and surroundings. When dosed properly, cannabis can help some people reduce their symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and intermittent explosive disorder (IED). Obtaining an MMJ card online is essential if you want to use marijuana for medical reasons. It will give you the legal ability to buy marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary without running afoul of the law.
