Can You Hallucinate From Ingesting Weed?
The effects of cannabis vary due to a variety of factors but can include hallucinogenic episodes. A potent strain of weed or cannabis edibles can increase the risk, but it doesn’t guarantee psychosis. It’s more likely if you have a predisposition to mental health disorders. Hallucinations from marijuana use vary greatly among individuals.
You don’t have to face the challenges of marijuana use or addiction alone. Zinnia Health is here to offer a helping hand and a compassionate heart to individuals seeking to overcome these struggles. Call (855) 430-9439 to speak to one of our substance use professionals.
Effects of THC
When exploring the intriguing realm of weed hallucinations, our focus naturally gravitates towards THC, the key player in marijuana’s psychoactive effects. THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, expertly engages with receptors in our brain, triggering a surge of dopamine — a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
As this flood of dopamine washes over our neural pathways, we experience feelings of euphoria and tranquility. But the chemical symphony also orchestrates changes in different brain regions, including the occipital lobe, the visual information processing center.
This curious interaction with the occipital lobe may occasionally manifest as visual hallucinations, where users perceive reality differently, witnessing distortions of objects or glimpsing things that reside beyond our physical realm.
However, not everyone who uses marijuana will have this experience. Individual reactions vary greatly based on factors like tolerance levels and dosage consumed.
Does CBD Cause Hallucinations?
Unlike its more notorious cousin THC, CBD, also known as cannabidiol, boasts a non-psychoactive nature, promising therapeutic potential without the mind-altering effects.
CBD interacts harmoniously with our body’s intricate endocannabinoid system, which influences a wide array of physiological processes. It is considered useful for:
- Reducing anxiety
- Easing inflammation
- Soothing pain
- Offering respite to those battling certain types of seizures
However, amidst its growing popularity, remember to tread with caution as CBD’s legal status varies across borders.
Variability In User Experiences
The intensity level at which individuals might encounter weed-induced hallucinations varies significantly from person to person, depending largely on their unique biochemistry. Other influencing elements include the following:
- The potency of the cannabis strain — a strain with a high potency may be more likely to cause hallucinations
- Frequency and duration of use
The Effects of Cannabis
Occasional cannabis use may cause mild distortions, while someone habitually consuming high-THC strains could be more susceptible to pronounced psychedelic-like episodes.
Marijuana can cause many different effects, including:
- Increased appetite (the “munchies”)
- Affecting areas controlling balance, coordination, and posture, leading to impaired motor skills
- Stimulation of the cardiovascular system, resulting in an increased heart rate that often triggers heightened levels of anxiety among users
Are you feeling trapped in the cycle of marijuana use and craving a path to break free? Zinnia Health can help with referrals to inpatient or outpatient rehab centers. Call (855) 430-9439 for assistance.
Psychological Long-Term Effects
Prolonged marijuana consumption has been linked to numerous psychological disorders, including memory loss problems. This is because of how cannabis influences key regions such as the hippocampus, which is critical for learning new information.
Suicidal thoughts have also been reported among heavy cannabis users, especially those already dealing with depression before starting regular intake of this psychoactive plant matter.
The Link Between Marijuana Use and Addiction
When it comes to marijuana use, the line between casual consumption and addiction can often blur. The National Institute on Drug Abuse sheds light on this by revealing that about 30% of weed users may develop some degree of dependency.
This risk intensifies for those who indulge daily or begin their journey with cannabis at an early age.
High Dopamine Levels and Addiction
THC, the active compound in marijuana, triggers a rush of dopamine within our brain’s reward system. This surge goes beyond what natural stimuli typically induce, leading us towards euphoria or, as most know it, getting “high.”
Sustained exposure causes changes in these neural pathways over time, where they adapt by reducing either their own production of dopamine or the number of receptors available for receiving signals.
As such, long-term users might find themselves needing larger doses just to feel normal, let alone get high, thereby increasing the chances of developing an addiction.
Withdrawal Effects
If you’re questioning whether quitting weed brings along any unpleasant side effects, then brace yourself because cannabis withdrawal is very real.
When habitual consumers stop using, they can experience symptoms like:
- Irritation
- Emotional shifts
- Sleep deprivation
Acknowledging the realities around prolonged usage helps understand why stopping isn’t simply a matter of willpower but rather overcoming significant physiological challenges too.
While certain studies suggest a connection between marijuana use and mental health disorders, indicating that marijuana could worsen anxiety and psychosis, others delve into the realm of promise, exploring its potential therapeutic effects for conditions like depression and PTSD.
Teenage Marijuana Use and Its Consequences
As the adolescent brain develops, marijuana presents a complex tapestry of potential risks. Among these are the concerns surrounding brain health, as early marijuana use during the teen years may cast a cloud on cognitive functions like thinking, memory, and learning.
Mental Health Problems
Marijuana ingestion or use amongst young people can also cause mental health issues such as depression and social anxiety and increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.
Besides hallucinations, paranoia is another common symptom among teenagers using marijuana regularly. This unwarranted fearfulness could result in social withdrawal and difficulties maintaining healthy relationships due to perceived threats that do not exist.
Addiction
Early exposure to marijuana also heightens the risk of developing marijuana use disorder.
Driving Under the Influence
The hazards extend to the streets, as driving while under the influence of marijuana poses a significant danger. Its impact on reaction time, coordination, and concentration compromise the very skills essential for safe driving.
Find Sobriety with Zinnia Health
If experiencing distressing hallucinations due to marijuana use, seek medical help immediately. Long-term strategies include reducing your consumption and seeking addiction treatment support.
The effects of marijuana may be varied. However, it’s common for it to cause psychiatric disorders and problems with your physical health.
Zinnia Health offers drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs designed to support individuals toward achieving permanent sobriety. Don’t let substance abuse control your life any longer. Start your journey towards recovery today by visiting Zinnia Health. Call (855) 430-9439 for assistance.