Marijuana and anxiety / panic attacks - again

Hey all. I've posted about this before, or I've at least mentioned it in other posts. Many years ago I smoked marijuana socially, and never had an issue. Then one day, around the same year that I developed regular anxiety / panic attacks, smoking marijuana caused intense panic. I took a break for a long time, and tried years later. Same problem, as soon as the high set in I felt terribly anxious and had a panic attack.

At this point I'm convinced that it's a mental problem. At least some of you know the effects of a weed high - particularly the lightheaded / "floating" sensation. It feels a lot like one of the symptoms of a panic attack, in which case it's usually due to hyperventilation. I tend to feel quite anxious any time I experience a symptom I've associated (negatively) with anxiety and panic over the years. That's why exercise can be difficult at times, because the elevated heart rate makes me feel like I'm panicking.

Anyhow, I decided to try it again. This time fully aware of the possibility of anxiousness and panic. I consumed very little, just enough to let me test it. Yes, as soon as the high began to set in with that head feeling, I began to feel anxious. This time, however, I was aware and I talked myself through it as I do any time I have a panic attack. It actually worked. So I'm feeling like weed itself isn't the problem, it's the fact that I've associated some of the "high" sensations with a negative situation.

I'm sort of excited because I've missed smoking occasionally. I intend to try it again at some point, again going in fully aware and prepared to walk myself through it. Taking it very easy. Don't want to be a "stoner" anyhow, just have a bit from time to time. So yeah, this is cool and I wanted to share. LoL.

Grace360 said:

I've avoided all vices like that (alcohol, weed, ect) for the sole fact of the anxiety business. Mine is too severe for it. Maybe one day.

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That's fair. I don't allow myself to smoke weed or drink alcohol if I'm in an anxious state or if I feel like I want it to "numb the pain". I'll only do it if I'm in an overall state of contentment / happiness, because I don't want to self medicate. It takes a lot of self control, but it's worth it.

E.B said:

I've never smoked weed but my dad who who is now in his 70s has told me he tried it once as a teen and had what he thought was probably a panic attack, thought he got some bad weed, tried again and the same thing happened. ...needless to say he never tried again, Like I said he thinks it was probably a panic attack even though he doesn't really consider himself to deal with anxiety. I think it's more common then not but everyone is different, maybe you can handle it now.

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It's definitely quite common. I've searched google about it before, and there are a lot more people than I expected who have this exact same problem.

ThankfulJen said:

I do miss it some, too. But same. Gives me a panic attack as soon as I get hit with that buzz. I probably won't ever try it again but I'm happy for you and I totally support anyone who partakes! Most my immediate family members do lol

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I understand. My immediate family actually don't smoke it at all. But I do have a lot of friends who do, the same people I used to smoke with many years ago. Haha.

Cuchculan said:

It can have different effects on different people. i do think it depends on how, we as people, handle things. Some people get paranoid on the stuff. Some freak out. Others simply chill.

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Yep, indeed. I think it just annoys me that I was once perfectly fine on it. I could smoke large amounts at one time and never feel even remotely anxious or paranoid or whatever else. And suddenly, one night and ever since, it does cause all those things. No matter the strain, no matter the potency, it's always pure and never laced, etc. Weird.

Belizz said:

I've never smoked weed but had the exact same effects with alcohol use. I assume all of these substances have something in common when it comes to anxiety and panic attacks.
I was advised against the excessive consumption of alcohol when I was diagnosed with panic disorder long time ago. I rarely drink now and when I do so I drink lightly. Those few times when I drank a lot I had the worst anxiety and panic attacks.

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I would be more accepting of it if it were only because of excessive consumption. Haha. I've never had intense panic because of alcohol, but I do feel slightly anxious if I overdo it. I also drink lightly and infrequently. That's due in part to the fact that I simply don't enjoy alcohol that much. I prefer marijuana any day.

chornyak said:

I’ve had this same experience. I quit smoking/taking edibles because of this.

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That makes sense. I'm hoping I can work past it so I can occasionally (mostly socially) enjoy it.

Nutmeg said:

Growing up it was always a problem for me. I didn't like the effect of weed, but to not smoke it was to have everyone else act like you were some massive party pooper. I had the self-respect even then to recognise things that weren't good for my mental health, and I lost friendships over it.

Strangely, years later I met my now partner, and he had the same experience as I did. We both have awful anxiety too.

With anything, it's not for everyone. I can't even have CBD as that triggers panic (as much as people will insist that's impossible as the THC is removed, but it can and does for a lot of people).

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That makes sense. I have considered CBD as well, but I also wondered if the same thing would happen. I dunno, won't know unless I try it.

Jonathan123 said:

I do wonder why we need to smoke dope? Are our lives so dull that we need a boost? Are we trying to escape from reality? This is a very controversial subject I know, and for medical use cannabis can be useful, but otherwise it can and does lead to more dangerous drugs.
There should be enough interest in normal life not to make us take up smoking weed. When in the pain of anxiety it can be a temporary relief, but like alcohol it is only temporary. Permanent solutions need to be looked for and practiced. Diversions of any sort can only help in the short term. I may be jumped on for this but it's how I feel about drugs. I have seen so many lives ruined by taking in dangerous substances.

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I just enjoy the feeling of smoking it occasionally. I much prefer it over the feeling that alcohol gives. I don't have any interest in smoking it (or drinking alcohol) to "improve" my life, I have just as much fun without it. I have for all these years. Haha. I just truly enjoy it once in a while.

I've had a small joint for a couple of weeks, and I haven't even touched it once. LoL. I'm trying to get myself in a better overall head space before I even consider trying it. And even then it isn't a guarantee. Haha. Thanks for sharing your own stories, I'm glad to know I'm not alone!