THC FAQs Series: THC’s Effects on Mental Health, Mood and Emotions

THC’s Effects on Mental Health

Cannabis is a plant with psychoactive properties that has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for centuries. With the legalization of cannabis in many parts of the world, more and more people are exploring the potential benefits and risks associated with using cannabis products. One of the most commonly discussed topics related to cannabis use is THC’s effects on mental health.

We have answered your most frequently asked questions about the impact of cannabis, specifically THC on emotions and mental health. We reveal whether cannabis can cause or alleviate depression, anxiety, anger, and other emotional states, as well as discuss the potential risks associated with cannabis use.

THC’s Effects on Mental Health: Cognitive Brain Function

a) Does THC fry your brain? b) Does THC reduce brain function? c) Can THC cause neurological problems? d) Does THC oil affect you mentally? e) Does THC cause memory loss? f) Is THC good for mental health? g) Do psychiatrists recommend THC? h) Does THC inhibit brain function? i) Does THC oil affect cognitive function? j) Does THC regenerate brain cells?

THC’S Effects on Cognitive Brain Function

THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, has diverse effects on cognitive function, both positive and negative.

Negative Effects on Brain Development

Heavy and prolonged use of THC can potentially have negative effects on brain development, particularly in adolescents.

Short-Term Cognitive Impairment

Short-term use of THC can impair cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and reaction time, but the effects are usually temporary.

Association with Neurological Problems

THC may also increase the risk of developing certain neurological problems, such as schizophrenia.

THC’s Psychoactive Effects: Euphoria and Anxiety

THC can produce psychoactive effects, including euphoria and anxiety.

Temporary Memory Impairment

THC’s short-term impact on memory raises questions, necessitating further research on long-term effects.

Controversy Surrounding THC and Mental Health

Some psychiatrists may recommend THC for certain psychiatric conditions, but the use of THC for mental health is still controversial.

Inhibition of Brain Function

THC can inhibit brain function, particularly in areas responsible for memory and attention, and its effects can vary depending on dosage, frequency of use, and individual differences.

Potential Neuroprotective Properties

Some evidence suggests THC’s neuroprotective potential^-1 and its role in brain cell regeneration, but comprehensive research is crucial for a deeper understanding.

THC’s Effects on Mental Health: Psychological Brain Function

a) Does THC have any psychological effects? b) Does THC oil affect you mentally? c) Can THC Oil cause mental confusion? d) Is THC a psychotropic drug? e) Does THC increase psychosis? f) Can THC be used as an antipsychotic? g) How much THC should I take for psychosis? h) Does THC help delusions? i) Can full-spectrum THC make you paranoid? j) Does THC stop paranoia? k) Can THC Oil cause mental health problems?

a, d) Psychological Brain Function

THC is a psychotropic drug that produces psychological effects like altered perception, euphoria, and anxiety.

b, c, k) THC’s Impact on Mental Health

THC can affect mental health, potentially causing mental confusion and even mental health problems if used excessively or in individuals predisposed to certain psychiatric conditions.

e, f, g) THC and Psychosis Controversy

There is some evidence that THC may increase the risk of developing psychosis.^-2 On the other hand, some studies have suggested that THC may have potential as an antipsychotic,^-3 particularly in the treatment of certain symptoms of schizophrenia. However, there is no established dose of THC for psychosis.

h) THC and Delusions

There is limited research on the effects of THC and delusions.

i, j) THC and Paranoia

High doses of Full-Spectrum THC can potentially make some individuals feel paranoid. However, low doses of THC may reduce the negative emotional effects of a psychosocial stressor.**

THC’s Effects on Mental Health: Schizophrenia

a) Can I use THC if I have schizophrenia? b) Is THC linked to schizophrenia? c) Can THC induce schizophrenia?

a) Caution for Individuals with Schizophrenia

It is generally not recommended for individuals with schizophrenia to use THC without guidance from a medical professional.

b) THC and Schizophrenia: Existing Evidence

There is evidence to suggest that using THC may worsen symptoms of schizophrenia and increase the risk of developing the disorder.^-4

c) Complexity of THC Effects on Mental Health

THC may actually have potential as an antipsychotic.^-3 However, using THC excessively or in high doses may lead to mental health problems, including potential psychosis. Overall, the effects of THC on mental health are complex and require further investigation.

THC’s Effects on Mental Health: Mood and Moodiness

a) Can THC cause mood changes or moodiness? b) Can THC give you mood swings? c) Can THC put you in a good mood? d) Why does THC make me grumpy?

a, b, c, d) THC’s Mood Effects

THC can cause mood changes, and mood swings, but also puts some individuals in a good mood. It generally won’t make people feel grumpy unless they are prone to being this way. (This last is my own personal opinion.)

Note that THC’s effects on mood can vary significantly among individuals.

THC’s Effects on Mental Health: Depression

a) Can THC cause depression? b) Is THC an antidepressant? c) Is THC effective for depression and anxiety?

a) Inconclusive Evidence of Depression From THC

Currently, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that THC can cause depression.

b, c) THC and Depression Controversy

THC may exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety, therefore it is not considered an effective or reliable treatment for these conditions.

THC’s Effects on Mental Health: Panic and Anxiety

a) Does THC cause anxiety? b) Do high THC strains cause anxiety? c) Does Delta 9 cause panic attacks?

a, b, c) THC-Induced Anxiety

Research suggests that THC, especially with high THC strains, can cause anxiety and panic attacks in some individuals. Factors such as dose, frequency of use, individual variations in biology, and sensitivity to THC can influence the likelihood of experiencing these symptoms.

It is important to note that not all individuals will experience anxiety or panic attacks from THC use, and some may even find it to have an anxiolytic effect.

THC’s Effects on Mental Health: Emotion

a) Can THC affect emotion? b) Does THC oil make you more emotional? c) Can THC cause anger? d) Can THC cause sadness?

a, b) Gettin All Emotional

THC can affect emotions and may cause changes in mood. The use of THC may increase emotional responses, but it can also depend on the individual’s baseline emotional state.

c, d) Anger and Sadness From THC?

THC can cause feelings of anger or irritability in those susceptible to these emotions, as well as sadness or a decrease in positive emotions. However, the specific effects can vary widely among individuals and depend on factors such as dose and method of consumption.

Wrapping Up the FAQs

THC may cause mood swings, increased anxiety, depression, and even psychosis in some individuals. Moreover, high THC strains and products can exacerbate these effects.

It is crucial to approach THC use with caution, especially if you have a history of mental health issues. It’s also important to understand that THC can have biphasic effects meaning it can cause opposite effects when taken in high or low doses.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before using THC, as they can help determine if it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

References

1) El-Remessy AB, Khalil IE, Matragoon S, Abou-Mohamed G, Tsai NJ, Roon P, Caldwell RB, Caldwell RW, Green K, Liou GI. Neuroprotective effect of (-)Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced retinal neurotoxicity: involvement of peroxynitrite. Am J Pathol. 2003 Nov;163(5):1997-2008. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)63558-4. PMID: 14578199; PMCID: PMC1892413. Retrieved on 2023, April 15 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1892413/#:~:text=Various%20doses%20of%20THC,have%20neuroprotectant%20function

2) NIDA. 2021, April 13. Is there a link between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders? Retrieved on 2023, April 15 https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/there-link-between-marijuana-use-psychiatric-disorders#:~:text=Recent%20research%20suggests%20that%20smoking,who%20have%20never%20used%20marijuana.&text=The%20amount%20of%20drug%20used,shown%20to%20influence%20this%20relationship.

3) Schwarcz, Glenn MD*†‡; Karajgi, Basawaraj MD*; McCarthy, Richard MD, PhD§∥. Synthetic Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Dronabinol) Can Improve the Symptoms of Schizophrenia. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology 29(3):p 255-258, June 2009. Retrieved on 2023, April 15| https://doi.org/10.1097/jcp.0b013e3181a6bc3b

** Cuttler C, Spradlin A, McLaughlin RJ. A naturalistic examination of the perceived effects of cannabis on negative affect. J Affect Disord. 2018 Aug 1;235:198-205. Retrieved on 2023, April 15 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.054

4) NIDA. 2021, April 13. Is there a link between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders? Retrieved on 2023, April 15 https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/there-link-between-marijuana-use-psychiatric-disorders#:~:text=Several%20studies%20have%20linked,always%20easy%20to%20determine.