I Loved Getting High – Why Did I Change?

Understanding the Change

“I Loved Getting High – Why Did I Change?” is a sentiment shared by many who have experienced a shift in their relationship with cannabis. This article seeks to explore the nuanced answers behind such a transformation by examining personal stories and the science of cannabis. What influences cannabis reactions and why do some people stop enjoying its effects as they once did? The answers lie in a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Biological Influences on Cannabis Experience

Varied Responses to Cannabis

The effects of cannabis are not uniform and can change dramatically among individuals. Factors like age, gender, genetics, and context play significant roles in shaping one’s experience. For instance, some people report feeling relaxed and social after consumption, whereas others may face heightened anxiety or paranoia, particularly if they consume too much THC.

Genetics and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Cannabis interacts directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which influences mood, pain, and pleasure. Genetic differences can lead to varying concentrations of endocannabinoid receptors, affecting an individual’s response to cannabis. Studies suggest that individuals predisposed to anxiety might experience more negative effects from THC, whereas those with a more resilient genetic makeup may enjoy a relaxing experience.

Individual Differences in Cannabis Effects

An individual's state of mind before using cannabis greatly influences how they feel afterwards. Stress or anxiety can exacerbate adverse reactions. The THC to CBD ratio is another critical factor; strains high in CBD may offer soothing effects, while those with high THC can provoke anxiety. Personal experiences also shape one’s perceptions over time, potentially leading to changes in preference or usage patterns as responsibilities and mental states evolve.

Factor	Influence on Cannabis Experience	Result
Age	Changes over time, often reduces anxiety	Easier experiences with low-THC strains
Genetics	Variations in ECS receptor distribution	Different reactions to THC/CBD
Tolerance	Develops with prolonged use	Requires personalized dosing
Mental State	Affects reaction post-consumption	Can exacerbate anxiety or promote euphoria
Environment	Affects overall experience	Negative settings lead to adverse responses

Understanding these biological influences is essential for both new and seasoned cannabis users as they navigate their own experiences with this complex substance.

Navigating Emotional and Psychological Landscapes

What are common reasons people choose to use cannabis?

Common reasons people choose to use cannabis include enjoyment or fun (reported by 52.14% of users), social enhancement (25.71%), conformity (42.81%), and experimentation (41.25%). Research indicates that while motives for experimentation are associated with less frequent use and fewer problems, those aimed at enjoyment and coping can correlate with heavier use and more negative impacts. The study identified 19 distinct categories of marijuana motives, underscoring the complexity of cannabis consumption.

How does cannabis affect emotions and mental health?

Cannabis can induce a variety of emotional states. For some, it offers relaxation and social openness, while for others, it can trigger anxiety or paranoia, particularly with high THC strains. This variability is essential to consider, especially as individuals like Greg Papania and Allison Moon have shared their evolving experiences where cannabis, once a source of creativity or relief, became a trigger for anxiety.

Why do emotional reactions change over time?

Several factors can alter an individual's reaction to cannabis. Changes in life circumstances, increased responsibilities, or heightened stress levels influence how cannabis affects mood and mindset. Additionally, repeated use can lead to physiological changes, like the down-regulation of cannabinoid receptors, which may provoke anxiety rather than relieve it.

Factors Influencing Cannabis Experience	Emotional Reactions	Possible Outcomes
Age	Increased anxiety	Reevaluation of use
Gender	Variable effects	Shift from recreational to structured use
Genetics	Higher likelihood of negative reactions	Reduced enjoyment
Consumption Method	THC vs. CBD ratio	Calming effects vs distress
Context and Mindset	Distressed mindset leads to anxious highs	Need for intervention

In summary, the emotional and psychological landscapes surrounding cannabis use are complex and deeply personal. Awareness of these variables can help individuals make informed choices about their consumption.

Shifts in Personal Circumstances and Aging

How Does Age Impact Cannabis Use?

As individuals age, their reactions to cannabis can shift significantly. Research indicates that older adults often find themselves experiencing less anxiety with certain strains, particularly those lower in THC. The body’s chemistry changes with age, which can influence how cannabis affects mood and mental clarity, leading to a more balanced experience.

What Role Do Changing Life Responsibilities Play?

Life's responsibilities can transform how one approaches cannabis use. As people mature, their consumption patterns may shift from recreational to more structured or medicinal uses. Increased duties or stress—like work, family obligations, or health concerns—can lead to a reevaluation of the role that cannabis plays in their lives, often steering them away from usage if it becomes a source of anxiety.

How Do Perceptions and Experiences Change Over Time?

Personal experiences with cannabis can vary and evolve. Individuals may recall a time when cannabis brought relaxation and creativity, but later encounters might prompt anxiety, paranoia, or distress. This change often hinges on psychological states, life stressors, or even the potency of the cannabis consumed. In this dynamic dance between perception and experience, a single "breaking point"—such as an overwhelming panic attack—can lead to a drastic rethinking of cannabis usage.

Personal Stories of Change and Realization

Individual Narratives

Personal experiences with cannabis reflect the complex relationship many users have with it, shaped by their unique circumstances.

For instance, Greg Papania, a 35-year-old music producer, initially enjoyed the creativity cannabis inspired in him. However, as life stress intensified, he found himself feeling paranoid and experiencing panic attacks, ultimately encouraging him to reassess his use. Similarly, Allison Moon, a 36-year-old writer, noticed that what once facilitated her creativity and sleep became a source of anxiety, altering her relationship with weed.

Transitions Away from Cannabis

Many individuals share accounts of reaching their 'breaking point,' often triggered by heightened anxiety or distress during their highs. This is echoed in cases where the potency of cannabis consumed led to severe reactions. One user documented losing touch with reality after trying a higher potency strain, prompting a serious reconsideration of their relationship with cannabis.

Increased responsibilities and changing life expectations can also dramatically shift how people use cannabis, moving from recreational use to more controlled consumption in response to growing commitments.

Reasons for Change

As factors such as age and tolerance play significant roles, some find their emotional responses evolve over time. Genetic predispositions can also influence an individual's experience, particularly for those already prone to anxiety. The understanding that THC can exacerbate feelings of distress leads many to quit when they notice adverse effects like paranoia or hallucinations.

Ultimately, the combination of psychological, environmental, and personal health factors can deeply impact cannabis use, pushing many individuals toward a path of change and reflection.

The Role of THC and CBD Balance

What are the effects of different cannabis strains?

The effects of cannabis can vary dramatically depending on the strain selected. Indica strains typically induce relaxation, while sativa strains are often associated with increased energy and euphoria. Hybrid strains blend these characteristics, offering a balance that may cater to an individual's desired experience. Some people find that specific strains enhance their creativity or social interactions, while others may lead to anxiety or paranoia.

How does the THC to CBD ratio affect experiences?

The ratio of THC to CBD in a cannabis strain significantly influences user experiences. High-THC strains generally produce potent psychoactive effects that can lead to heightened sensations and sometimes anxiety. In contrast, strains with higher levels of CBD tend to provide more calming, less euphoric effects, potentially mitigating anxiety or paranoia often caused by THC.

What is the impact on the overall experience?

An individual’s mindset and setting play crucial roles in shaping the overall cannabis experience. Users in a positive environment with a favorable mindset often report enjoyable experiences with cannabis, especially when using a balanced THC to CBD ratio. Conversely, negative feelings during use can lead to distress, reminding users of the importance of selecting their cannabis type carefully.

Recovery from Cannabis Dependency

Addiction Complexities

Cannabis dependency is not straightforward; it intertwines with various individual factors including genetics, mental health, and personal experiences. For some, cannabis begins as a source of relaxation or creativity, but as tolerance increases or life stressors escalate, the same substance can morph into a source of anxiety or paranoia. Individuals like Greg Papania and Allison Moon illustrate this experience, revealing how a once-cherished item can trigger distressing reactions over time, such as panic attacks or heightened anxiety.

Challenges of Recovery

Recovering from cannabis dependency can be a daunting journey. The variability in reactions to cannabis means that a single method or treatment may not work for everyone. Some may experience withdrawal symptoms or lingering mental health issues, complicating their path to recovery. For instance, as observed by Sal Raichbach, an individual’s mental state before consumption significantly influences their high. This emphasizes the need for personalized support strategies.

Support and Treatment

Support is crucial in overcoming cannabis dependency. Therapy, both traditional and alternative, and medications can aid recovery. Professional guidance aids individuals in understanding their reactions and coping mechanisms which are essential for their mental well-being. A combined approach of counseling, education about cannabis effects, and an emphasis on healthy lifestyle choices can create a supportive framework for recovery.

Support Strategies	Explanation	Benefits
Therapy	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and counseling	Helps address underlying anxiety
Education	Learning about cannabis effects and health risks	Informs about safe use and risks
Group Support	Shared experiences and mutual encouragement	Builds a supportive community
Medication	Prescribed treatments for anxiety	Aids in managing symptoms

Reflecting on the Journey

For those questioning their changed relationship with cannabis, it is vital to consider both personal experiences and scientific insights. The journey from enjoying cannabis to reconsidering its use is shaped by a multitude of factors, from biological and psychological responses to changing life circumstances. By understanding these dynamics, individuals can make informed decisions about their cannabis use and seek supportive pathways if they choose to transition away from it. Whether driven by a search for mental well-being or changing personal goals, recognizing the reasons behind these changes is a crucial step towards achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

References

• Why Does Cannabis Affect People Differently? Experts ... - GoodRx
• Your High Is Probably Going to Change As You Get Older - VICE
• Cannabis triggered my derealisation disorder - The Mix
• Why smoking weed feels different as you age - Mic
• People Talk About the Experience That Made Them Stop Smoking ...
• What to do if you want to enjoy weed, but just can't - Mic
• Marijuana Motives: Young Adults' Reasons for Using Marijuana - PMC
• Cannabis Use Disorder - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf