How Long Does Cannabis-Induced Anxiety Last?

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the UK, with 7.4% of adults between 16- to 59-years-old reporting having used it over the previous year. There’s a common perception that cannabis use is relatively safe, but there is plenty of evidence that it can be harmful, particularly to mental health.

One potential risk is anxiety linked to the use of cannabis. But what exactly is cannabis-induced anxiety, and how long does cannabis-induced anxiety last?

What is Cannabis-Induced Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat. It is linked to the ‘fight or flight’, which releases certain hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can help us react quicker and increase heart rate, helping blood get to where it’s needed. This can be helpful if there is actually a threat but can be a problem if the anxiety is too intense, lasts for a long time, is inappropriate or out of proportion to the situation.

Cannabis-induced anxiety is anxiety brought on or, in some cases, made worse by the use of cannabis. It can be a temporary side effect of using cannabis, which may be intense but typically only lasts for hours.

However, there is growing evidence that cannabis use (particularly heavy or chronic cannabis use) is linked to the development of ongoing anxiety disorders. One study, for example, found that people who visited the emergency department due to cannabis use were more likely to be later treated for an anxiety disorder.

It noted that multiple studies had found that cannabis use and withdrawal can induce acute anxiety symptoms but that the relationship between cannabis use and the development of anxiety disorders was less clear.

How Cannabis Affects the Brain

Cannabis produces its effects by binding to cannabinoid receptors, which are located throughout the brain and body. It has two main active ingredients: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Of these, THC is the part with psychoactive properties. In other words, it is the ingredient in cannabis that provides the high.

Using cannabis can provide a variety of effects, including:

• Happiness or euphoria
• Altered perceptions and senses
• Altered sense of time
• Issues with thinking and concentration
• Relaxation or sleepiness
• Disorientation and confusion
• Nausea.
• Increased heart rate
• Increase in appetite

The effects can depend on a wide range of factors, including genetics, age, general health and any medications you might be taking. The strength and amount of cannabis used – particularly the concentration of THC – can also have a major bearing.

Some less pleasant side effects of marijuana, especially when taken in high doses, can include:

• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis

While THC is largely responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis and unpleasant side effects, including anxiety, there is some evidence that CBD actually has antipsychotic and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that CBD could be used to treat anxiety disorders and related issues such as insomnia.

Again, more research is needed, but it seems that cannabis strains that are high in THC and low in CBD (therefore providing a stronger high) are also more likely to cause anxiety.

How Long Does Cannabis-Induced Anxiety Last?

In considering how long cannabis-induced anxiety lasts, it’s important to differentiate between acute anxiety, which generally fades after several hours and the potential development of a longer-lasting anxiety disorder.

One US study looked at people who had been admitted to the emergency department due to cannabis toxicity. This largely involved severe intoxication and/or vomiting, but around a fifth (17.3%) had a chief complaint of anxiety. Some patients with anxiety symptoms had panic attacks (11.7%), exhibited aggression or manic behaviour (9.2%), and experienced hallucinations (6.1%).

The duration of anxiety symptoms averaged 6.1 hours and ranged from 2.3 to 12.5 hours.

The other, previously mentioned study that looked at people admitted to hospital for cannabis use, found that they were five times more likely than the general population to be seen again later for an anxiety disorder.  This suggests a link between cannabis use and the development of anxiety disorders, which could last for weeks or months or be ongoing without appropriate treatment.

Factors That Can Prolong Cannabis-Induced Anxiety

There are a number of factors that can prolong acute cannabis-induced anxiety, including frequent or heavy use, high concentrations of THC and genetic predisposition. Repeated use of cannabis can affect anxiety over time for some people. A pre-existing anxiety condition could also prolong acute or temporary anxiety related to cannabis use. At the same time, using cannabis can potentially make any pre-existing anxiety worse.

Coping with Cannabis-Induced Anxiety

It may sound obvious, but the single best thing you can do to reduce or help you cope with cannabis-induced anxiety is to stop using the drug. This will be most helpful in stopping reoccurrences of short-term or acute anxiety, but it may also help prevent longer-term anxiety disorders from getting worse.

There are also things you can do to help cope with anxiety, whether it is cannabis-related or not. The NHS suggests coping strategies and lifestyle changes that could include:

• Calming breathing exercises
• Exercise such as running, walking, swimming and yoga
• Working on your sleep schedule and getting enough rest
• Eating healthily

Relaxation techniques such as meditation and mindfulness can also be valuable for many people. Peer support groups and talking to friends and family can all be useful, but if anxiety is severe or long-lasting, you should seek professional help.

Get Help for Cannabis Use

If you are struggling with your own cannabis use or are concerned about a loved one, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. While many people consider cannabis to be relatively safe, it can affect both mental and physical health.

If you need help or confidential advice, get in touch today to find out how we can help.