Can Weed Make You Angry?

Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is a recreational drug connected to relaxation, leisure, and sometimes–highness. Its potential benefits and drawbacks have been widely discussed, including its effects on mood and emotional responses. One question that often arises is can weed make you angry and trigger mental illness? Cannabis use and addiction have been linked to increased agitation and anger due to how THC, the active component in cannabis, affects the brain’s reward system. It disrupts the balance of chemicals responsible for regulating mood and emotions, leading to irritability and restlessness.

If you or a loved one has been experiencing mood swings, it is worth considering that it might be due to cannabis addiction. Here are the details that many cannabis users will recognise.

Key Takeaways

• Cannabis use and addiction can lead to increased agitation and anger, particularly in individuals with underlying mental health conditions.
• THC disrupts the brain’s reward system, leading to irritability, restlessness, and difficulty managing anger.
• Withdrawal from cannabis can cause heightened agitation and irritability, but these emotions are temporary and can be managed through self-care and relaxation techniques.
• Engaging in healthy coping strategies, seeking support from treatment programmes or counselling, and identifying triggers can help manage cannabis-induced anger.

Cannabis and Its Effects

Cannabis contains over a hundred compounds known as cannabinoids, but two have taken the spotlight: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system in our bodies, a complex network of receptors that regulates various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and immune response.

THC is primarily responsible for the euphoric “high” associated with cannabis use. Taking cannabis activates the brain’s reward system by binding to cannabinoid receptors, releasing dopamine – a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. This results in feelings of relaxation, altered perception of time, and an intensified sensory experience.

Cannabis use primarily affects the brain through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, memory, and emotional responses. The active compound in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), binds to cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 receptors, which are abundantly located in brain regions such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. Although it may allegedly help with chronic pain and other health issues, recreational marijuana use has negative consequences.

These areas are critical for emotional regulation and decision-making processes. When THC binds to these receptors, it can disrupt the normal release and uptake of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are essential for maintaining emotional balance. This disruption can lead to mood alterations and, in some cases, recreational marijuana use leads to heightened irritability, violent behaviour and anger, as the delicate balance of neurotransmitter activity is skewed by the presence of cannabinoids.

Chronic cannabis use is associated with increased risk of long-term changes in brain receptor density and function, potentially altering baseline mood and emotional responses. The overstimulation of CB1 receptors can result in receptor downregulation, where the number of receptors decreases as a protective measure by the relevant brain regions. This downregulation can cause an imbalance in neurotransmitter systems, leaving the user more susceptible to mood disturbances when not under the influence of cannabis.

Additionally, the impact of substance abuse on the amygdala, a region involved in processing fear and aggression, might have adverse effects such as enhance reactions to perceived threats or stress, potentially contributing to increased feelings of anger and hostility. These physiological changes underscore the complex relationship between cannabis use and emotional health, highlighting the importance of understanding individual variability in response to cannabis use and the potential for adverse emotional outcomes.

Does Cannabis Make You Angry?

Understanding how cannabis impacts mental health is crucial to answering this question. While some people may experience a sense of relaxation and euphoria when using cannabis, others may feel differently. Studies have shown a statistically significant relationship between marijuana use and anger. Cannabis contains cannabinoids that interact with brain receptors, affecting our moods and emotions.

THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, interacts with the endocannabinoid system. When this system is disrupted by excessive cannabis use, it can result in increased irritability and difficulty managing anger. Aside from anger, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology revealed that cannabis use was linked with worsening symptoms in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder. These adverse effects on mental health are especially noticeable in individuals with underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders.

While not everyone experiences these adverse effects leading to psychotic disorder and other mental health issues, for some people, cannabis use can cause irritability, restlessness, and even aggression. This may be especially true when using high-potency strains or consuming large amounts of cannabis.

Research has shown that chronic cannabis use can significantly impact behavioural patterns, particularly in relation to mood and emotional regulation. Scientific evidence, such as further research published in peer-reviewed journals, have identified a link between prolonged cannabis use and increased aggression, irritability, and mood swings, especially during periods of withdrawal as shown by data analysis.

For example, further research by National Center for Biotechnology Information indicated that chronic users may experience heightened emotional sensitivity and difficulty managing stress when abstaining from taking cannabis. Findings suggest these behavioural changes are believed to result from the brain’s adaptation to the regular presence of cannabinoids, leading to temporary imbalances as it readjusts during withdrawal.

Additionally, one of the challenges you may face when cannabis withdrawal symptoms hit you is increased agitation and irritability. As your body adjusts to the absence of cannabis, you might experience heightened emotions and find it difficult to stay calm. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that these feelings are temporary and a natural part of the marijuana withdrawal process.

The acute effects of cannabis withdrawal is now recognised as a legitimate clinical phenomenon, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The symptoms commonly include irritability, sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, restlessness, and cravings. These negative effects are believed to stem from the downregulation of the endocannabinoid system caused by prolonged cannabis use.

When cannabis intake ceases, the brain experiences a temporary imbalance as it works to re-establish homeostasis, leading to the physical and mental health symptoms associated with withdrawal. This adjustment period can vary in duration but typically lasts around one to two weeks, although some symptoms, like mood changes, may persist longer.

Research also highlights that the severity of withdrawal symptoms can depend on factors such as frequency of use, dosage, and individual physiology. Similar pattern is seen in those who have used cannabis heavily or over an extended period may experience more intense marijuana withdrawal effects due to a greater degree of dependence. Whether we can or can’t describe the symptoms as psychotic disorder, depends on the individual’s response to withdrawal. Not everyone finds that weed makes them angry.

Drug use studies have also shown that co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression and other mental health issues, can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms, making the cessation process more challenging. Understanding the scientific basis of cannabis withdrawal can aid in developing effective support strategies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or medically supervised detox programmes, to help chronic marijuana users manage symptoms, reduce the risk factor and achieve long-term recovery.

Management of Anger Due to Cannabis

Managing anger related to cannabis use involves a combination of self-awareness, coping strategies, and potentially seeking professional help if the anger becomes uncontrollable or disruptive to your life. Here are some steps to consider for managing anger related to cannabis use:

1. Self-Awareness: Recognize and acknowledge the anger you’re experiencing. Understand that cannabis use can sometimes amplify emotions, including anger. It’s important to be honest with yourself about how cannabis is affecting your emotions.
2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help you manage anger in the moment. These techniques can help you stay grounded and prevent anger from escalating.
3. Set Limits: If cannabis consistently leads to anger or irritability, consider limiting your use or taking breaks from using it altogether. This can help you evaluate whether cannabis is contributing to your anger.
4. Substance Use Treatment: If you find that cannabis use consistently exacerbates your anger or other emotional issues, you might want to consider seeking treatment for substance use. This could involve therapy, support groups, or a structured rehabilitation programme.

Remember that managing anger and other negative consequences of marijuana use takes time and effort. It’s important to be patient with yourself and to seek help if needed. If you’re struggling with anger and cannabis use, consider contacting a mental health professional who can provide personalised guidance based on your situation.

Chronic marijuana users may exhibit aggressive behaviour due to the long-term impact of the drug on their emotional regulation and brain chemistry. Prolonged cannabis use has been linked to changes in mood, irritability, and difficulty managing frustration, which can escalate into anger or aggression.

This behaviour is often more pronounced during withdrawal periods, as users may experience heightened sensitivity and an inability to cope with stress effectively. While not everyone reacts the same way, some individuals may find their tolerance for conflict significantly reduced, leading to outbursts or confrontational behaviour in everyday situations.

Talk to a Health Professional at Providence Projects

Find yourself feeling angry or agitated after using cannabis and suspect you might suffer from major depressive disorder? It may be a sign that it’s hurting your mental well-being due to the psychoactive ingredient THC. At Providence Projects, our experienced team of health professionals comprehensively assesses your needs. We provide evidence-based therapeutic approaches to addiction, mental health, and well-being.

If you or someone you love is struggling with intense psychological withdrawal symptoms, agitation, and addiction related to cannabis use, don’t hesitate to contact our Providence Projects team. Reach out today for a free assessment of your needs.