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The world is stressful, and many people find the best way to get over anger is to light up at the end of a difficult day. But with 9% of Americans reporting anger problems, does weed help with anger in most situations?
Everyone gets angry and irritable occasionally, but if you have issues that result in you becoming violent, is marijuana the best way forward?
This guide answers questions like “Does weed make you angry?” and “What’s the best weed for anger management?”
Can Weed Help with Anger Issues?
Weed is filled with cannabinoids, but the most important is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) because this is the cannabinoid that is responsible for making you feel “high” whenever you consume cannabis.
THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and binds to the transmitters there. In particular, THC can and does bind to CB1 receptors, which are partially responsible for regulating feelings of anxiety and general mood.
Scientists have also discovered that CB1 receptors are found in high densities within the brain, including in the hippocampus, amygdala, and cortex. Whenever you consume cannabis, the THC inside activates your CB1 receptors.
This is why most people experience mood, and motor control changes every time they consume cannabis. And this is where the effects will vary based on the person.
So, is there a connection between marijuana and anger? In short, it depends on the person and their circumstances when consuming cannabis.
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When Does Weed Help With Anger Issues?
Pot can either make you angry or happy. It largely depends on the person. However, studies have been performed on the impacts of marijuana on anger.
According to the University of Illinois, THC at low doses reduces anxiety and stress, which leads to reduced anger. However, the same study also found that THC at higher doses makes one more prone to outbursts.
Based on the results of this study, it appears that the best way to handle pot if you experience anger problems, is to avoid consuming high-potency strains. On the other hand, these findings fail to account for the differences between people.
These differences include:
- Prior marijuana use.
- Mental health conditions.
- Age.
- Underage marijuana consumption.
In particular, 50% of psychosis cases relating to schizophrenia have been linked with marijuana use. While previous mental health conditions would indicate a causative link, other studies have found that teenagers with mental health conditions are likelier to use marijuana as a coping mechanism.
So, can marijuana make you angry? As we have seen, it can, but the subject is far murkier than it initially appears. Until further research is performed, it remains unclear whether the weed side effects of anger are linked to cannabinoid consumption or something else.
Remember, it must always be made clear that most cannabis users experience no issues with the substance.
Can Weed Cause Anger Issues?
Angry outbursts can happen at any time of the day or night for those prone to them. But does weed make people violent when they have no history of it?
On this issue, this is far more clear-cut. No evidence exists to link cannabis and the emergence of anger issues comprehensively. Some people may be easily irritated when high, but that alone is not a proven link.
In contrast to this lack of evidence, there is one scenario where people may claim that “flowers and edibles make me irritable,” which is cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
Chronic marijuana users who decide to quit are liable to this syndrome. According to one study, 47% of chronic users trying to quit will experience some symptoms from trying to quit. The most common withdrawal side effects are:
- Irritability
- Anger
- Aggressiveness
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Chills
- Fever
Various factors will determine whether you will experience marijuana withdrawal syndrome, including sex, environment, age, and length of consumption. Typically, most symptoms will peak within ten days of quitting.
So, does smoking weed every day make you angry? Not necessarily, but if you regularly consume high-potency marijuana daily for years, you could experience temporary irritability and anger when quitting or taking a break.
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Why Does Weed Make Me Angry?
In those who do experience anger while smoking weed, researchers have long debated the possible link. Many previous studies have discussed marijuana use in relation to aggression, delinquency, and various psychological disorders.
The journal Psychological Medicine concluded that from a pharmacological perspective, cannabis’s actions on the neural circuits of the prefrontal cortex could be to blame. This is because the prefrontal cortex is the brain area responsible for self-control and impulsive behaviors.
But we already know that cannabis use is not recommended for adolescents because it can interfere with the brain as it develops and grows. The problem is that while these studies have identified the link between the brain and cannabis use, they fail to account for other contributing factors.
For example, anger and violence may be linked due to other personality traits, socioeconomic status, and more, rather than cannabis use alone.
So, can weed make you angry? It can, but no causal link has been established. Current scientific thinking believes that if this link genuinely exists, it could relate to the impact of cannabis on the developing brains of adolescents.
Can THC Make You Irritable?
THC is the primary focus for all studies asking, “Does weed make you angry?” This is because it is the most critical cannabinoid within natural marijuana. After all, it is the active ingredient.
THC can make some people irritable due to the reasons mentioned above. However, another issue that studies have failed to account for when making conclusions is how marijuana users feel at the time.
Someone already feeling angry may find these feelings amplified, whereas someone in a good mood may experience euphoria.
The issue regarding anger is very much a chicken-and-egg situation. Did marijuana cause anger or cause deep-seated anger to manifest itself due to lowered inhibitions? It’s something that remains unanswered to this day.
Anger Management – What is the Best Strain for Anger?
Most people choose to consume cannabis because of its calming, mellowing effects. But some strains are better than others for angry people. Typically, you want a blend that contains high levels of CBD alongside THC, as CBD is known for helping you to feel relaxed.
But what if “indica or sativa makes me angry”? This issue relates to the person, meaning some experimentation may be necessary.
Here are some ideas for marijuana strains known for combatting feelings of irritability and anger.
Harlequin
Does smoking weed make you less angry? It can if you select a strain like Harlequin. This strain boasts a 5:2 CBD to THC ratio, making it one of the most potent combinations for dealing with anger.
It also contains terpenes like pinene and myrcene, known for reducing side effects like paranoia.
Cannatonic
This Spanish weed strain is commonly used for people who are irritable and angry at the end of the day.
It possesses a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio and is developed by cross-breeding NYC Diesel and Reina Madre. Due to its high CBD content, it may reduce paranoia and mitigate the emergence of psychosis.
Like Harlequin, it boasts calming terpenes like myrcene and pinene.
Frank’s Gift
Frank’s Gifts is another popular cannabis strain for people struggling with anger. Developed as a phenotype of Skunk Haze, this 11% CBD strain aims to provide a moderate yet soft high.
Its terpene profile consists of caryophyllene, pinene, and myrcene.
Lemon Pie
Lemon Pie provides an intense high for those seeking something more powerful. Lemon Pie has a spicy, flowery, and distinct citrus flavor with up to 22% THC.
The primary terpene within Lemon Pie is Limonene with a hint of myrcene. This combination delivers uplifting, euphoric feelings that can help manage high-stress lifestyles and even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Blackberry Kush
Blackberry Kush, or BBK, is a marijuana strain developed by crossing two classic marijuana strains in Afghani and Blackberry.
BBK is well-known for its sweet, berry-like taste while delivering a peppery profile to fans of this relaxing, sleep-inducing brand.
With its relatively low 20% THC content, BBK has become a popular choice among the medical marijuana community for treating chronic pain and insomnia. Naturally, combatting conditions like these can inevitably result in a reduction in your anger.
Photo by Marie-Michèle Bouchard
Weed Withdrawal FAQs
Does Not Smoking Weed Make You Angry?
For most cannabis users, not smoking weed should not impact whether you are angry. Can pot make you angry? If anything, it is the exact opposite in most people.
Someone who doesn’t smoke weed for a few days may actually be experiencing cannabis withdrawal syndrome, especially if they happen to be a chronic user. These are the same results for tobacco smokers and alcohol drinkers who also decide to quit their habits.
Does Weed Make You Angry the Next Day?
Feeling angry the next day may make you wonder whether weed is to blame. Can smoking weed cause irritability in the hours and days afterward?
Again, the science on this issue is mixed. An older study found that cannabis may lead to significant side effects, such as irritability and depressive feelings, but these findings have not been consistent across other studies.
Does weed withdrawal make you angry? It can, which may be why some chronic users quickly experience withdrawal symptoms.
Does Quitting Weed Make You Angry?
Yes, it can.
Granted, most users will not experience these symptoms as weed is not a chemically addictive substance. However, people can certainly experience a behavioral addiction if they rely on weed to manage stress.
Cannabis withdrawal syndrome has been well-documented and is a common side effect of quitting weed. But the symptoms of withdrawal are known to arise and disappear relatively quickly. According to one study, the worst symptoms will likely disappear within five weeks of cessation.
Find the Right Strain for You. Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card Today!
Some people find that certain strains have different effects on their moods. Does weed make you angry? It can, but it can also have the opposite effect. You must find the right strain for you, and the first time is to apply for your medical marijuana card.
With more and more states expanding their medical marijuana programs, it has never been simpler to apply for your medical card. Sign up with Green Health Docs and launch your application for an MMJ card online today.
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.