Cannabis and Your Mental Health: What You Should Know
- Sindhura Saini
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Why People Ask About Cannabis
More people are turning to cannabis (marijuana) for help with sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, or pain. You might hear that it’s “natural” or “safe.” While cannabis can help some people feel calmer or sleep better, it can also affect mental health in ways you might not expect. For some, it may increase anxiety or trigger serious mental health conditions.
This article breaks down what research says about cannabis and the mind — the good and the bad — so you can make safer choices and know when to seek help.
Cannabis and Anxiety
Small amounts of cannabis or products with more CBD than THC can feel calming.
High doses of THC can sometimes make anxiety worse, cause panic attacks, or lead to paranoia.
People who are new to cannabis or who have a history of anxiety may react strongly.
Tip: Start low and go slow. If you notice more panic or worry after using cannabis, it’s a sign to cut back or stop and talk with a professional.
Cannabis and Depression
Some people say cannabis improves mood or helps with sleep.
But regular, heavy use — especially starting in teen years — is linked to higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts.
Research does not clearly show that cannabis treats depression long-term.
Tip: If you’re struggling with low mood or thoughts of self-harm, seek help. Cannabis is not a substitute for therapy or medical care.
Cannabis and Psychosis (Losing Touch With Reality)
High-potency THC or frequent use increases the risk of psychosis (hallucinations, paranoia, delusions).
The risk is higher if you or a close family member has had schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.
Some early symptoms: feeling suspicious of others, hearing or seeing things, confused thinking.
Tip: If you or your family have a history of psychosis, use cannabis with extreme caution or avoid it.
Cannabis and Bipolar Disorder
THC can trigger manic episodes — feeling overly energized, risky, or out of control.
Heavy cannabis use may make bipolar disorder harder to manage.
Tip: If you have bipolar disorder or a history of mania, talk with your doctor before using cannabis.
CBD vs. THC: Not the Same
THC is the part of cannabis that causes a “high” and can also bring on anxiety or psychosis.
CBD doesn’t cause a high and may help reduce anxiety or counteract some THC effects — but research is still early.
Making Safer Choices
Go low and slow: Start with low THC or CBD-dominant products.
Pay attention: If you feel worse mentally (anxiety, paranoia, depression, mania), reduce or stop use.
Don’t mix with other substances: Especially alcohol or other drugs that affect mood or thinking.
Seek help early: Mental health support works better the sooner you reach out.
When to See a Mental Health Professional
Talk to a doctor or psychiatrist if you notice:
Anxiety or panic that keeps coming back
Feeling suspicious, paranoid, or hearing voices
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Mood swings, mania, or risky behavior
If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Need Help in St. Louis?
If cannabis is affecting your mood or mental health — or if you’re unsure whether it’s safe for you — I can help.
Sindhura Saini, MD — SANA Psychiatry📞 314-408-2275 | ✉️ info@sana-psychiatry.com
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