Cannabis has long been both celebrated and vilified - a plant that can offer solace, creativity, and relief, yet for some brings confusion, paranoia, or far more serious consequences. For many people, smoking weed feels like a way to soften the edges of life, to relax, to feel more open or connected. For others, it can become destabilising, triggering anxiety, psychosis, or exacerbating conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. The experience of cannabis is rarely neutral, and it is never universal. Its effects sit somewhere between agony and ecstasy, shaped by biology, genetics, mental health, and life history.

For those who enjoy cannabis, the appeal is often immediate. THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1 receptors, influencing mood, perception, appetite, and sensory experience. This interaction can create a sense of euphoria, relaxation, altered perception of time, and a reduction in stress or emotional tension. Many people describe feeling more creative, more reflective, or more open to ideas and insights. Others experience relief from chronic pain, anxiety, or symptoms of post-traumatic stress, especially when other treatments have failed. In social settings, cannabis can also foster feelings of closeness and shared experience, lowering inhibitions and increasing emotional warmth.

Alongside THC sits another important compound: CBD, or cannabidiol. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a psychoactive high. Instead, it interacts more subtly with the nervous system and immune pathways, and has gained attention for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. Many people use CBD to reduce anxiety, support sleep, manage chronic pain, or calm an overactive nervous system without feeling intoxicated or impaired. There is growing interest in CBD’s neuroprotective potential, particularly in relation to seizure disorders and brain health, and for many it offers therapeutic benefit without the psychological risks associated with THC.

However, for some individuals, cannabis does not soothe the nervous system - it overwhelms it. Cannabis-induced anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis are well-documented, particularly with high-THC strains. Some people experience racing thoughts, hallucinations, delusional thinking, or a profound sense of threat after using cannabis, even if they have previously tolerated it well. In certain cases, these symptoms do not resolve quickly and can lead to longer-lasting psychotic episodes. Cannabis can also destabilise mood in people with bipolar disorder, sometimes intensifying manic states or deepening depressive cycles. While some individuals report short-term relief, the longer-term impact on mood regulation can be unpredictable and, at times, damaging.

One of the key reasons cannabis affects people so differently lies in genetics. Not everyone metabolises or responds to THC in the same way. Variations in genes such as COMT, DRD2, FAAH, and CYP enzymes influence dopamine regulation, emotional processing, stress response, and the speed at which THC is broken down in the body. Certain COMT variants, for example, are associated with an increased risk of psychosis when cannabis is used regularly, particularly during adolescence when the brain is still developing. Variations in the DRD2 gene, which affects dopamine receptor availability, can increase vulnerability to both dependence and psychiatric side effects. The FAAH gene, which regulates the breakdown of anandamide - often referred to as the body’s “bliss molecule” - also plays a role. Reduced FAAH activity can heighten sensitivity to THC, amplifying both pleasurable and adverse effects.

Over time, what begins as occasional use can shift into dependence for some people. Regular cannabis use can lead to tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. Emotional reliance can develop quietly, with cannabis becoming a primary coping strategy for stress, discomfort, or emotional pain. This can result in emotional numbing, reduced motivation, and a gradual narrowing of life’s emotional range. While cannabis is often perceived as less harmful than alcohol or tobacco, it still carries physical risks, including respiratory issues when smoked and potential impacts on cognitive function, particularly in younger users.

Understanding the distinction between THC and CBD is crucial when considering both benefits and risks. THC is the compound most associated with euphoria, altered perception, and, in vulnerable individuals, paranoia or psychosis. CBD, by contrast, tends to calm rather than stimulate the nervous system and is generally better tolerated by those with anxiety or sensitivity. For many people seeking therapeutic support without intoxication, CBD offers a safer entry point into cannabinoid-based support.

For those who choose to use cannabis, mindful use matters. Starting with low doses, especially with high-THC strains or edible forms, allows the nervous system to signal whether it feels supported or overwhelmed. Paying attention to personal triggers is essential, particularly for those with a history of anxiety, trauma, psychosis, or mood instability. Cannabis is not inherently good or bad, but it is powerful, and power demands awareness.

The paradox of cannabis lies in its dual nature. It can offer relief, insight, and moments of expansion, while also carrying the potential for confusion, dependence, and psychological destabilisation. Understanding its effects often requires more than willpower or self-observation alone. It asks for a deeper exploration of the nervous system, mental health history, life experience, and genetics - the unique combination that shapes how each person responds to this powerful plant.

In my work, I support individuals, couples, and families to make sense of these layered responses. Using an integrative approach that brings together therapy, mindscaping, functional medicine, and genetics-led insight, I help people understand why cannabis affects them the way it does - and how to restore balance when it begins to cause harm rather than relief.

Whether cannabis has become a coping strategy, a source of distress, or something you feel unsure about continuing, you do not have to navigate it alone. With the right support, it is possible to understand your system more deeply, calm your nervous system, and find steadier ground.

I am right here…