Marijuana is more available than ever. With dispensaries popping up across the country and laws shifting quickly, many people are wondering: “If it’s legal now, it must be safe… right?”
The truth is more complicated.
Whether you’re using marijuana to relax, sleep, manage anxiety, or cope with trauma, it’s important to understand how today’s cannabis is different—and how it may be affecting your mental health more than you think.
Legal ≠ Safe for Everyone
Let’s start here: Just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
Alcohol is legal. So is nicotine. But both are linked to addiction, cancer, depression, and thousands of preventable deaths each year.
Similarly, marijuana being legal in many states (and possibly changing soon in Florida) doesn’t make it risk-free—especially for people with anxiety, depression, trauma histories, or substance use disorders.
Today’s Weed Is Not the Same
If you smoked weed in the ’90s or early 2000s, today’s marijuana is not what you remember.
Here’s the data:
- In the 1990s, the average THC (the active ingredient that causes the high) level was about 4%.
- Today, most dispensary products range from 15% to 30% THC—some concentrated products like wax, dabs, and oils can exceed 90%.
- A 2023 study in The Lancet Psychiatry found that high-potency marijuana is strongly associated with increased risk of psychosis, especially in teens and young adults.
Higher THC = stronger effects, more side effects, and a greater risk of dependency.
Mental Health Risks to Know About
While some people report short-term relief from anxiety, PTSD, or insomnia, others experience the opposite.
Here are some mental health effects tied to marijuana:
1. Increased Anxiety or Panic Attacks
Ironically, the same drug many use to “calm down” can actually intensify anxiety, especially in high doses or with frequent use.
2. Paranoia and Psychosis
High THC levels can trigger paranoia, confusion, and even hallucinations, particularly in people with a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia.
3. Depression and Low Motivation
Long-term use may blunt motivation, increase fatigue, and contribute to a “foggy” mental state known as amotivational syndrome.
4. Addiction and Withdrawal
Yes—marijuana can be addictive. About 1 in 10 users will develop cannabis use disorder. For teens, it’s 1 in 6.
Common withdrawal symptoms include irritability, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and cravings.
Client Example: David’s Story
David, a 29-year-old client, started smoking marijuana daily during the pandemic to “take the edge off.” He wasn’t drinking or using anything else. But over time, he noticed his anxiety getting worse, not better.
“I’d smoke to relax, but then I’d lie in bed thinking everyone hated me,” he shared. “I thought it was just me.”
Through therapy, David cut back significantly and started using other tools like deep breathing, journaling, and regular exercise. His anxiety didn’t go away overnight, but he started feeling clearer and more in control.
If You Use Marijuana, Ask Yourself These Questions
No judgment—just reflection.
✅ Am I using it to numb something I don’t want to feel?
✅ Do I need more and more to feel the same effects?
✅ Am I using it every day or relying on it to sleep or eat?
✅ Have I tried to cut back and couldn’t?
✅ Do I feel more anxious, paranoid, or isolated since I started?
✅ Has it gotten in the way of work, relationships, or goals?
If you answered yes to a few, you may be experiencing problematic use, even if you don’t think of it as addiction.
Why It’s Hard to Talk About
Many people feel caught between two extremes: the “weed is a miracle medicine” crowd, and the “weed will ruin your life” message they may have heard growing up.
But here’s the middle ground: Marijuana isn’t evil—but it’s also not harmless.
It affects everyone differently. For people with mental health concerns, trauma, or a history of substance use, marijuana might be doing more harm than good.
Alternatives for Coping Without Cannabis
If you’re using marijuana to cope with life, you’re not alone. But you do have options.
Here are a few alternatives to try:
- Breathwork or grounding exercises for anxiety
- Sleep hygiene routines and natural supplements like magnesium or melatonin
- Journaling or expressive arts for stress
- Therapy—especially trauma-informed or CBT for anxiety
- Physical activity (even short walks help balance brain chemistry)
- Support groups where you can talk about your use without judgment
Can You Use Marijuana in Moderation?
Maybe. Some people can.
But if you have a history of:
- Depression, bipolar disorder, or panic attacks
- Trauma or PTSD
- Substance use (alcohol, pills, opioids, etc.)
- Feeling out of control when you try to cut back
…then moderation may not work for you, and that’s okay. Recovery means finding what truly supports your mental health—not what numbs it for a while.
Call to Action: Let’s Open the Conversation
Whether you use marijuana daily, occasionally, or not at all, your mental health matters more than anything.
👉 Have you noticed changes in your mood or motivation with marijuana use?
👉 Have you tried quitting or cutting back? What helped—or didn’t?
Drop a comment below and share your story or questions. This is a safe place to be honest, curious, and supported—without stigma.
Counseling Carmen 