Drug:Cannabis

From Avi's Drug Diary
Cannabis
Full Name Cannabis (THC)
Drug Class Cannabinoid
Aliases Weed • THC • Marijuana • Cannabis
ROAs Smoked • Vaporized • Oral
Smoked / Vaporized
Threshold 1 puff
Light 2–4 puffs
Common 5–10 puffs
Strong 10–20 puffs
Heavy 20+ puffs
Duration 2–4 hours


Oral
Threshold 2.5 mg THC
Light 5–10 mg
Common 10–25 mg
Strong 25–50 mg
Heavy 50+ mg
Duration 6–10 hours

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Cannabis

Warning

Cannabis can worsen or trigger psychotic symptoms in susceptible individuals.

Because I have schizophrenia, THC consistently affects me very differently than it affects most people. This page reflects **my personal experience** and should not be taken as representative of everyone's response.


Overview

Cannabis is a psychoactive plant whose primary intoxicating component is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It commonly produces relaxation, altered perception, increased appetite and changes in thought patterns, although the effects vary substantially between individuals.

For people who are vulnerable to psychosis, THC may substantially increase the risk of psychotic symptoms.


Subjective Effects

Physical Effects

  • Relaxation
  • Increased appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • Altered body sensation

Cognitive Effects

  • Altered thought patterns
  • Time distortion
  • Increased introspection
  • Anxiety (possible)
  • Paranoia (possible)

Visual Effects

  • Mild visual enhancement
  • Pattern recognition (higher doses)

After Effects

  • Fatigue
  • Mental fog
  • Increased appetite

My Review

Overall Experience

Weed and I simply do not get along. Because I have schizophrenia, THC almost always pushes me toward psychosis. It doesn't matter how many positive experiences other people describe, I know from experience that it's a drug I shouldn't be using. The last time I smoked was after taking NEP and ketamine, both of which I had used many times before without problems. A friend offered me a joint, and despite knowing it was a bad idea, I took several hits anyway. Within a minute I get launched into a psychotic episode. I became convinced I was shifting through two different dimensions in real time and completely lost it. That experience made me realize I need to be more responsible, why do something if it does nothing but hurt me?

What I Enjoyed

  • Occasionally relaxing before psychotic symptoms developed.

What I Didn't Enjoy

  • Frequently caused psychosis.
  • Intense paranoia.
  • Detached from reality.
  • Unpredictable response.

Would I Use It Again?

Yes / No / Maybe

Rating

Category Rating (/10)
Overall 1/10
Relaxation 2/10
Body Load 5/10
Psychosis Risk (for me) 10/10
Recreational Value 1/10

Tips & Harm Reduction

Practical Tips

  • If cannabis has previously caused severe anxiety or psychotic symptoms, consider avoiding it.
  • Be aware that potency varies greatly between products.

Harm Reduction

  • THC can worsen or trigger psychotic symptoms in susceptible individuals.
  • Avoid combining cannabis with other psychoactive substances if you've previously had adverse reactions.
  • If you experience severe confusion, paranoia or hallucinations, move to a safe environment and seek help from someone you trust.