After eating a pot brownie in Amsterdam, an Australian visitor claimed to have been momentarily paralyzed. He blamed the cannabis edible he consumed for keeping him immobile for several hours. Are you worried about weed paralysis, and is it a real thing?
The traveler acknowledges that he was told to only eat a small amount of the brownie, but he ended up eating the whole thing. However, those who are new to cannabis should be aware of the effects of its reported immobility and altered consciousness.
Whether you’re using cannabis recreationally or with a medical marijuana card, knowing your tolerance and starting with tiny dosages is critical for avoiding side effects.
Discover the causes of weed paralysis, how to avoid it, and what to do if you experience it.
What Is Weed Paralysis and Is It Real?
Weed paralysis, also referred to as pot paresis, is the momentary incapacity to move the body’s muscles while still being cognizant. A person experiencing weed paralysis may consciously want to get out of bed but be unable to do so due to muscle weakness. Although this muscle weakness usually doesn’t hurt, it can be extremely frightening for the person who is experiencing it.
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is strikingly similar to reported cases of weed paralysis. A temporary inability to move the arms or legs is the result of this condition, which usually first manifests in childhood or adolescence. In hypokalemic periodic paralysis, muscle paralysis may last for hours or, in extreme circumstances, days. Although the cause of this kind of paralysis is still unknown, people’s blood potassium levels tend to decrease during this condition.
Was the Australian visitor to Amsterdam suffering from hypokalemic periodic paralysis, or was he actually suffering from weed paralysis? We can’t be certain without knowing his medical history and other relevant details. For instance, by reducing potassium levels, some medications, such as diuretics, can occasionally cause an episode of hypokalemic periodic paralysis.
Since “weed paralysis” and “pot paresis” are uncommon effects with only anecdotal reports, they are given such informal names, implying that most people are not particularly concerned about them. Additionally, the symptoms of weed paralysis can be confused with those of other illnesses, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome), which may benefit from medical marijuana use.
A person suffering from “weed paralysis” is probably experiencing an unpleasant reaction to an excessive amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can lead to over-intoxication. Strong sedative effects can result from consuming too much THC, especially if edibles were used.
Because each person’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is unique, they may metabolize THC differently or more slowly, which could result in a longer-lasting effect. We should be cautious about promoting the idea that “weed paralysis” is a problem when we lack the science and terminology to properly describe it. There is not enough research on the condition to determine what causes it or even whether it is being confused with another health issue. Perhaps “hypokalemic period” or “THC over-intoxication” would be a better term.
What Triggers Weed Paralysis?
One or more of the following conditions could increase your risk of developing weed paralysis:
- You’ve eaten an edible marijuana product that contains a lot of THC. If you consume the edible quickly without giving your body enough time to properly metabolize and process everything, the effects might be more noticeable. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is also linked to carbohydrate-rich meals, and cannabis edibles typically contain a lot of carbohydrates (cakes, brownies, etc.).
- Since viruses can cause hypokalemic periodic paralysis in certain individuals, you are recuperating from a virus.
- You tried to take a nap or relax after engaging in intense exercise prior to using cannabis.
- You have taken cannabis along with other prescription drugs. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications do not mix well with cannabis, so be cautious and consult your doctor.
Cannabis paralysis is extremely uncommon, though, and most people won’t experience muscle paralysis as a result of the aforementioned factors. Careful dosage and other safety precautions are essential because the aforementioned factors may precede a bad cannabis experience.
Tips to Avoid Weed Paralysis
You can avoid cannabis paralysis in a few different ways. The following are our top suggestions for using cannabis safely:
Start Low, Go Slow
Consume THC gradually and at a very low starting dose (no more than five milligrams for novices, though some would advise even lower at about 2-3 mg). Edibles can have stronger effects than tinctures or inhalations, so proceed with extra caution when using them. If you do not immediately experience the effects of cannabis, do not increase your dosage. One of the main causes of excessive cannabis use and the resulting negative experience is underestimating the duration of its effects.
How to Choose the Right Cannabis Consumption Method
Although many people’s negative experiences with marijuana are undoubtedly caused by consuming too many edibles infused with the plant, this does not negate the plant’s benefits when taken carefully and in the right dosage, particularly for those who need the longer-lasting effects edibles can offer.
For people with skin issues, think about applying calming cannabis or CBD topicals instead of consuming a cookie laced with cannabis. Since cannabis tinctures are easier to dose using a dropper and take effect more quickly than edibles (30–45 minutes versus 1-2 hours), many people also find them useful. These ingestion techniques might be more suitable for your needs.
Opt for a CBD-Only Product
Although CBD has the potential to produce psychoactive effects, these effects are typically milder than those of THC. You could begin by experimenting with CBD isolate products, such as gels and creams, to see how your body reacts if you’re new to using cannabis or haven’t yet received a medical marijuana card.
Once you feel at ease using CBD isolate, you might want to move on to full-spectrum CBD products, which have traces of THC but not nearly enough to make you feel intoxicated. This could assist you in determining your potential sensitivity to additional terpenes and cannabinoids found in the hemp or cannabis plant.
What to Do If You Experience Weed Paralysis
Perhaps the best course of action is to unwind and find a comfortable place to be if you feel truly immobile after consuming large amounts of cannabis. If you suddenly feel like falling asleep while using cannabis, stay close to a bed or sofa. Additionally, if it’s for psychological reasons, keep in mind that you aren’t “paralyzed” by cannabis use; you might simply not want to move because you’ve consumed too much THC.
Above all, go slowly and start low. You cannot reverse the effects of cannabis consumption, but you can always take a little more. Time will do this.
Use a medical marijuana card to responsibly consume cannabis. The medical marijuana doctors in Columbus at Ohio MMJ Card Doctor are available to have a virtual consultation with you and begin the process of getting an MMJ card in your state.
