Cantrip Confidential #1: How to avoid paranoia when drinking your weed
Consuming cannabis mindfully and how to move past paranoia
by Adam Terry, CEO Cantrip
As a purveyor of fine cannabis products, we hear feedback about cannabis all the time. Why people consume cannabis, how they consume it, what they like about it, what they don’t. Cannabis consumption can have positive effects including euphoria, relaxedness, increased enjoyment of music, or a general sense of wellbeing. But if there was one thing that I hear most commonly cited as to why someone doesn’t consume cannabis, it would definitely be the P-word: paranoia.
Paranoia can be a common effect of consuming THC, but it doesn’t have to be. I have been consuming cannabis for 16 years, and in that time, I’ve learned a lot about what works for me and what doesn’t. In fact, I developed Cantrip originally as a means of creating products that I liked and thought would work best for me both at home and in social situations – particularly given that I have a life partner that doesn’t choose to consume cannabis. There is one thing that I find more important than any other factor in how the effects hit me, and that is mindset.
In the circles of those who consume mood adjusting substances, there is a saying: “Set and setting.” Setting refers to where you are: the place you are, the people you are with, and the context of the session. Set is short for “mindset,” referring to your attitude and mindfulness in entering an altered state of being.
When consuming anything that might elevate your consciousness or state of mind, you want to ensure that you are in the right place for it – that you’re with people you enjoy and who support you, and that you are entering this elevation from the right perspective – one that believes that your experiences will be enhanced by THC, as opposed to ruined by it.
Let’s focus on mindset for the moment. Paranoia can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you consume THC and think you will end up paranoid, that in and of itself is paranoia and so you are already there before you even drink a Cantrip. Instead, you want to go into your cannabis consumption thinking about the benefits of drinking a Cantrip, perhaps the relaxation or distraction that it can provide.
There are several techniques you can try to help alleviate paranoia:
- Meditate before or during the consumption process, focusing on breathing and clearing the mind. Entering a state of true mindfulness can help you connect with the world around you. Try putting on some peaceful music or ambient music, closing your eyes, and simply listen to the sound of your breathing. Think as few thoughts as possible.
- Make a list of things you enjoy or have enjoyed while under the influence of Cantrip, and then return to that list if you find your experience is veering towards the paranoid. For example, that list could include cooking or eating your favorite food, or sitting outside and watching the birds, or simply playing with your favorite pet. Relax and listen to your favorite music, again trying to focus on the sound and clear your mind of other thoughts.
- Focus on consuming in more intimate settings and avoid larger crowds or social settings, especially when consuming higher dose products.
Finally, if you find yourself already in a paranoid or sour mood, consider saving the Cantrip for later. Consuming cannabis while feeling bad may lead to an exacerbation of those feelings rather than a relief from them, and while only you truly know your body, the setting.
The way out is in,
Adam