People around the world have used cannabis for its therapeutic effects for hundreds of years, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t downsides associated with it. The common side effects associated with cannabis include issues like dry mouth, red eye, and paranoia.

Dizziness is another side effect that usually won’t last too long but can be dangerous and scary if it happens to you. Here, we look at dizziness after using cannabis and how to mitigate it to have a better experience. 

Understanding Cannabis and Dizziness

What Causes Dizziness While High?

Whilesome studies suggest that cannabis can help treat conditions like dizziness, others note anincrease in dizziness for some people. To understand why, it’s essential to look at how cannabis works.

THC is the cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that gets users “high.” In addition to this euphoric feeling that has attracted people to the plant for thousands of years, the primary psychoactive properties of this cannabinoid include increased appetite, altered perception of time and space, and relaxation, along with less appealing side effects like anxiety, paranoia, and in some cases, dizziness, which all happen when THC interacts with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. 

THC can also cause blood pressure to increase suddenly, which can lead toorthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure then drops and leads to dizziness and even fainting. It’s important to stay hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels high, as low blood sugar and dehydration can increase the chance of dizziness.

If you’re not used to consuming cannabis, it’s best to do it in surroundings you feel comfortable in, as excessive noise or lights might become overwhelming and increase the chances of dizziness.

Difference Between Dizziness and Other Side Effects

While dizziness may feel similar to anxiety or nausea, differentiating these side effects of cannabis consumption could help resolve them.

• Dizziness:This side effect may feel like vertigo and suddenly make you unsteady. You may also notice foggy vision or brain fog.

• Nausea: If you suddenly feel queasy or sick, you probably suffer from nausea. The main difference between nausea and dizziness is that you won’t feel like falling over or losing your balance. 

• Anxiety:Arguably, the most synonymous side effect with cannabis is anxiety. Feeling anxious after consuming cannabis will present itself as racing thoughts, a rapid heartbeat, or uneasiness. 

Choose the Right Strain

Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid

The two main types of cannabis are indica and sativa. Indica is known for its relaxing qualities and stress relief, while Sativa is known for its energetic qualities that can border on more cerebral or anxious effects.

Hybrids offer the best of both worlds and can be uplifting and relaxing simultaneously. If you stick to Indica or hybrids of Indica, dizziness is less likely to occur.

Low THC and High CBD Strains

Another way to avoid dizziness is by sticking to strains that are low in THC and high in CBD. While THC activates the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, CBD alters how they work and brings a better balance.

CBD isn’t as likely to cause a significant drop in blood pressure as THC, and finding a low THC and high CBD strain is a good way to lower the psychoactive effects of cannabis consumption. 

Start Low, Go Slow: Finding the Right Dose

Like with any cannabis consumption, it’s advisable to start with a small dose first to see how an individual strain reacts with your body. Start with a small dose of low-THC cannabis and see how you feel before consuming more. 

Consumption Method Matters

There are lots of different ways to consume cannabis. How you choose to consume it will affect the likelihood of getting dizzy. 

Smoking or Vaping

Smoking or vaping can increase the chance of dizziness due to the fast consumption into the bloodstream and the sudden increase in blood pressure. Try taking small hits and waiting between them to see how it feels. 

Edibles

Eating edibles takes longer to hit and lasts a lot longer, too. Overeating edibles is more likely to cause nausea than dizziness, but dizziness may still occur when the cannabis hits your bloodstream. Start small and wait a while, but leave it a lot longer than smoking or vaping. 

Tinctures & Sublinguals

Tinctures and sublinguals land somewhere in between edibles and smoking or vaping for how long they take to hit and the chance of dizziness. Like the other ways of consuming cannabis, take it slow and see how you feel before consuming more. 

Stay Hydrated

Cannabis and Dehydration

Dry mouth is a common side effect of cannabis, which can contribute to dehydration. Feeling dehydrated can make you dizzy because your blood volume will decrease, and it’ll be harder for oxygen to get around the body. 

Tips for Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated after consuming cannabis is essential to prevent dry mouth, which can make the feelings of dizziness worse. Make sure you drink water before, during, and after cannabis consumption. If you’re worried about feeling dizzy from cannabis, make sure you avoid caffeine or alcohol, which can make dehydration even worse. 

Eat Something Before Getting High

How Food Affects Cannabis Experience

While it’s essential to stay hydrated when consuming cannabis, you also want to make sure that you don’t have an empty stomach. THC is absorbed through the body’s digestive system. With less food in your digestive system, THC makes its way straight to the small intestine and can hit your bloodstream a lot quicker, which may cause dizziness rapidly. 

Be sure to eat balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. These foods stabilize blood sugar levels and are less likely to spike after cannabis consumption. 

Manage Your Environment

In addition to staying hydrated and eating well in the lead-up, during, and after cannabis consumption, you can decrease the chance of dizziness by managing the environment in which you consume it. 

Comfortable Space

When you're picking a place to consume cannabis, make sure it is calm, safe, and quiet so you don't get overwhelmed by your surroundings when it kicks in. 

Seated Position

To prevent orthostatic hypotension, avoid sudden movements, such as suddenly going from standing to sitting, and try to remain in a seated position after consumption. 

Avoid Overstimulation

Overstimulation can lead to dizziness, so try to stay in your comfortable space for the duration of your experience and avoid loud noises, flashing lights, and busy areas with lots of people. 

Rest and Take It Easy

Listen to Your Body

If you’re starting to feel dizzy, you can counteract the feeling by resting in a quiet space. If symptoms worsen, lie down for a while and relax. 

Don’t Overexert Yourself

Keep yourself cool, calm, and collected after consuming cannabis, avoiding sudden movements and changes in position. 

Use CBD to Balance THC

CBD as a Counterbalance

CBD can balance the effects of THC by changing the way it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is why it is recommended to use cannabis products that are high in CBD and low in THC if you are prone to dizziness. 

How to Use CBD in Combination with THC

Not only can you consume a strain of cannabis with more CBD, but you can also try taking tinctures or edibles with only CBD inside to counteract the effects. 

What to Do if You Start Feeling Dizzy

There are a number of proven methods to calm yourself down and decrease dizziness when it sets in. 

Calm Down and Breathe

Mindfulness is a great way to calm down if you feel dizzy. Take deep breaths and count them, noting your rising chest or abdomen, and try to avoid thinking about anything else. Don't worry if your mind wanders; just bring it back to the breath when you remember. 

Lie Down if Necessary

Lying down stabilizes blood flow to the brain, which can help with dizziness. If you need to, lie down quietly until you feel better. 

Drink Water and Snack

Drinking water or snacking can help increase blood sugar levels and make you feel better if dizziness persists. 

If It Persists, Seek Help

In some cases, dizziness can lead to more severe symptoms. If you or a friend suffers from prolonged dizziness or other symptoms, visit a healthcare provider. 

Conclusion

Dizziness is a common side effect of consuming cannabis. Decrease the chances of spinning out and feeling dizzy by staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and choosing the right strain that is low in THC and high in CBD. Take it slow, and don’t consume too much, too quickly, to see how your body responds first.