Can Marijuana Use Cause Sudden, Uncontrollable Crying?

Can Weed or Marijuana Cause Crying?

Many recreational and medicinal cannabis users enjoy the relaxing feeling it provides. However, some people may experience unexpected emotional reactions like uncontrollable laughing or crying when high. This condition is known as pseudobulbar affect (PBA).

What is Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)?

Pseudobulbar affect is characterized by frequent, sudden, and exaggerated displays of emotion such as excessive crying or laughter. These emotional outbursts occur unpredictably and may not match the person's underlying mood state.

PBA is caused by dysfunction in the area of the brain that regulates emotions. It typically arises due to neurological conditions or brain injury involving the frontal lobes and pathways that connect them to the brainstem.

PBA Triggered by Weed

Many recreational drugs including cannabis, LSD, cocaine etc. are capable of inducing pseudobulbar reactions. Research indicates that delta-9 THC and other cannabinoids in marijuana bind to endogenous cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

This process disrupts emotional signaling between brain regions. As a result, some users demonstrate sudden uncontrolled expressions of emotion that temporarily override natural reactions.

Common Causes of Crying While High

There are a few key reasons why smoking weed or consuming edibles may lead to weepiness for some people:

Pseudobulbar Affect

Uncontrollable laughing or crying from marijuana points strongly towards PBA. The episodes tend to be exaggerated yet disconnected from actual mood.

Relaxing Effects

Weed provides stress relief and enhances enjoyment for most. But some could get overwhelmed by deeply relaxing or blissful feelings causing tears.

Enhanced Emotions

Cannabis heightens existing emotions temporarily. So mild sadness could get amplified into crying jags under influence before passing.

Comedown Symptoms

When high starts fading, emotional sensitivity spikes up for some. The dip in mood could trigger weepiness especially if already dealing with grief or depression.

Strain Differences

While both induce euphoria and relaxation, Sativa strains tend to energize whereas Indica promotes sedation. The latter has higher odds of making one weepy.

Identifying Pseudobulbar vs Normal Crying

How do you ascertain whether weed has caused PBA or regular crying? Here are some ways to tell the difference:

Appropriateness of Emotion

PBA weeping occurs independent of actual emotional state. With regular crying, the reaction aligns with underlying grief, sadness, joy etc.

Voluntary Control

With PBA, one feels unable to stop or resist sudden episodes of weeping irrespective of attempts. Normal crying can be controlled or managed voluntarily to an extent.

Intensity and Duration

Weeping spells due to PBA tend to be more intense yet brief. One may shift between laughing and crying seamlessly. Typical crying is milder and gradual.

Recalling Triggers

Those experiencing PBA often cannot pinpoint a specific reason behind particular crying or laughing bout. Regular criers can usually identify triggers.

Dealing With Uncontrollable Weeping When High

Here are some tips to manage sudden, frequent crying jags due to PBA or other reasons after using weed:

Stop Cannabis Use

Clearly, marijuana usage is the precipitating factor behind these episodes for susceptible individuals. Quitting cannabis provides the simplest solution.

Lower Dosages

If stopping entirely seems difficult, significantly cutting back dosage or frequency can make emotional overwhelm less likely.

Pick Uplifting Strains

Selecting more stimulating Sativa strains promoting happiness over sedating Indicas inducing relaxation may curb weepiness.

Create Joyful Environments

Adding comforts like cheerful music, funny movies, games, and positive people can improve mood and minimize random weepiness.

Practice Breathing Exercises

Focused deep breathing triggers relaxation response which helps regain emotional balance following unanticipated crying bouts.

When to Seek Help for PBA

Occasional laughter or weeping without obvious reason may not necessitate medical intervention. However, consult a doctor if episodes -

• Occur multiple times a week
• Intensify in frequency or duration over time
• Cause significant personal or social embarrassment and discomfort
• Do not resolve on stopping cannabis use
• Are accompanied by injury due to falling or trauma

Seeking timely treatment can help identify underlying neurological changes and stop PBA progression.

Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

PBA remains underdiagnosed currently though medical interventions are available. Doctors may -

Take Case History

Inquiry about drug usage, neurological conditions, episodes detailing intensity, frequency plus impact on life.

Conduct Physical Exam

Assess neurological functioning, cognition, mood, motor responses plus check for potential injuries from falling.

Order Imaging Tests

MRI or CT scans can reveal brain changes pointing to stroke, tumors, neurodegeneration behind pseudobulbar affect.

Prescribe Medications

SSRIs like Zoloft, SNRIs like Cymbalta or tricyclic antidepressants may be used off-label to treat PBA episodes effectively.

In summary, PBA could rarely make some susceptible weed users suddenly laugh or cry uncontrollably when high. Understanding the condition and seeking timely support aids recovery.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.