Cannabis can be a lot of things—relaxing, creative, euphoric—but for some people, it can also bring on something far less fun: depersonalization. If you’ve ever smoked or eaten an edible and suddenly felt like you were outside your own body, watching yourself like a character in a video game, you’re not alone.
Depersonalization is one of those strange, disorienting side effects of cannabis that doesn’t get talked about enough. It can be fascinating, terrifying, or both, depending on how prepared you are for it. Let’s break down what depersonalization is, why cannabis can trigger it, and how to handle it if it happens to you.
What Is Depersonalization?
Depersonalization is a dissociative state where you feel disconnected from your body, thoughts, or surroundings. It’s like your brain hits the “pause” button on reality and puts you in spectator mode. For some, this feels dreamy or surreal; for others, it’s downright scary.
Symptoms of Depersonalization
- Feeling detached from your body or mind (like you’re floating outside yourself).
- A sense that the world around you isn’t real or feels distorted.
- Emotional numbness or a loss of connection to your surroundings.
- A weird, robotic feeling—like you’re on autopilot.
Why Cannabis Can Trigger Depersonalization
For some people, cannabis can act like a dissociation button. But why does it happen?
THC’s Role
THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can alter the way your brain processes reality. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in mood, memory, and perception. For some, this creates a pleasant high. For others, it can distort sensory input so much that it feels like reality itself is slipping away.
- High Doses: Eating a 50mg edible when you’re used to smoking a joint with 10% THC? That’s a recipe for a dissociative experience. Edibles, in particular, can hit harder because they’re metabolized into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound with more intense psychoactive effects.
- Stress and Anxiety: If you’re already anxious or overwhelmed, cannabis can amplify those feelings and push you into a state of depersonalization.
- Your Brain Chemistry: Everyone’s brain is different. If you’re prone to anxiety or dissociative tendencies, cannabis might bring those out more easily.
Personal Experience: That Time I Floated Outside Myself
I’ll never forget the first time cannabis pushed me into full-on depersonalization. I was in college, sitting in a friend’s living room after taking a massive hit from a bong I definitely wasn’t ready for.
At first, everything was fine—just the usual haze of giggles and good vibes. But then, out of nowhere, it hit me. It felt like I was watching myself from across the room, like some invisible tether had snapped, and I was suddenly a spectator in my own life.
I remember looking at my hands and thinking, Are these even mine? The voices of my friends sounded distant, like they were coming from a bad Zoom call. For what felt like hours (but was probably 20 minutes), I was stuck in this bizarre loop of observing myself while feeling utterly detached from reality.
Eventually, the feeling faded, but it left me shaken—and curious. Why did cannabis, something I’d enjoyed plenty of times before, take me so far out of myself?
Depersonalization vs. Derealization
It’s worth noting that depersonalization often goes hand-in-hand with derealization, where the world around you feels fake or dreamlike. While the two are distinct, they often overlap during intense cannabis experiences.
Depersonalization
- Feels like you aren’t real or connected to your body.
Derealization
- Feels like the world isn’t real or connected to you.
Both can be unsettling, but they’re usually temporary—especially when triggered by cannabis.
How to Handle Depersonalization While High
If you find yourself spiraling into depersonalization, don’t panic. Here’s how to ground yourself:
- Breathe
Slow, deep breaths can help calm your nervous system. Try a 4-7-8 breathing technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. - Engage Your Senses
- Touch: Hold onto something solid, like a pillow or the arm of a chair.
- Taste: Sip a cold drink or eat something sweet.
- Smell: Focus on a familiar scent, like lavender or citrus.
- Remind Yourself It’s Temporary
Depersonalization caused by cannabis is not permanent. It might feel intense in the moment, but it will pass as the THC leaves your system. - Change Your Environment
Move to a different room, step outside, or dim the lights. A change in scenery can help snap you out of the dissociative state. - Avoid Mirrors
Looking at yourself in the mirror can intensify feelings of detachment. Stick to grounding activities instead.
Can Cannabis-Induced Depersonalization Cause Long-Term Issues?
For most people, cannabis-induced depersonalization is temporary and harmless. However, if you experience frequent or prolonged episodes, it could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as:
- Anxiety Disorders: Cannabis can exacerbate anxiety in some people, leading to dissociative states.
- Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DPDR): A chronic condition where these symptoms persist, often triggered by stress or trauma.
If depersonalization becomes a regular occurrence, it’s worth talking to a doctor or mental health professional.
How to Avoid Depersonalization When Using Cannabis
- Start Low and Go Slow
If you’re prone to anxiety or dissociation, stick to low-THC products or try CBD-only strains. - Avoid Edibles
Edibles are more likely to cause intense psychoactive effects due to the way they’re metabolized. - Choose the Right Strain
Opt for strains known for relaxation and euphoria rather than intense cerebral effects. Blue Dream or Harlequin are good starting points. - Set the Scene
Use cannabis in a comfortable, familiar environment with people you trust. - Know Your Mindset
If you’re already feeling stressed or anxious, it’s better to skip cannabis altogether.
The Double-Edged Sword of Cannabis
Cannabis is a powerful plant. For some, it unlocks creativity, relaxation, and joy. For others, it can tip the scales into anxiety or depersonalization. Neither experience is wrong—it’s just about understanding your limits and using cannabis mindfully.
Depersonalization can feel strange and unsettling, but it’s also a reminder of how deeply cannabis interacts with our minds. If it happens to you, take it as a cue to slow down, reevaluate your dose, and maybe keep the bong hits a little smaller next time.
Because at the end of the day, cannabis should be about connection—not disconnection.
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