Published on: 3/5/2025
Some people do feel detached or "numb" after using marijuana because it can change the way your brain works, and these feelings are a type of depersonalization.
When you smoke or use marijuana, it can change blood flow and how your brain processes things. For some people, this results in feeling like you’re not fully connected to yourself. You might feel as if you are watching yourself from outside or that everything feels unreal. This sensation is known as depersonalization. Not everyone has these experiences, but it can happen, especially in people who are more sensitive to marijuana’s effects or who use it in higher quantities. These feelings usually pass as the effects of the marijuana wear off. However, if you often feel detached or disconnected after using weed, or if it makes you really upset, it might be a good idea to talk with a trusted adult or healthcare professional. They can help you understand these responses and find ways to feel better. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health, and there are lots of people who can help you if these feelings become too strong.
(References)
Mathew RJ, Wilson WH, Tant SR. Acute changes in cerebral blood flow associated with marijuana smoking. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1989 Feb;79(2):118-28. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1989.tb08579.x. PMID: 2923005.
Mathew RJ, Wilson WH, Humphreys D, Lowe JV, Weithe KE. Depersonalization after marijuana smoking. Biol Psychiatry. 1993 Mar 15;33(6):431-41. doi: 10.1016/0006-3223(93)90171-9. PMID: 8490070.
Hürlimann F, Kupferschmid S, Simon AE. Cannabis-induced depersonalization disorder in adolescence. Neuropsychobiology. 2012;65(3):141-6. doi: 10.1159/000334605. Epub 2012 Feb 25. PMID: 22378193.
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