What Are Weed Shakes and Are They Dangerous?
Weed shakes or cannabis shakes are rare involuntary tremors that marijuana users might experience, although in very rare circumstances. Weed shakes usually occur due to high amounts of THC in the body, but there is almost always a combination of other factors as well. Here’s everything you need to know about weed shakes or cannabis shakes, and how to deal with them if they ever happen to you.
Weed shakes might happen to both novice and regular cannabis users. These are involuntary muscle tremors and twitches that people might experience after using cannabis. For example, it might occur when going to bed in the evening after smoking too many joints, and it can feel like having a fever. Of course, at first you may wonder what’s wrong, but before you know the strange effect will dissipate.
Why Do Weed Shakes Happen?
There are various factors that can lead to experiencing body shakes related to cannabis use. The main reason for cannabis shakes would be consuming more significant doses of THC. Higher doses of THC can overstimulate certain receptors in the body, and that can manifest as in shakes, shivering and tremors. There could also be other side effects when the weed shakes happen, including palpitations, anxiety, and even paranoia.
However, while weed shakes might seem scary at first, they pass quickly and they’re harmless. But they are a sign of your body saying that you probably had a bit too much, and that you should be more mindful with your cannabis use next time.
Here’s a list of factors that may contribute to cannabis shakes:
- Using an extremely potent cannabis strain or product
- Smoking a lot of cigarettes along with using weed
- Drinking too much alcohol or soda beverages in combination with weed
- The method of consumption (e.g., eating edibles or smoking pot might not be the best delivery method for you)
- Low blood sugar or using weed without eating anything
- THC-induced hypothermia or body temperature drop (e.g., combining weed with too many cold drinks)
How Long Does It Take for Weed Shakes to End?
In general, the body is pretty quick to stabilize after a bout of weed shakes. If it ever occurs, shaking from cannabis may last for a few minutes and up to 20-30 minutes at the most. It would also depend on how much time it takes for that excess THC to leave the body. Therefore, it’s good to do things that can help flush out THC faster.
Here’s how to deal with the weed shakes:
- Drink water and go to urinate
- Stop taking any more stimulants (weed, nicotine, alcohol or coffee)
- If you’ve been in a seated position for too long, move around a little
- If you’re feeling cold and shaking, cover yourself with a blanket and try to sleep
Finally, try not to panic. Remember that tremors, anxiety, or anything else that you might experience as an adverse side effect from marijuana, it will pass. In a moment like that, it helps to engage in activities that can calm you down, such as playing some music or cuddling your pet.
How Dangerous Are Cannabis Shakes?
Most of the time, there’s no real danger from experiencing weed shakes. Again, it’s just the way of your body telling that you had a bit too much fun. If your overall health is good, you should dismiss the shakes as a short-lived and benign side effect from smoking weed or eating too strong edibles.
On the other hand, weed shakes may indicate another medical condition you might be struggling with, or simply a low THC tolerance. Ask for medical help in case you feel growing discomfort, panic, and trouble breathing after using marijuana.
Bottom line, weed shakes or cannabis shakes are more like a warning to know your limits with marijuana, and a reminder to use it responsibly.
Also read on Soft Secrets:
- Does Hotboxing Really Make You Higher?
S
Stephen Andrews
