What are the Weed Shakes?

While rare, there is a phenomenon where you may start shaking as though you’re cold due to THC overconsumption or other factors. The cannabis community refers to this as the “weed shakes.” While cannabis shakes are likely nothing to be highly concerned about, some causes are more severe than others. Let’s go over potential reasons for and how to get over the weed shakes.

The Basics of Cannabis Shakes

Weed shakes occur due to involuntary tremors or muscle spasms when consuming cannabis, particularly high THC products. While the shakes associated with drug and alcohol withdrawal can be alarming, cannabis shakes are usually temporary and less dangerous. They are often caused by an overwhelmed nervous system combined with THC-induced anxiety.

Cannabis is known to be a relatively safe plant for humans, though the weed shakes are pretty common and usually harmless. Like other adverse effects of too much cannabis consumption, such as nausea, high blood pressure, or increased heart rate, they don’t last long.

Causes of The Shakes

Various factors, including behavioral and temperature effects, can cause cannabis users to experience shakes after smoking weed. We’ll go over five potential reasons for the weed shakes below.

Over Stimulation

Nicotine and caffeine are stimulants that can excite the nervous system and boost dopamine in the bloodstream, so they are best avoided with high THC products. They can cause the shakes due to overstimulation of the nerves.

Cold Surroundings

Cannabis can cause a “THC-induced hypothermia” effect that makes you feel colder than you should in slightly cold environments. The chills produced represent a slight drop in body temperature, which a blanket or hot shower can fix. Your body could also shiver because you’re in a cold environment; cannabis can enhance senses and feelings.

Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety and paranoia can be caused by consuming THC-rich cannabis, which can overstimulate the amygdala to increase fear and anxiety. If these alarming symptoms happen, try to breathe and calm down; they will pass eventually.

Blood Sugar

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) maintains homeostasis in the body, including glucose balance. The cannabinoid receptors within your muscles can cause these tremors or shakes. Long-term weed users are more sensitive to insulin fluctuations than those who consume less cannabis with THC, and sometimes underlying health conditions can worsen the tremors.

Consuming Too Much THC

Overconsumption of THC cannabis is often the primary reason behind getting weed shakes. Not to worry, there are many ways to calm down from too much THC or an overly intense high.

How long do they last?

Typically, cannabis shakes don’t last too long, though the duration can depend on the amount taken and consumption method. If you smoked weed, the shakes should subside in about twenty to thirty minutes. Edible highs can last longer, so they may continue for up to an hour.

Prevention & Remedies

There are a few ways to prevent or remedy the weed shakes. They include light exercise, adjusting your environment, and more.

Light Exercise

Stand up, move around, or go for a short walk. If you feel overwhelmed by weed shakes, a change of pace may help. Take slow deep breaths, or try a light exercise like yoga. Refocusing your energy will help you stay grounded and ease tense muscles so you don’t get the shakes.

Get Cozy

Make sure you are in a comfortable environment. If you are at home, grab your favorite blanket and put on a funny film to distract the mind. You could also try a warm shower or bath or make yourself a snack to ease the effects of THC.

Supplement with CBD

Cannabidiol CBD is a chemical found in marijuana, and the cannabis plant is used to manage various health conditions such as inflammatory and neuropathic pain. CBD is found in marijuana, hemp, and the Cannabis Sativa plant. Hemp-derived CBD products do not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical in marijuana that causes psychoactive effects referred to as a high. CBD manages various conditions, from skin irritation to neurodegenerative disease. More research is constantly being done to learn more about CBD and its benefit to those with illnesses.

High CBD strains can potentially offset anxiety symptoms from the weed shakes. They include the following: 

Critical Cure is an Indica-dominant cannabis strain with a lovely balance of CBD and THC percentages at around eight percent each. This hybrid cannabis strain is quick-acting and long-lasting with mildly psychoactive effects. This descendant of Critical Kush will relieve tension, ease muscles, and provide a sense of satisfaction.

Ringo’s Gift is a high CBD strain with an average CBD-to-THC ratio of 13:1; strains as high as 20:1 have been cultivated. Users boast relief for stress, anxiety, and insomnia, among other ailments, from this Sativa dominant hybrid strain. 

ACDC is a strain with fourteen percent CBD. It has very little THC, so there won’t be a high associated with this one. It’s a great one for morning or evening and will leave you happy, relaxed, and pain-free. If you are going to be public speaking, these high CBD cannabis strains may be just the calming, clear-headed weed to try out.

Hawaiian Haze is produced by Botany Farms and is nearly THC-free. This is one of the best marijuana strains to promote cerebral stimulation and focus, with almost 20 percent CBD. Cannabidiol CBD maintains a sense of calm without the psychoactive effects brought on by THC.

Don’t Panic

If you’re feeling anxious, shaky, or paranoid, try to take deep, slow breaths to activate the vagus nerve and calm the nervous system. Activating a parasympathetic state helps the body relax by canceling the fight or flight mode.

Lower THC levels

The amount of THC in a strain could be responsible for anxiety and weed shakes. If that’s the case, switching to less THC or more CBD and terpenes like pinene and linalool may work better for your body.
There are hundreds of cannabis strains on the market, many of which help with relaxation and calming stress.

Avoid Using Stimulants

Avoid combining caffeine or nicotine when you smoke weed. Avoiding central nervous system stimulants will help keep the nervous system calm and prevent shakiness.

Weed Hangover

Can the shaky effects of smoking weed carry over to the next day, similar to an alcohol hangover? Higher doses, especially of Sativa strains, could produce a groggy feeling in the morning, but the shakes should subside, unlike with an alcohol hangover. However, rather than a hangover, it feels like the day after taking Nyquil or a sleeping pill. If you have an active lifestyle and don’t want to feel sleepy during the day, try smaller doses before bed and possibly choose different cannabis cultivars for balance so you can feel the positive effects without the rest.

In Conclusion

Weed shakes can be a frightening experience, but they are a relatively harmless side effect of cannabis with various remedies. Be aware of your body and its cannabis tolerance, as well as your surrounding environment, to avoid experiencing weed shakes. Remember, don’t panic, They don’t last that long, and there are ways to stop them or at least make them last a shorter amount of time. Take some deep breaths, get cozy, and add some CBD for the best results. Try various strains with balanced cannabinoids and terpenes to find your best cannabis products.