Does Cannabis Make You Angry? | Mood Effects & Mental Health

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Does Cannabis Make You Angry?

Cannabis is widely associated with relaxation and calm—but not everyone experiences it that way. Some users report feelings of irritability, anger, or mood swings, especially when using cannabis regularly or coming off it.

So, does cannabis make you angry? The answer depends on how much you use, how often, and your mental health profile.

Can Cannabis Directly Cause Anger?

For most people, cannabis is more likely to reduce aggression than cause it, at least in the short term. However, there are situations where cannabis use may contribute to irritability, agitation, or even bursts of anger—particularly under certain conditions.

1. Cannabis Withdrawal

One of the most common causes of irritability or anger linked to cannabis is withdrawal. This can occur when frequent users suddenly stop.

Symptoms may include:

  • Irritability or frustration

  • Anger outbursts

  • Anxiety

  • Sleep disruption

A study published in the journal Addiction found that up to 30% of regular cannabis users report withdrawal symptoms, with irritability among the most common.

2. Heavy or Long-Term Use

Long-term or heavy use of cannabis—particularly strains high in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)—has been associated with emotional blunting, mood swings, or difficulty regulating emotions in some users.

One recent study (2024) showed a bidirectional relationship between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and pathological reactive aggression, meaning people with CUD may be more prone to anger—and those with anger issues may be more likely to misuse cannabis.

3. Underlying Mental Health Conditions

Cannabis can interact negatively with pre-existing mental health conditions, especially:

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Psychosis or schizophrenia

  • Anxiety disorders

In people with these conditions, cannabis use may exacerbate emotional dysregulation, leading to mood swings or anger episodes.

4. Individual Sensitivity

Some people simply don’t respond well to cannabis, even at low doses. If you’ve ever felt edgy, paranoid, or easily frustrated after using cannabis, it could be due to:

  • Your THC tolerance

  • The strain (some cause more anxiety than others)

  • Set and setting (your mental state and environment)

In these cases, anger might not be the norm—but it can happen.

Does Cannabis Cause Violence?

Despite historical claims (often rooted in anti-cannabis propaganda), most evidence does not support a direct link between cannabis use and violence. In fact, cannabis is more commonly associated with reduced aggression, particularly when compared to alcohol.

However, certain individuals—particularly those with substance misuse issues or psychiatric disorders—may become more irritable or volatile while using or withdrawing from cannabis.

Final Word

Cannabis doesn’t make most people angry—but it can in certain situations, especially during withdrawal or when underlying mental health issues are present. Regular users may notice mood swings, frustration, or emotional sensitivity—particularly when cutting back or quitting.

If you’re experiencing persistent anger or irritability and use cannabis regularly, it’s worth:

  • Reducing dosage or frequency

  • Monitoring your mood over time

  • Speaking to a GP or mental health professional

Understanding how your body and brain respond to cannabis is key to using it safely—if at all.