Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Numbness In The Hands After Smoking Marijuana?
Question: Son smoked weed 24 hours ago; has numbess in hands and body 24 hours later. He has loss of feeling all over body and feels everything is in slow motion. He is having a hard time going to sleep. Should I take him to doctor? I have never heard of such a side effect.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Regarding whether marijuana can cause such effects, yes, it certainly can. It alters neurotransmitter balance in the brain and as that balance is very fragile and complex, variable among individuals, its effects are variable as well and not always enjoyable. About 25 % of people experience anxiety and panic attacks after consuming cannabis. Sensory distortions such as the ones you describe are common as well. So I am not surprised by what he is experience and do not find a cause for panic.
The only thing which is somewhat atypical is the duration of the symptoms, usually effect wears of on about 6 hours, so 24 hours is unusual. However metabolism characteristics may vary between individuals. May also be not so much a direct effect of the drug now, so much as a psychological reaction to these new sensations, making for the fear and anxiety to persist even after the drug has worn off.
So I wouldn't rush to a doctor right now as there is probably not much he can do, would try only to reassure him. If the issue persist over the following 24 hours, perhaps seeing the physician may be considered in order to have a general check up and if everything looks normal and anxiety is considered to be the culprit an antianxiety medication may be given for a few days (hopefully won't be necessary).
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Regarding whether marijuana can cause such effects, yes, it certainly can. It alters neurotransmitter balance in the brain and as that balance is very fragile and complex, variable among individuals, its effects are variable as well and not always enjoyable. About 25 % of people experience anxiety and panic attacks after consuming cannabis. Sensory distortions such as the ones you describe are common as well. So I am not surprised by what he is experience and do not find a cause for panic.
The only thing which is somewhat atypical is the duration of the symptoms, usually effect wears of on about 6 hours, so 24 hours is unusual. However metabolism characteristics may vary between individuals. May also be not so much a direct effect of the drug now, so much as a psychological reaction to these new sensations, making for the fear and anxiety to persist even after the drug has worn off.
So I wouldn't rush to a doctor right now as there is probably not much he can do, would try only to reassure him. If the issue persist over the following 24 hours, perhaps seeing the physician may be considered in order to have a general check up and if everything looks normal and anxiety is considered to be the culprit an antianxiety medication may be given for a few days (hopefully won't be necessary).
I hope to have been of help.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
