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Cannabis is not considered a traditional hallucinogen, as it typically doesn't cause true hallucinations or a loss of reality. However, products containing higher levels of THC can possibly affect perception, thoughts, and sensory awareness in some people. This may include feeling that time is distorted, heightened sensory experiences, or changes in mood or focus. In some cases, this may be because medication isn’t being consumed as prescribed.
These effects vary widely between individuals and are influenced by factors such as dose, tolerance, and personal sensitivity. For example it’s more likely to experience the above at higher doses or in those who are sensitive to THC, which is why medical cannabis use is always carefully prescribed and monitored.
Let’s rewind slightly. The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these natural compounds, and they’re what you’ll see most often when researching medical cannabis.
Although THC and CBD have many similar potential medical benefits, they can have different effects. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
Since 2018, medical cannabis, containing both THC and CBD, has been legally available in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf. You can find out if you’re eligible for a medical cannabis prescription by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.
Please note: Cannabis-based medicines are prescription-only medicines. They may not be suitable for everyone, and eligibility is determined by independent clinical assessment. Treatment is not first-line and outcomes vary; benefits are not guaranteed, and side effects and risks exist.
How THC Affects the Brain
Medical cannabis works in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS. This is a messenger and receptor system that plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD and THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body. And that’s why medical cannabis can potentially have positive effects for different conditions.
But does cannabis cause hallucinations? Let’s explore.
Is Cannabis Considered a Hallucinogen?
Cannabis is not generally classified as a hallucinogen in the same way as substances like LSD or psilocybin, which can cause vivid hallucinations and profound alterations in reality. Instead, cannabis, particularly products containing THC, may lead to milder perceptual changes, such as altered time perception, enhanced sensory awareness, or changes in thought patterns. THC effects on perception are usually dose-dependent and vary from person to person, which is why cannabis is more commonly described as a psychoactive substance rather than a classic hallucinogen.
The key takeaway is to follow the guidance of your clinician when it comes to consuming your medical cannabis prescription, and speak to them if you’re experiencing THC-related perception changes or any other unwanted medical cannabis side effects. Medical cannabis is monitored and regulated, so you know exactly what you're consuming and how much you should be consuming.
Who May Be More at Risk of Experiencing Hallucinations?
Some people may be more likely to experience hallucination-like effects from cannabis than others. Higher doses of THC are more commonly linked to these experiences, particularly in individuals who are new to cannabis or especially sensitive to its effects.
People with underlying mental health conditions, such as a personal or family history of psychosis, may also be at increased risk. Which is why if you have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify for a medical cannabis prescription with Alternaleaf. Careful screening, cautious dosing, and medical supervision are especially important when cannabis is used in a medical context.
To be eligible for a medical cannabis prescription, you need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition and evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for that condition. Medical cannabis can only be prescribed by specialist doctors, and prescriptions are only available to eligible patients under doctor supervision - usually through licensed medical cannabis clinics like Alternaleaf.
It’s only prescribed when other conventional treatments have not been effective or have caused unwanted side effects. This ensures that patients receive it only when clinically appropriate, as part of a regulated and supervised care plan.
If you’re pregnant, we also won’t prescribe to you. Treatment is carefully monitored and tailored to individual needs, and you can easily find out if you qualify by completing our 30 second eligibility checker.
What Should You Do If You Experience Unusual Side Effects?
If you experience unusual or unwanted side effects while consuming medical cannabis, it’s important to contact your prescribing clinician as soon as possible. Avoid adjusting your medication on your own, as symptoms may be linked to dose, formulation, or individual sensitivity.
A healthcare professional, like our friendly clinicians at Alternaleaf, can assess what’s happening and recommend safe next steps, such as adjusting the dose or exploring alternative options, to ensure your treatment remains appropriate and well managed. This ensures cannabis is prescribed safely in the UK.
FAQs
Can cannabis make you see things that aren’t there?
Cannabis is not a traditional hallucinogen, but high levels of THC may potentially cause temporary perceptual changes in some people. This may feel like you’re seeing or sensing things differently than usual. Following the guidance of your clinician, or speaking to them if you experience this, is always best.
Is medical cannabis safer than recreational cannabis?
Medical cannabis is generally considered safer than recreational cannabis because it is prescribed by a specialist, carefully dosed, and monitored for quality and patient response, whereas recreational use is unregulated and unsupervised. We’ve got lots more information on medical vs recreational cannabis here.
Does CBD cause hallucinations?
No, CBD is non-psychoactive and does not cause hallucinations.
Who should avoid high-THC medical cannabis?
People with a history of psychosis, or schizophrenia, as well as those who are particularly sensitive to THC, should generally avoid high-THC medical cannabis unless specifically advised by a specialist doctor. This is due to higher medical cannabis mental health risks. But, again, your clinician is the best person to advise on this, and you should always follow their guidance.
Summary
Hopefully we’ve cleared things up and busted some cannabis hallucinations myths, as well as explained some of the science behind medical cannabis and how it works in the body.
If you’re considering medical cannabis, the best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.