Ask an MD: Does Weed Cause Muscle Tension?

Many people enjoy the positive aspects of cannabis: feeling relaxed, happy, and chill. Yet some effects of cannabis can be unsettling, like the distortion of time, memory problems, or difficulty thinking. For most, these are temporary side effects that wear off as the buzz goes away. 

Still, some people experience unpleasant physical symptoms like twitching, sore muscles, or body aches after using cannabis. Does weed cause muscle tension, or is this the result of something else?

Why Do I Twitch When I’m High? Is it Serious or a Common Side Effect?

Some cannabis consumers twitch or have tremors when intoxicated and wonder — is this normal? While it might be an unsettling experience, understanding the science behind it can be reassuring.

Cannabis affects the body in various ways. THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, can change how our body responds to the environment. 

“Cannabis is known to lower body temperature,” says Dr. Brian Kessler, Medical Director of NuggMD. “And at high doses, it potentially causes anxiety, which could lead to both getting twitches and tremors. These are also known as weed shakes.”

It might be comforting to note, “These symptoms should go away, but if you have ongoing symptoms, it’s important to speak to your doctor.” 

A 2008 rat study showed that even small doses of THC lowered the core body temperature. As THC doses increase, the measured body temperature drops even lower. This lower reading could bring on shivers and shakes at higher doses.¹ 

As Dr. Kessler mentions, anxiety can trigger twitching while high. If THC is used at a low starting dose and gradually increased, it usually has anti-anxiety properties. But for others, using a higher amount of THC, anxiety sometimes increases.²  Anxiety is another potential reason for feeling muscle tension and even spasms.

Another cause may be nicotine use. Nicotine can cause tremors.³ Therefore, smoking a blunt or consuming nicotine alongside cannabis could contribute to a twitchy feeling.

Does Weed Cause Muscle Tension? Why Do I Get Muscle Spasms When High?

There are many causes of muscle cramps and spasms. Some, like dehydration or an overused muscle, are usually easy to pinpoint and can be corrected with hydration, electrolytes, or rest. Other more severe causes, like multiple sclerosis or ALS, require a medical diagnosis and treatment. 

Scientists don't fully understand how cannabis affects the brain and body in diseases that cause tremors or uncontrolled movements, although many patients benefit from cannabis treatment.

How you respond to cannabis is very individual, often based on multiple factors like genetic makeup, dosage, and personal sensitivity to THC. Any of these could determine whether you feel muscle tension or relaxation when using cannabis.⁴

But cannabis doesn’t cause muscle spasms or tension for most users. If muscle tension, twitching, or cramps occur when using cannabis, could a reaction to the composition of cannabis be part of the cause? 

Cannabis includes hundreds of compounds, including compounds like THC, CBD, and terpenes. We know that in some cases, THC can cause anxiety, which could contribute to muscle tension. CBD, however, has been shown to reduce anxiety reactions, which may help alleviate muscle spasms and tremors.² It’s possible higher CBD could help with muscles tensing while high. 

Terpenes, the aromatic molecules in cannabis and other plants, may also contribute to the overall positive effects of cannabis. Specific studies on terpenes’ impact on muscle tension and spasms are ongoing.

Another possible cause of muscle tension or twitching comes from the cessation of cannabis use. After prolonged or heavy usage, some experience cannabis withdrawal syndrome (CWS). The body’s CB1 receptors in the brain adapt to regular cannabis intake. Dependence reverses when you stop using cannabis.⁵  Dr. Kessler notes, “Typically, cannabis is known to relieve muscle tension and spasms, but in cases of overdose or cannabis withdrawal, people may experience tremors or shakiness.”

Scientists don't fully understand how cannabis affects the brain and body in diseases that cause tremors or uncontrolled movements, although many patients benefit from cannabis treatment. As we move toward wider medical acceptance, research continues.

Do Edibles Cause Muscle Pain?

Edibles, when consumed, undergo a different metabolic process compared to inhaled cannabis. As they travel through the stomach and liver, edibles elevate the amount of 11-hydroxy-THC to a higher level than smoked cannabis. 11-hydroxy-THC is a potent metabolite and can amplify how the body reacts to THC.⁶ Some people experience more significant pain relief from edibles than from smoking cannabis.

So, do edibles cause muscle pain, or do they actually help alleviate it?

The answer may come down to the dose. 

The impact of edibles on muscle pain is likely dose-dependent. Dr. Kessler cautions, "We do have some research that suggests high doses of THC can cause pain symptoms to worsen, which is why starting at low doses if you’re taking edibles is important."  

Because edibles take longer to produce effects, you risk consuming too much if you don't wait long enough to feel their full impact before taking more. Consuming low to moderate doses might provide relief, whereas higher doses could worsen muscle pain.

Research confirms that frequent heavy cannabis use can cause hyperalgesia, a lower pain threshold, and greater pain sensitivity. For chronic pain patients and those with muscle tension, this effect could make the discomfort even greater. Patients with less cannabis usage report lower pain severity compared to heavy users.⁷ 

So, it may not be just the form of cannabis (edibles or otherwise) that makes muscle tension feel worse, but the frequency and dosage that aggravates the pain. 

How Can I Take Cannabis Without Experiencing Muscle Tension? Are Some Methods Better Than Others?

Choosing the right products in the proper dosage may help you use cannabis without experiencing muscle tension. Cannabis products come in many different forms, but some may offer better protection from the pain of muscle tension. 

What’s the best way to use marijuana for muscle pain? Smoking is an option, but many people prefer other routes.  For safe and long-term use, vaporized and oral mucosal delivery, like tinctures or oral sprays, are recommended to treat nerve or muscle pain.⁸ Topicals offer direct relief at muscle pain points and aren’t intoxicating.⁹  Dr. Kessler agrees, "Patients may also find that topicals and vaporization are good options for relief.” Edibles are also effective for long-lasting comfort.

Selecting the correct ratio of THC to CBD can preempt muscle pain. Focusing on pain-relieving CBD and lower THC may avoid aggravating pain sensations. 

It’s worth considering the available terpenes and their role in pain relief. Although hundreds of terpenes are found in cannabis, myrcene, the most abundant terpene in cannabis, is frequently cited by patients for its analgesic (pain-reducing) effect.¹⁰ 

Other terpenes with reported pain-relieving properties include limonene, geraniol, and borneol.¹¹ Both linalool and camphene may also reduce pain sensitivity.¹² Menthol is popular, especially in topical applications. Anti-inflammatory terpenes such as pinene may protect tissue and promote healing.¹³

Overall, Dr. Kessler recommends and current research suggests “starting with low doses of THC, terpenes like limonene, linalool, myrcene, pinene, and more, plus the addition of CBD, may be beneficial for patients experiencing pain."  Lower THC strains can lessen the chance of tolerance-related issues.

Flavinoids, along with cannabinoids and terpenes, round out the beneficial mix. All three combine to produce the entourage effect and enhance the overall usefulness of cannabis. About twenty known flavonoid compounds are in cannabis, including apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin. These flavonoids act similarly to terpenes, adding anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties to lessen muscle tension.¹¹

How Can I Minimize the Chances of Muscle Tension, Spasms, or Body Aches When Smoking Weed or Taking Edibles?

Using cannabis, whether through smoking or edibles, can sometimes lead to muscle tension, spasms, or body aches. To minimize these risks, try these actionable tips:

• Start with Low Doses of THC: As Dr.  Kessler advises, “It is recommended that you start at low doses of THC and incorporate cannabinoids like CBD to limit any potential adverse effects.” A ‘start low and go slow’ approach helps in adjusting your dose and your body's reaction to cannabis.
• Incorporate CBD: Using products that balance THC with CBD can help mitigate some of the unwanted muscle-related effects. CBD is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.⁷
• Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated during and eat before cannabis use. This can prevent dehydration-related muscle issues.
• Choose the Right Product: Opt for products with third-party lab-verified potency for safety. Whatever formulation you choose—flowers, edibles, or tinctures—always be careful with your dose.
• Avoid Overuse: Monitor your frequency of use to avoid a lower pain threshold and greater pain sensitivity. Moderation is key.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust your usage accordingly. If you experience adverse effects, consider reducing the dose or changing the product.

You can enjoy the benefits of cannabis and minimize the risk of muscle-related discomfort. Because individual reactions can vary,  find what works best for you. Always consult your healthcare provider for questions and concerns about muscle aches and tension.

References

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