Maybe you shouldn't watch horror movies while high

Halloween is a great time of year for trick-and-treating…but if you want to indulge in some marijuana, you might want to watch real-life horror movies.

October is the month of Halloween and horror films. There are numerous film marathons and film festivals as well as special screenings in cinemas. But it may not be right for the growing mainstream embrace of cannabis. Maybe you shouldn't watch horror movies when you're high. Horror is the fastest growing film genre, doubling its market share from 4.87 percent in 2013 to 10.08 percent in 2023. As The Conjuring Universe, Us, Talk to Me, and More Capture the Imagination, Marijuana's Effects on the Mind May Be Fading You pause.

It is generally believed that the first horror film was the 1896 short Le Manoir du Diable. This three-minute short film was created by French filmmaker Georges Méliès, who is also credited with inventing many filmmaking techniques and tricks.

Watching horror films under the influence of cannabis can lead to a particularly intense experience, but it is often associated with significant disadvantages. Here are several reasons why you might want to reconsider this combination.

The shining one

Cannabis can increase feelings of fear and paranoia that are already present in horror films. The suspenseful music, sudden anxiety attacks, and disturbing images combined with the psychoactive effects of marijuana can be overwhelming. Many viewers report a heightened state of consciousness that can turn a thrilling scare into a panic-inducing moment, making the experience anything but pleasant.

When you're stoned, your perception of reality can change dramatically. Horror films often blur the lines between fiction and reality. Under the influence, this distortion can feel even stronger. This increased sense of immersion could lead to confusion or fear that what's happening on the screen could somehow affect you in real life. For example, films like The Thing and Hellraiser are particularly known for their ability to evoke intense feelings of claustrophobia and fear, which can develop into a bad trip if viewed while high.

Certain horror films are notorious for inducing “bad trips,” especially in people who may already be prone to anxiety or have had negative experiences with substances. Films that deal with psychological or body horror – such as “Tusk” or “The Trip” – can trigger distressing thoughts or feelings that last long after the film ends. Experts recommend avoiding these films if you are not in a stable mental state.

There are some exceptions. Comedy or old school horror can be fun. The original Frankenstein or the young Frankenstein can be great. Some of the sexy campy horror films of the 1970s can be entertaining and interesting. Also scary film, The Cabin in the Woods, Trolls, Little Shop of Horrors.