I think one of the most interesting things about weed is that it makes some people more relaxed and some people more anxious. It's bizarre that the same drug could have totally opposite reactions. I wonder if the anxiety comes from the illegality and/or the social stigmas it still has.

It can cause both of those response in the same person. Even within the same session

In my experiences, weed simply enhances whatever you are already feeling. This seems to hold true for psychological states as well as sensory input.

If you're already anxious, you'll become more anxious. If you're relaxed, you'll become more relaxed. If you're drunk, you'll be more drunk. Food is tastier. Music is more musical.

It just makes everything more. As a once in a while thing, I find this enhancement useful.

most people who aren't regular users have only ever tried one or two strains, while others of us have tried _hundreds_. some strains are more likely to cause anxiety or paranoia in people susceptible to that.

Why would you want to be a bigger fan then ? Are there upsides too ?

There are clearly upsides to it, otherwise people wouldn't use it. I have friends and family that use it and love it. It's a bit frustrating to see them enjoy it so much whereas it produces net negative effects for myself.

I've heard Indica strains can cause that more often that Sativa. I'm in the "never tried it" camp though, so I'm not an authority.

My understanding is that the importance of the indica-sativa dichotomy has been vastly exaggerated and that whatever differences exist between strains are more complicated. Think of something like a fingerprint that specifies the levels of various cannabinoids.

sativa strains are more associated with anxiety. indica are more associated with couch lock and falling asleep. most strains are a hybrid of the two, and lean one way or the other.