I just wanted to relax. But instead, I begin to experience extremely unpleasant sensations. First is the pins and needles sensation, it's everywhere, starts in the back of my throat and then travels all over my body. It sucks! Then I expect that the next part is from being far too high, despite only a few drags or the recommended dose of the edible. I think it's paranoia but I start to believe that I lived someone else's life (whomever is in the room talking to me) before this one and I know what they're about to say because I have said it. Or that I'm the center of the universe and so on. As if that's not bad enough, it becomes impossible for me to understand time, 5 minutes feels like an hour or more, and then it's just me reassuring myself or getting someone to talk me down until I can function. It's stressful as fuck and very disorienting. I don't know if I want to risk that again but I was really hoping for a fun little escape from reality and chronic pain and depression. Maybe even a few giggles as I watch cartoons or whatever, something more fun than this! I am at a point where I think that this just isn't for me.
Interestingly, this sounds a lot like my early experiences with acid. You may be incredibly sensitive to the effects of THC, causing you to reach levels of psychedelic experience at far lower doses than average. What is "the recommended dose of the edible"? Because even 5-10mg THC can be a lot for a new or highly sensitive user. Do you have access to proper microdosing options? I have options in my dispensary with less than 1mg/dose that many of my more sensitive customers and patients take, some with meaningfully more CBD. If 0.125MG THC/2.5mg CBD from a dispensary (so you can better trust the dosing) gives you this level of psychedelic effects, you might just need to avoid THC.
Alternatively, have you tried Delta 8 THC edibles? D8 has a very, very light head high. It is much more of a subtle body chill than Delta 9. Just makes sure you're getting a safe and reputable brand from a seller you trust, because there is no regulation. You could also try CBN, the "sleep cannabinoid." It should have zero of the psychedelic effects of THC, but is a mild to moderate sedative. Maybe just the safe relief of some tension and anxiety could give you the escape you're looking for. I always mix CBN with my THC when I really need to shake off something bad. The extra sedative effect always pushes me over the edge to relaxed.