We all probably have at least one friend who, while smoking cannabis, gets all high and paranoid with just a couple of hits.
And then, there are ones who just hog on the bong claiming that the dose isn’t working for them. Some of them don’t even leave cookies after their stash gets over!
But has it ever crossed your mind why it happens? I mean, why for some people even a small amount of cannabis is enough to get high, while others need a whole farm? (Well, not literally, obviously!) There must be a reason behind this.
Well, actually, there’re many.
While consuming cannabis, there are actually a lot of things that go into making your experience what it turns out to be. And in this article, we’ll be talking about them one by one. So, whether you are just a recreational user, or are thinking of going for 420 evaluations in San Diego and using the herb as a medicine, you should read this further. The knowledge may help you make your future cannabis experiences a lot better.
Genes
Our genes play a very major role in determining how we react to different things. And this includes CBD and THC too.
When we talk about cannabis and the human body, researchers believe that there are at least 20 percent US adults who have a very different genetic mutation, which has resulted in a significant increase in their endocannabinoid level. So, if you are one of those 20 percent, you’re a lot less prone to THC anxiety. However, your body may also be inefficient in reacting effectively with CBD and THC. This is because of the higher concentration of cannabinoids in your body.
If the endocannabinoid level of your body is on the contrary side, you become more prone to the psychedelic effects of THC. However, the overall positive effects will also be easier to attain. So, we can say that this deficiency has its perks. For instance, you’ll save money on supplies. However, you also need to be attentive toward how much you consume.
Biochemistry
Do you know, our body is like a very complex laboratory? In fact, even at this very moment, there are millions of biochemical processes happening all around your body. From electrical signals traveling from one place to another, to breakdown of glucose, to protein formation by your cells, there is so much going around in almost every part of your body.
Now, you should note that whenever you consume cannabis, the effects also depend on these reactions that are taking place at that exact moment. If you are an experienced user, you perhaps have felt it that at certain times you don’t feel the herb much effective, while at other times, it works completely fine. This may be due to your biochemistry at those times.
The biochemistry of a person changes with time. And it can be affected by various factors, including your genetics, diet, lifestyle, habits, stress level, medications, medical conditions, etc. Given this, sometimes cannabis may give you an intense high, while at other moments, you may not feel it to be that effective.
Gender
Well, I totally accept that all human beings are equal. However, marijuana doesn’t understand this. The compounds in the cannabis plant react to men and women differently. And trust me, it’s not a bias in any way, but only a fact.
For instance, after smoking cannabis, men are a lot more prone to munchies as compared to women. Whereas the health effects of the herb are more prominent in females. Furthermore, ladies usually need a lesser amount of cannabis comparatively for experiencing the pain-relieving effects.
In addition to this, the research also suggests that THC may have stronger effects if the estrogen levels in the body are high. All the above things suggest that cannabis reacts differently to males and females.
Tolerance
You probably are already familiar with the fact that with a continuous usage of cannabis, your body develops a natural tolerance toward it. So, if you have been using it for some time, you will need a higher dosage to get the same effects that you used to when you first started it.
You should, however, note that these effects are only seen with THC. Interestingly, CBD doesn’t form this type of tolerance. Having said that, there still are a few people who claim forming tolerance toward CBD too. And thus, we need some further research into the subject.
Health Condition
Having a medical condition may also have some effects on your body’s endocannabinoid system and biochemistry. And this may have an effect on how cannabis reacts with your body. For instance, a person who is suffering from a condition, like PTSD or anxiety, will have a slightly different reaction to the drug as compared to a completely healthy individual. A PTSD patient, instead of getting high of a THC-rich strain, may feel better and calmer.
However, you should note that, sometimes, even a slight cold or fever may change your response to cannabinoids.
Cannabinoid Profile of Your Strain
You probably have heard it a lot- not all strains are created equal.
The cannabinoid profile of every strain is different. And today, we have so many different types of strains to choose from. Some are high in THC, some have CBD, while others are a balance between these two. Researchers believe that every strain has its own effects on your body. As per the studies, the strains that are high in CBD are not intoxicating. In fact, it is believed that CBD may counter the effects of THC, including the feeling of paranoia and anxiety.
So, in short, if you are consuming a THC-rich strain, you will feel more intoxicated. While CBD-rich strains are more on the therapeutic side. Considering this, if you don’t want to get high, abstain from a high THC strain.
Environment
Some researchers claim that the environment in which you consume cannabis also has some effect on how the herb will react to your body. Consuming it at a place you are most comfortable, and with the people you can trust, can significantly enhance your overall experience. As cannabis works by amplifying your current feelings, it will make you feel more relaxed and give you a very nice and positive buzz.
In short, if you consume your marijuana with positivity in your mind, you’ll feel even more amazing. However, if you are anxious and not in the right mood and setting, the effects of the plant will take you further down that road.
Final Thoughts
As per the research, the cannabis plant contains more than a hundred different compounds. So, if someone tells you such a complex plant will have the same effects on everyone, they might be kidding.
The above-given facts clearly state that marijuana has the ability to affect everyone differently. And there are several reasons behind it. This information can come in quite handy if you have just been to 420 evaluations in San Diego and got your MMJ card. When using the herb as a medicine, the above facts can help you get a clear idea of how the herb may affect you and why. And this way you can mold your cannabis experience in the best way possible.