For the most part, weed is known for one thing: getting you high. But other than giving you feelings of relaxation and contentment, weed can also have other effects on your body—some of which may even be good for your overall health.
That said, you must also understand that weed’s effects can vary depending on various factors. Essentially, how weed can affect your body may hinge upon your genes, biological makeup, tolerance level, and health status. To add to that, different strains of cannabis can have vastly different effects—proving that the weed experience is not entirely universal.
Whether you’re new to marijuana or a seasoned enthusiast, it’s always a good idea to know the common effects of marijuana in line with your body’s unique responses. This article will discuss what these effects are, along with how certain demographics may experience the herb differently.
When discussing the effects of marijuana, it’s important to mention how it makes you a zen person by soothing your emotions. Cannabis Indica is a strain that’s mostly associated with this effect, with most dispensaries claiming that this strain has a sedative quality. Indica also has higher levels of THC than CBD, making it a “strong” type of strain since it contains more of weed’s main psychoactive element. People with insomnia mostly benefit from this strain, which is often recommended for use at night. Because of its relaxing effects, Indica may also help people struggling with anxiety, stress, and depression.
So if you have sleep-related issues or feel generally overwhelmed, it may help to ask a reliable dispensary about their Indica products and schedule a hemp delivery with them soon.
On the other side of the fence is Cannabis Sativa, which has higher CBD content and lesser THC levels than Indica. Sativa is known to have an energizing effect, which is why most people consume this strain during the day. Sativa is also regarded as a mood-lifter and has helped people suffering from exhaustion, depression, mood disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Aside from Indica and Sativa, there are other weed strains that combine the supposed effects of Indica and Sativa. Some of the most popular hybrid strains for mood-boosting include Sour Diesel and Blue Dream.
Although weed is mostly associated with that satisfying and rewarding mental high, it also can induce serious psychiatric and neurological side effects. While some people experience mildly satisfying sensations, others may experience paranoia, schizophrenia, and various cognitive issues. Essentially, how your system will react largely depends on these factors:
Genetic Makeup
According to preliminary studies, some adults have a genetic mutation that causes the body to produce more endocannabinoids. The higher your endocannabinoid levels, the less prone you are to experiencing THC-induced anxiety. On the other hand, if you have below-average levels of endocannabinoids, you are more likely to feel the THC effects more intensely.
Diet and Biochemistry
You may be aware that some people get drunk faster than others, and this is largely the same case with weed. Each of us has a unique biochemistry, which dictates pretty much every internal reaction occurring inside our bodies—from protein formation and metabolism to the electrical impulses to our nerves.
Over time, your biochemical balance shifts in line with changes in your lifestyle, medical conditions, and medicine intake, among others. For instance, some studies suggest that consuming more omega-3 fatty acids might improve endocannabinoid synthesis, which might help in savoring the benefits of weed.
It is also for this reason that people who need to regularly take medicines or have certain medical conditions must consult a doctor before partaking in weed. Marijuana might cause adverse reactions when mixed with medications and might not be the best for people with chemical imbalances in their bodies.
Gender
Men and women experience weed differently, and the reason for this lies in gender-specific hormones. Generally speaking, women are more sensitive to the effects of the herb than men. This is especially true during the time of the month, which is when a woman’s estrogen levels have peaked. THC, which works with estrogen, delivers more intense effects when estrogen starts to decline after hitting the peak.
Age
Minors are generally discouraged from using marijuana, and for good reason. During adolescence, the brain is yet to become fully formed. Prolonged use is likely to interfere with a teen’s developing brain, impacting neurotransmitter activity and overall cognitive function. On top of that, excessive use might lead to worsened paranoia and schizophrenia if the user has underlying mental issues.
Tolerance Level
As a rule of thumb, people who continually use cannabis are more likely to build tolerance. So if your body is not used to the herb, the THC-induced effects may be more intense. However, it’s still being debated whether regular CBD use is likely to make you more tolerant to weed.
Providing relief from chronic or short-term pain is one of the most common non-recreational uses of marijuana. This is because THC stimulates the cannabinoid receptors in your brain, signaling your body’s reward system and reducing your pain levels. And because women are more sensitive to weed, they are also more likely to feel weed’s painkilling properties than men.
Some of the cannabis strains that are popular for alleviating pain are Purple Kush, which is said to relieve temporary pain, and Blue Dream, which helps manage migraine, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue.
Most people get hungry after a hit or two, and this may be because of THC. In a nutshell, THC boosts your appetite by binding to cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), which triggers the “hunger” signals in your brain. Some experts also suggest that marijuana releases the hormone ghrelin in your stomach, which then signals your brain that it is hungry.
That said, preliminary research shows that men are more likely to get the munchies than women, despite the latter being more sensitive to THC effects. Strains such as Blue Dream and Sour Diesel are also known for helping improve appetites.
All in all, how weed is processed by your body depends on a range of factors that revolve around your body and your cannabis strain. While marijuana has some common effects across the board, people’s bodies are unique and may respond in different, unexpected ways. So the next time you need to shop around for cannabis products, be sure to do so in consideration of the factors that make your body truly distinct from others.
