Recreational cannabis is notorious for affecting individuals differently in a large variety of ways. Marijuana products are derived from the cannabis plant, which contains the mind-altering chemical THC. The intensity of the high, the effects of the high, and the preferred strain or delivery method are all incredibly personal experiences that will vary from one user to the next.
While weed shop employees can guide you in finding the right product for your unique endocannabinoid system, you’ll still need to consider several factors once you’re at home in order to achieve the high that you’re looking for. However, it is important to note that marijuana use also comes with increased risks, such as mental health issues and physical complications.
1) Dose
One of the most obvious things that will affect your high is how much marijuana you consume. Ingesting the correct dose is crucial for achieving the desired results without experiencing adverse side effects. If your dose is too low, the cannabis will do close to nothing at all. If your dose is too high, you can experience unexpected effects such as paranoia, anxiety, or nausea.
Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing until you achieve your desired high is crucial. This approach helps you avoid the pitfalls of overconsumption. Additionally, understanding the THC content in your cannabis product is essential since it is the main psychoactive compound responsible for the high.
For example, a strain with a high THC content may be more suitable for experienced users who have built up a tolerance, while a lower THC strain may be better for beginners or those looking for a milder high. It’s essential to research and understand the potency of the products you consume.
2) Delivery Method: Smoke, Vape, Eat, Drink
The form in which you consume your cannabis will also have a big effect on the high. Some people prefer to smoke marijuana in hand-rolled cigarettes or pipes. This method provides a quick onset of effects. Edibles, on the other hand, are preferred by some who want a longer-lasting high. However, the method of consumption means that it will take longer to go into effect.
Hitting a vape results in a much quicker but shorter high and is easier on the lungs than traditional smoking. Likewise, controlling the dosage is also much easier with certain methods, such as a vape or tincture, than with products such as edibles, where the effects can be more unpredictable due to delayed onset times.
So, to give you a better overview of how you might want to plan your day or night, here are some key things to consider when choosing your preferred method of consuming marijuana:
- Quick onset vs. longer-lasting effects: Consider what kind of experience you’re looking for and how quickly you want the effects to take hold. If you’re just hanging out with friends at home, having a movie night or enjoying a quiet evening, a slower onset could be more suitable. Edibles or tinctures take longer to kick in but can provide longer-lasting effects, perfect for a relaxed night in. If you’re heading out for a concert or a night out on the town and want to feel the effects right away, vaping may be the way to go. The high from vaping can come on within minutes and typically lasts around an hour or two, perfect for a shorter outing.
- Dosage control: This is especially important for new users still trying to figure out their ideal level of consumption. With edibles, it’s easy to overdo it and end up feeling much stronger effects than anticipated, leading to an uncomfortable experience. With vaping, you can easily take small puffs and gauge your level of high before taking more. This allows for better control over dosage and helps avoid any negative experiences. However, don’t puff too much too quickly, as it’s still a potent method of consumption.
3) Setting, Mood & Mental Health
One surprising factor in the effect of your cannabis high is your environment. A person can achieve a different high smoking the same strain of marijuana just by changing their surroundings or mood. If you’re anxious or in a crowded area, this will likely result in a different high than if you indulge before bed in the comfort of your home. Likewise, your individual body, metabolism, stress levels, adrenal fatigue from repeated stimulation, and fluctuations in blood sugar levels can all play a part in the effects.
For instance, cannabis users in a relaxed setting with a positive mood are more likely to experience a pleasant high. In contrast, those in stressful or uncomfortable situations may experience increased anxiety or paranoia. Additionally, those with pre-existing mental health conditions should be cautious, as cannabis can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and other mental illnesses.
4) Cannabinoids & Terpenes
Every individual has a unique endocannabinoid system, which means that cannabinoids in marijuana interact with the body differently for each person. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD bind to specific receptors in the endocannabinoid system, influencing various physiological processes. THC, the primary psychoactive compound, can produce a euphoric high in some users but may cause overstimulation in others. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and can counteract some of THC’s effects, promoting a more balanced experience.
Terpenes, the aromatic compounds in cannabis, also interact with cannabinoids to modulate their effects. For example, limonene, a terpene with a citrus scent, may help relieve stress, while linalool, with its floral aroma, is known for its calming properties. The interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes, known as the entourage effect, enhances the therapeutic potential of cannabis.
Overall, a strain’s specific combination of cannabinoids and terpenes plays a significant role in its effects on individuals. Understanding your unique endocannabinoid system and the cannabinoid-terpene profile of a strain can help you select cannabis products that best meet your needs and preferences.
To give you a leg up, here’s a short list of cannabinoids and terpenes and their effects:
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol):
- Effect: The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the high.
- Uses: Pain relief, appetite stimulation, nausea reduction.
- Side Effects: Anxiety, paranoia, dry mouth, increased heart rate.
- CBD (Cannabidiol):
- Effect: Non-psychoactive, does not produce a high.
- Uses: Anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, seizure reduction, pain relief.
- Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, potential liver enzyme interaction.
- CBG (Cannabigerol):
- Effect: Non-psychoactive, known as the precursor to other cannabinoids.
- Uses: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant, potential for treating glaucoma.
- Side Effects: Limited research on side effects, generally considered mild.
- CBN (Cannabinol):
- Effect: Mildly psychoactive, produced by the oxidation and decomposition of THC.
- Uses: Sedative, pain relief, potential antibacterial properties.
- Side Effects: Drowsiness, potential impairment in higher doses.
- CBC (Cannabichromene):
- Effect: Non-psychoactive, works synergistically with other cannabinoids.
- Uses: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, antifungal, potential antidepressant.
- Side Effects: Limited research on side effects, generally considered mild.
- THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin):
- Effect: Psychoactive, but produces different effects than THC.
- Uses: Appetite suppression, potential for diabetes management, anti-anxiety.
- Side Effects: Psychoactive effects at higher doses, reduced appetite.
- Limonene:
- Effect: Uplifting, stress relief.
- Aroma: Citrus.
- Found in: Lemon Haze, Super Lemon Haze.
- Linalool:
- Effect: Calming, sedative.
- Aroma: Floral, lavender.
- Found in: Lavender, Amnesia Haze.
- Myrcene:
- Effect: Sedative, muscle relaxant.
- Aroma: Earthy, musky.
- Found in: Mango, Granddaddy Purple.
- Pinene:
- Effect: Alertness, memory retention.
- Aroma: Pine.
- Found in: Pineapple Express, Jack Herer.
- Caryophyllene:
- Effect: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief.
- Aroma: Spicy, peppery.
- Found in: Girl Scout Cookies, Bubba Kush.
Consulting with your local Cornerstone budtenders about the cannabinoid profile and terpenes of our strains can help you find the product that best suits your needs.
5. Personal Tolerance
Similar to dosage, your personal tolerance is another factor contributing to your high. Factors such as age, weight, body chemistry, and frequency of consumption affect how marijuana affects you. Moreover, everyone’s endocannabinoid system and microbiome are one-of-a-kind, just like their reactions to cannabis. Your specific physiology, metabolism, stress levels, and more can also impact the effects.
For example, regular use of cannabis can lead to increased tolerance, meaning you may need higher doses to achieve the same effect. Regular use can also affect physical health, such as increasing blood pressure, which can be risky for some individuals.
It’s important to understand your personal tolerance to safely enjoy your cannabis. Taking tolerance breaks, where you abstain from cannabis for a period, can help reset your tolerance levels. Additionally, don’t try to ingest the same dosage as someone else when consuming with others, as individual tolerance levels vary widely.
Stay High with Cornerstone Wellness
When it comes to cannabis, it’s essential to be educated and familiarize yourself not only with marijuana but with its specific effects on you. Awareness of your tolerance, preferences, and mood can all help you consistently and safely achieve the high you want.
If you’re seeking tailored recommendations, call Cornerstone Wellness. We offer a one-on-one counseling approach that provides consumers with the best products for their unique needs. Call us today at (323) 259-8933 to schedule an appointment, learn more, or place an order.
FAQ
What affects weed tolerance?
Several factors, including frequency of use, dosage, and individual body chemistry, influence weed tolerance. Regular marijuana users often develop a higher tolerance due to the body’s adaptation to THC, the main psychoactive compound. This adaptation means they need higher doses to achieve the same effects. Additionally, age, weight, and the presence of other substances, such as alcohol or other drugs, can also affect tolerance levels.
What determines how high you get?
The intensity of your high is determined by various factors, including the dose of marijuana consumed, the method of consumption (smoking, vaping, edibles), and the strain’s cannabinoid profile. Individual factors such as your endocannabinoid system, tolerance, and current mood and environment also play significant roles. Recent research suggests that terpenes, the aromatic compounds in cannabis, can also influence the nature and intensity of the high.
Does weight affect weed tolerance?
Yes, weight can affect weed tolerance. Generally, people with higher body weight may have a higher tolerance to marijuana due to the distribution of THC in the body’s fat cells. However, this is just one of many factors influencing tolerance, including metabolic rate, frequency of use, and overall body chemistry.
How do I know if my tolerance is high?
You might have a high tolerance if you need to consume larger amounts of marijuana to achieve the desired effects or if the effects of marijuana seem less intense than when you first started using it. High doses without the same level of high and minimal adverse effects like paranoia or nausea can also indicate a high tolerance.
Why is my weed tolerance so high?
A high weed tolerance typically develops from regular and heavy use of marijuana. The body becomes accustomed to the presence of THC, the main psychoactive compound, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. Regular tolerance breaks and reducing the frequency of use can help lower your tolerance over time.
Why is my weed tolerance so low?
A low weed tolerance could be due to infrequent use, genetic predisposition, or being new to cannabis consumption. Other factors, such as a lower body weight or a highly sensitive endocannabinoid system, can also contribute to a low tolerance. In these cases, even small amounts of marijuana can produce strong effects.
Why do I get more high than my friends?
Individual differences in metabolism, body chemistry, and tolerance levels can cause you to get higher than your friends even when consuming the same amount of marijuana. Factors such as the specific strain of cannabis, the method of consumption, and your current mental and physical state can also influence how high you get.
Does your personality change when you’re high?
Marijuana can affect your mood and behavior, but it does not fundamentally change your personality. Some people may feel more relaxed, creative, or sociable, while others might feel anxious or paranoid. These temporary effects vary depending on the strain, dosage, and individual response.
Why do some people stay high longer than others?
The duration of a high can vary significantly among individuals due to differences in metabolism, tolerance, and the method of consumption. For instance, edibles typically produce a longer-lasting high compared to smoking or vaping. Additionally, factors like body fat percentage and overall health can affect how long THC stays in your system.