Have you ever wondered why people seem to have different reactions to the same strain of cannabis?
There’s way more to cannabis than strain type and potency. Here are some other factors that will make your experience unique.
Most medical cannabis patients are likely familiar with the differences between indica and sativa strains. This general classification of strains shows that most indica strains induce calming, sedative effects, while most sativa strains induce more stimulating and euphoric effects.
Medical marijuana takes effect in the body through the body’s Endocannabinoid System, and every individual ECS can react to the same strains in very different ways. This is because everyone's endocannabinoid system has a different tone.
Body Chemistry
It all has to do with the combination of your personal body chemistry and the type of cannabis you are smoking. Some people have a very low tolerance to cannabinoids my partner is one of those people. She doesn’t indulge with a lot of frequency, but one puff is all she needs when she does.
Think of alcohol or caffeine or pharma drugs; cannabis effects depend on each person's body just like other chemical compounds do.
For some people, a single cup of coffee is enough to last all day, while others drink cup after cup all day. Marijuana is no different. Being mindful of your consumption and how it will affect you is important. When consuming medical marijuana, it is important to know how much is the right amount for you. Edibles are absorbed differently than vaporization; understanding the difference will help the average consumer have a more consistent and enjoyable experience.
This is where the ECS comes in, and it's why certain strains can aid in the symptoms of anxiety or mental health issues. No two individuals' ECS are 100% identical, but it is the system our body uses to absorb THC and other terpenes to give the consumer different effects.
Gender
Biological males and females naturally possess testosterone and estrogen, respectively, but these hormonal differences also interplay with medical marijuana in a multitude of intricate ways. For instance, the female brain has been observed to have higher cannabinoid density than the male brain, meaning they have increased cannabinoid sensitivity. Interestingly, males are typically more susceptible to experiencing an increased appetite after consumption than women.
Your Overall Health
The primary function of the Endocannabinoid System is to help the body achieve homeostasis, balance, and equilibrium. Individuals with chronic illnesses, whether physical or psychological, may lack the usual healthy state of balance that those without such conditions experience.
Instead of inducing an uncomfortable high sensation, medical marijuana is more inclined to help these individuals bring their conditions closer to balance.
The Ratio of THC to CBD and Terpenes
The primary determinant of a strain's impact largely stems from the strain itself, its terpene composition, and how well it aligns with your preferences. Certain terpenes or combinations may contradict what we desire due to our bodies' sensitivity. Moreover, the THC to CBD ratio in the flower or concentrate will elicit varying responses, as higher THC levels result in increased intoxication. At the same time, elevated CBD concentrations can counteract the intoxicating effects of THC.
An excellent illustration of this can be seen in the terpene alpha-pinene, which is commonly found in most sativa marijuana strains. For instance, strains like Blue Dream have a high pinene content, specifically aimed at enhancing focus and mental energy. However, for some individuals, elevated levels of pinene and THC may lead to headaches or anxiety. If you experience anxiety and seek calming effects from medical marijuana, it is advisable to steer clear of pinene and opt for a strain containing linalool instead. Linalool, derived from lavender, is renowned for its soothing properties.
Learning about common marijuana terpenes and what they can do is a vital part of finding the best treatment for you. When paired with THC, they can have a positive impact on the body.
References
Cannabis Affects Everyone Differently: Here’s Why
https://www.stalbertgazette.com/cannabis-weekly/cannabis-affects-everyone-differently-heres-why-3805
What to Expect Across Cannabis Types and Strains
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