Psychoactive exposure is one of the main factors in the love of canna community members for marijuana. Even a small amount of cannabis taken at the end of a working day can completely relax the body, clearing the mind of unnecessary thoughts. Alternatively, use a little hemp sativa to energize and tune in to a noisy party. But why can the effect be so different? What provides such a wide range of impacts?
Hemp leaves and inflorescences contain over 400 different chemical compounds. If we talk about psychoactive properties, then the main ones will be cannabinoids, namely tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is primarily valued for its recreational properties, while CBD is prized for its medicinal properties (helps with stress, relaxes, relieves pain, has anti-inflammatory effects). It has been proven that inflorescences of different varieties and types of cannabis contain different amounts of these components. It is the ratio of CBD to THC that determines the effect a person will experience from marijuana.
High and Stone effects of marijuana
The terms High and Stone usually describe how
a person feels after using psychoactive substances. There is another concept – Buzz, which precedes them. Buzz effect – the first light feeling of vivacity and joy after tasting hemp. It quickly flows into High, which is characterized by a state of euphoria and excitement. At this stage, you will notice a surge of energy and a state of satisfaction. A large amount of adrenaline enters the bloodstream, which allows you to perform a large number of tasks at once and concentrate on several things at the same time. But after the High effect comes Stone. The body and brain of a person is covered with a wave of calm and relaxation. It is as if you are being covered with a heavy and cozy blanket. I do not want to move and think, but my consciousness begins to slowly fall asleep.
This classification of conditions is suitable for any psychoactive substance, including the effects of alcohol intoxication. But in this regard, hemp works uniquely. You can immediately get a stone effect without the preceding high. Or, conversely, experience pure highs without subsequent apathy. This effect is provided by various types of cannabis. In total, there are three main types of cannabis: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. If averaged, Sativa is responsible for the High effect, and indica is for Stone. In addition to the psychotropic effect, these species are very different in terms of the speed of development and formation of bushes. As for Cannabis ruderalis, it is a familiar weedy cannabis that grows in almost any area. Also, this type is mainly used in industry and practically does not contain psychoactive components.
Sativa effect
The effect of sativa cannabis strains can be described as an energetic high. The impact is predominantly cerebral, that is, it has an effect more on the mind than on the body. Sativa stimulates brain function, awakens the imagination, evokes new emotions and sensations, and can sometimes even cause irrational behavior. Be careful with pure sativa, as in high doses it can cause hallucinations and psychedelic effects.
In general, the use of sativa varieties is recommended for creative people. It stimulates creativity, ingenuity. Sativa has the following effects on the human body:
suppresses depression and anxiety;
provides a burst of energy, enthusiasm, euphoria;
cheers up;
encourages vigorous activity;
helps to realize creativity;
activates the desire for communication, new acquaintances, socialization.
For medicinal purposes, it is used to combat fatigue and depressed mood, as well as hyperactivity and attention deficit.
Indica effect
The so-called stone effect characteristic of indica varieties is almost the exact opposite of Sativa hai. The main impact is just physical. A wave of relaxation covers your entire body and relaxes every muscle. The most striking manifestation of stone has been nicknamed the “couch” effect. This slang term is used to describe maximum sedation. The person relaxes so much that he becomes practically chained to a sofa or bed. His body seems to be paralyzed, and he cannot even move. Or rather, he does not want to. The brain seems to be fenced off from the outside world, the desire to communicate or communicate disappears, you just want to enjoy this calm and meditative state.
The main characteristics of the effect of indica varieties are:
calming effect;
slight pain relief;
relaxation of the body;
relieving spasms and muscle tension;
enhanced perception by all senses.
For medical purposes, these varieties of cannabis are used for insomnia, mental illness, as well as for headaches and migraines.
How long does the effect of cannabis last?
There is no single answer to this question. There are many factors that determine the duration and strength of the effect. First, it’s a marijuana strain and its tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. The more THC, the stronger and brighter the effect will be. It is his concentration that is responsible for the intoxicating, intoxicating effect of marijuana. But the same variety, grown by different growers, can also differ in its characteristics. The quality of the finished buds largely depends on the fertilizers used, the lighting and the irrigation regime. Secondly, the human body itself and its features play a significant role in the duration and power of exposure. Some people are less susceptible to the effects of THC, while others, on the contrary, completely lose their heads from a small dose. Everything is very individual here.
The most potent marijuana strains have a THC content of 25-30%. In this case, the effect of smoking cannabis will be felt in a few seconds. The duration of exposure in general is about 2-4 hours. In this case, the peak of psychoactivity falls in the first 2 hours. It is at this time that the most striking effects appear, including a surge of strength, euphoria, improved mood, calming and muscle relaxation.
Sativa and indica also differ greatly in duration of exposure. If the sativa high takes possession of you for several hours, then the relaxed state of an indica stone can last almost all day. Therefore indica is ideal for evening use.
How to enhance the effect of cannabis?
We have already talked about the effects of THC and CBD on the human body. But hemp also contains a huge amount of other cannabinoids. Each of them has a specific effect on the human nervous system. It is the combination of all the cannabinoids that determines the overall effect of marijuana. Together, they somehow complement and reinforce each other, entering into synergy.
Here everything is the same with the vitamin complex: in order to maintain your health, it is not enough to take only vitamin C or D. For the well-functioning of all organs and systems of the human body, a huge list of important vitamins, minerals, as well as micro- and macroelements is needed. It’s the same story with cannabinoids. Besides CBD and THC, hemp also produces CBDV, CBG, THCV, CBN, CBC, etc. Each of them has unique properties that need to be considered, too, not limited to CBD and THC alone. For a long-lasting and maximally vivid effect, a balanced complex supply of a variety of cannabinoids in their natural organic form should be ensured.
Aromatic hydrocarbons such as terpenes also have an impact on the effect of the herb. They are responsible for the flavoring characteristics of plants. But besides this, they can form various bonds with cannabinoids and enhance their effect. The three most common terpenes in cannabis are caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene. In addition to a bright aroma, they will give an effect similar to resinous buds.
Cannabis side effects
In addition to the pleasant effects on the body in the form of euphoria and carelessness, the use of marijuana has a number of side effects. Again, they affect different people to varying degrees, but in general, a number of characteristic consequences of cannabis use can be distinguished:
dry mouth
Red eyes,
awakening a strong appetite,
lethargy.
It is easy to identify a cannabis lover by these signs, so if you are planning a meeting with your boss or other important people, it is better to limit yourself to using marijuana for a while.
There are also side effects that are invisible to the eyes of society. These include increased blood pressure, tachycardia, weakness and heaviness in the limbs. In some cases, hardworking and work-focused people become distracted and inattentive. Overuse can start to get tangled up, thoughts can get confused, and the brain can become panic-stricken. Also, high doses of marijuana can cause panic attacks, persecution mania and paranoia. Remember, everything is good in moderation. If you’re trying a new, potent strain, start with the smallest portion.