The effects of cannabis can vary considerably from one person to another and from one situation to the next. While one person may feel relaxed and calm, another may feel more restless or alert. Even for the same person, the experience can be different each time. But what causes these differences?

Cannabis effects are influenced by much more than the cannabis itself. A range of factors can play a role, including its composition, the amount used, your experience with cannabis, your mood and the environment you are in.

What effects does cannabis have?

Cannabis contains a number of active compounds, the best known being THC and CBD. THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. CBD has different properties and does not produce the same high associated with THC.

Possible effects of THC can include:

  • feeling relaxed or drowsy;
  • an altered perception of time and your surroundings;
  • heightened enjoyment of music, flavours and other sensory experiences;
  • changes in mood;
  • reduced concentration or coordination;
  • sleepiness.

However, the experience can vary significantly from person to person. There is therefore no single, predictable response to cannabis.

The composition of cannabis

The composition of a cannabis product is one of the factors that can influence the experience. THC content plays an important role, but other cannabinoids and terpenes may also contribute to the characteristics of the product.

Two types of cannabis may look similar but produce very different experiences. This is because their chemical composition can differ.

That is why simply looking at the name or appearance of a strain is not enough to understand its potential effects.

The amount you use

The amount of cannabis you use can also affect the experience. More does not necessarily mean a better or more enjoyable experience. Higher exposure to THC can produce stronger effects and may also increase the likelihood of unwanted reactions.

These can include dizziness, nausea, a racing heart, anxiety or paranoia.

The effects can be particularly difficult to predict if you have little experience with cannabis. Extra care is also important with edible cannabis products, as their effects can take longer to appear and may last considerably longer than those of inhaled cannabis.

Cannabis

Your individual experience

Everyone responds to cannabis differently. Factors such as age, physical characteristics, previous experience and individual sensitivity can all make a difference.

Tolerance can also affect how you experience cannabis. Someone who uses cannabis regularly may describe very different effects from someone who rarely or never uses it.

This is why other people’s experiences are not necessarily a reliable indication of what you will experience yourself.

Mood and expectations

Your mental state before using cannabis can also influence the experience.

If you are relaxed and feeling comfortable, your experience may be very different from when you are stressed, upset or anxious. Your expectations can also play a role. If you are worried about potential negative effects, for example, you may become more aware of physical or mental changes and experience them more intensely.

Your mental and emotional state is therefore an important part of the overall experience.

Your surroundings

The environment in which you use cannabis can make a difference too. A familiar, quiet setting can feel very different from a busy, unfamiliar or highly social environment.

Factors such as sound, lighting, company and the number of sensory stimuli around you can all influence how you feel.

Your sense of safety matters as well. If you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, unwanted effects may become more noticeable.

Combining cannabis with other substances

Cannabis effects can also change when cannabis is combined with alcohol, medication or other substances. The effects may become stronger or more difficult to predict as a result.

If you take medication, it is a good idea to speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about possible interactions. Combining alcohol with cannabis can increase the likelihood of dizziness, nausea and other unwanted effects.

Why cannabis does not affect everyone in the same way

There is no universal cannabis experience. What you ultimately experience is the result of a combination of factors: the composition of the cannabis, the amount used, your individual characteristics, your mood and your surroundings.

This also explains why one person may say that a particular strain has a certain effect on them, while someone else experiences exactly the same cannabis very differently.

Cannabis and using it responsibly

If you want to understand cannabis better, it is worth looking beyond the THC percentage or the name of a product. The circumstances in which you use it and your individual situation can be just as important.

It is also important to remember that cannabis can affect your concentration, reaction time and coordination. Never drive or take part in traffic while under the influence of cannabis.

Want to learn more about cannabis, different strains and the factors that can influence the experience? At Coffeeshop The Border, clear and accessible information is at the heart of what we do, helping you make informed choices about cannabis and its potential effects.