Why Does Cannabis Affect People Differently? Experts Answer 7 FAQs About The Cannabis High

1. Why does cannabis make you feel high?

Cannabis makes you feel high because of the way it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your body. The ECS helps regulate things like pleasure, pain, and mood. It also affects memory, appetite, and coordination.

Your body makes chemicals, called endocannabinoids, that interact with your ECS. In fact, a "runner's high" is likely caused by a boost in your endocannabinoid levels after exercise. Chemicals in the cannabis plant, called phytocannabinoids, can interact with your ECS too.

Common phytocannabinoids in cannabis include:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

• Cannabidiol (CBD)

• Cannabigerol (CBG)

• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

Each phytocannabinoid interacts with your ECS differently. The main one that's responsible for making you feel high is THC. That's because THC binds to and activates endocannabinoid receptors in your brain when you consume it.

2. What does a cannabis high feel like?

Being high from cannabis is different for everyone. Just like being in love, it's hard to explain and everyone experiences it in their own way.

In May of 2023, researchers studied 1,882 people who used cannabis over 16,000 sessions to find out what it feels like to be high. The study found that being high was most strongly linked to feeling "chill," "tingly," and "thirsty." Other common feelings were peacefulness, dreaminess, and relaxation. But some people also felt clumsy, confused, and dizzy.

You may feel more social than usual when you're high. People also report that their perception of time changes and sensations from things like music or colors are enhanced. You may also notice an increased appetite for sweet and fatty foods and poor short-term memory.

While some believe a cannabis high can make you more creative, one study showed that low doses of THC don't really change how creatively people think. And high doses of THC actually made it harder for people to come up with new ideas.

While a cannabis high can be enjoyable, too much THC can cause uncomfortable side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, or hallucinations. A cannabis overdose is rarely fatal, but it can be extremely scary and uncomfortable. The only way to get "unhigh" is to wait it out. Staying calm, drinking water, and finding distractions can help you feel better in the meantime.

3. Can you use cannabis without feeling high?

Yes, you can use cannabis without feeling high. The key is what type of cannabis product you choose and what dose you consume.

Some cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBG, don't make you feel high. So cannabis products with these cannabinoids as the main ingredient may offer benefits without intoxication.

You can also try microdosing - taking very small amounts of THC. The amount of THC that works as a microdose varies from person to person. Experts typically recommend starting with 0.5 mg of THC and slowly increasing the dose until you find your "sweet spot" - the amount that improves your symptoms or mood without making you feel high.

Some people also use topical cannabis creams or balms. These don't usually cause a high because THC doesn't easily pass through the skin into your bloodstream.

4. Can cannabis make you anxious?

Cannabis can both cause and relieve anxiety symptoms.

In a survey of about 9,000 people, nearly half reported using cannabis to treat anxiety. The relationship between cannabis and anxiety is typically dose dependent: low doses of THC seem to reduce anxiety while high doses of THC may cause or worsen it. But this isn't always the case. Low doses of THC can still lead to anxiety symptoms in some people, especially if you're new to cannabis. And high doses of THC may be less likely to cause anxiety if you consume cannabis often.

CBD seems to be effective at reducing anxiety. Unlike THC, this doesn't seem to depend on the dose. So a CBD-only product may be a safer option to help reduce anxiety symptoms.

It's important to note that if anxiety is an issue for you, talking to a healthcare professional is the best first step. People living with anxiety may be more likely to develop a cannabis use disorder. Turning to cannabis for anxiety on your own without professional guidance may have unintended risks.

5. Can you feel high from using cannabis in the past?

Some people say they feel high even when they haven't used cannabis recently. This isn't common, but there's a scientific theory as to why this may happen.

When you consume THC regularly, the body stores it in your fat. As your fat cells are broken down for energy, small amounts of THC are released. This is why you might test positive for THC weeks after you last consumed cannabis.

In theory, if your body starts breaking down fat quickly - such as when you haven't eaten for a while or exercise intensely - THC could be released into your blood. This might make you feel high again, even if you haven't used cannabis in a while.

There isn't much evidence to back this up. So if you're feeling high and you haven't consumed any substances that could be causing it, it's best to seek medical care.

6. Why does cannabis affect you differently than other people?

According to research, your cannabis experience can be different from someone else's for three main reasons: how you use it, personal traits, and your genetics.

How you use cannabis

When it comes to the way you use cannabis, there are several factors that can change how it affects you, such as:

• What form of cannabis you consume: Cannabis effects can vary depending on the type and amount of cannabinoids in the product you consume. It also affects you differently if you inhale it versus if you eat it in an edible. With oral cannabis products, the effects may even vary based on whether your stomach is full or empty when you take them.

• How often you use cannabis: If you're new to cannabis you may be more sensitive to it than someone who consumes it often.

• If you take other medications or substances: Like any medication, cannabis has drug interactions to consider that may change how it works in your body. It may affect you differently if you take it along with other medications, alcohol, or illicit substances.

Personal traits

Your age and gender can play a role in how cannabis affects you. Women seem to be more likely to experience increased sex drive, depression, and anxiety from cannabis than men. Women may also be more sensitive to THC than men.

Adolescents who consume cannabis may be at a higher risk of psychosis-like side effects and developing cannabis use disorder. And older adults may be more sensitive to cannabis and more likely to have health conditions or take medications that alter its effects.

Your other health conditions can also influence how cannabis makes you feel, especially if they're related to your mental health. Your environment and how you're feeling (often referred to as "set and setting") when you consume cannabis can also impact your experience. For example, if you're living with anxiety and consume cannabis with people you don't know or in an unfamiliar environment, you may be more likely to experience unpleasant effects than someone without anxiety who feels safe and secure in the same location.

Even differences in the microbiome ("good" bacteria) of your gut can change how cannabis affects you.

Genetics

Genetic differences can affect how your body breaks down THC. Your genes can also affect how sensitive you are to cannabis and how likely you are to develop a cannabis use disorder. It's possible that in the future, genetic tests will help predict your personal response to cannabis as well as your potential risks.

7. How can you avoid an unpleasant high from cannabis?

There are some simple steps you can take to avoid an unpleasant high from cannabis:

• Start with a low dose.Experts recommend starting with 2.5 mg of THC or less.

• Choose low THC, high CBD, or CBD-only cannabis products.

• Go slow. Wait a while before consuming more cannabis. It can take some time for the effects to kick in, especially with edibles.

• Purchase from a regulated dispensary. This helps ensure the quality and dosage are safe, accurate, and clearly labeled.

• Talk to a healthcare professional: They can check for any interactions and provide guidance based on your medical history.