5 Reasons Why Cannabis Affects Everyone Differently

Have you ever noticed that you and your friend can have completely different reactions to the same strain? It turns out there are scientific reasons for this. Everything from genetics to the time of the month can influence your experience with cannabis. Here are five reasons why cannabis affects everyone differently.

The Father of THC Knew Why Cannabis Affects Everyone Differently

Soon after Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam discovered psychoactive THC, he decided to test it on his friends. He invited them over for tea and cake and gave each person 10 mg of pure THC. What happened next? He recorded the results. Here’s what he said about the experiment:

Everyone who took THC was affected by it. However, surprisingly, the effects varied greatly. Some said, “Well, we feel a little strange, like we’re in another world, we just want to sit and enjoy.” Others said, “Nothing happened,” while they kept talking nonstop. A third group said, “Well, nothing changed,” but then burst out laughing every 15-20 minutes.

Today, these effects are well known. Cannabis affects everyone differently. One participant even experienced anxiety, likely due to a lowering of psychological defenses.

Mechoulam realized back in the 1960s that cannabis acts differently on everyone. But only recently have scientists begun to study the reasons why cannabis affects people so differently.

1. Genetics

Your genes can influence your experience with cannabis. Recent studies have shown that some people with certain genetic mutations are more likely to feel anxiety, paranoia, or even psychotic effects from cannabis.

Other research has found that genetics can affect how well you learn new things while high. Specifically, your genes may increase the likelihood of memory impairment from THC compared to your friend’s cognitive abilities when you smoke together.

Another study found that some people are born with higher levels of endocannabinoids thanks to a unique genetic mutation. Endocannabinoids are compounds like THC and CBD, but your body produces them naturally. When you use cannabis, the plant’s compounds replace your natural endocannabinoids.

These endocannabinoids are signaling molecules that make up the endocannabinoid system, which regulates appetite, cognitive function, sex drive, and digestion.

About 20% of American adults have a genetic mutation that increases their natural endocannabinoid levels. People with this mutation are less prone to anxiety and are less likely to use cannabis or get much pleasure from it. They already have plenty of natural THC, so why bother smoking?

As you can see, genetics can be a major reason why cannabis affects people differently. Scientists are just beginning to understand how genes and cannabis interact, but several fascinating studies have already been done.

2. Biological Sex

Cannabis affects men and women differently. Compared to women, men are more likely to get the munchies. However, women are generally more sensitive to cannabis. Women tend to experience more pain relief from the plant than men, who need to consume more to get the same effect.

Is it that time of the month? That matters too. THC, the main psychoactive compound, works closely with estrogen. THC’s effects are strongest right after estrogen peaks and starts to drop.

3. Unique Biochemistry

Some people are more sensitive to cannabis than others. Do you know someone who climbs the walls after one cup of coffee? Or someone who gets drunk after two beers? People react differently to all substances, and THC is no exception.

This is where the endocannabinoid system (ECS) comes into play. The ECS is influenced by many factors: genetics, diet, stress, and lifestyle all affect how it works in each person.

For example, endocannabinoids are derived from fatty acids, especially omega-3s. If your diet is low in fatty acids, your endocannabinoid system won’t function optimally. People with fewer endocannabinoids tend to feel better with cannabis, but for those who don’t need a boost, cannabis might be a bit much.

Your biochemistry at any given moment can affect your experience with cannabis. And no two people have the same biochemistry. So, while we can expect certain trends from different strains, everyone’s experience will be unique.

4. Overall Health

Let’s say someone has PTSD or fibromyalgia. In these cases, cannabis will feel very different compared to someone without health issues. If you have a condition, your biochemistry is likely altered in some way. When you use cannabis—a substance that triggers a chain of chemical reactions in the body—you’re changing your biochemistry.

For those with PTSD or fibromyalgia, this change is often the desired effect. Instead of feeling high or euphoric, you’re more likely to just feel normal. Instead of lying on the couch in pain or feeling unmotivated, cannabis may give you the energy to get up and do great things. Both of these conditions (and many others) are linked to unwanted changes in the endocannabinoid system. Using cannabis helps these patients boost their so-called endocannabinoid tone.

5. Tolerance

It’s obvious: if you use a lot of cannabis, your reaction will be very different from someone who doesn’t. The more you use, the higher your tolerance. Your body gets used to it, and you become less sensitive to the plant’s effects.

People who have never used cannabis will react very differently, even to the same strain and amount. Their bodies simply aren’t used to the sudden influx of plant endocannabinoids.

So, now it’s clear! There are many reasons why cannabis affects people differently. Your health, genetics, and lifestyle all influence your experience with cannabis. So, the next time you want to order pizza while your friend is too paranoid to answer the door, you’ll know there’s a reason for it.