By understanding THC, CBD and terpenes, you are now able to properly select what products and strains are best for the select experience and benefits for you.
Understanding how the body reacts differently depending on how you ingest the cannabis is also valuable. Both the timeline to feeling elevated as well as the length of cannabis’s effects is dictated by THC binding to receptors through the respiratory system or the digestive system.
Those who choose the digestive route with edibles must consider their body composition and metabolic rate. Understanding if you’re ingesting on an empty stomach or well-fed can change not only when you begin feeling intoxicated and its length and severity. The common timeline for most users is to begin feeling elevated within 20 to 30 minutes of ingestion.
Compare that to the near instant effects of inhaling THC, and you begin seeing the many paths of cannabis usage. When smoking, vaping or dabbing, you’ll notice the effects of the strain near immediately, but each form has its own length for effects due to the efficiency of the plant’s decarboxylation.
Because of the high THC percentages and efficiency of retaining the highest amount through ingestion, dabbing oils and concentrates is the strongest in terms of experiencing effects. We will explain further in our concentrates section.
Both smoking and vaping can be dependent on the apparatus and system that you are using for your cannabis. Smoking a joint or blunt may not be the most efficient practice as opposed to using a pipe. Vaping systems help you optimize the temperature that you activate the flower or oil and at an efficient rate. Most that use vapes do so for individual hits they time out to make their cannabis experience last longer and usually at a far mellower rate.
Mental composition is also a big consideration. If you’re a type A person or one prone to anxiety and paranoia, choosing the right strain or type of cannabis product is crucial. Because THC binds to the brain’s receptors, our brain’s ability to take in the newfound dopamine and serotonin can be affected. Increased serotonin can disrupt the neurotransmitters that are linked to dealing with alertness.
Ideally, that interaction reduces your anxiety, but for some the bond makes their neurotransmitters to hyper-act which leads to spiked nervous system activity and a perception of anxiety. Most find that CBD strains while not being psychoactive, are great for helping those with anxiety and chronic panic attacks relax.
Ultimately, we recommend new adopters of cannabis to take their journey slow and see what works well for them.
