What is cannabis?
Weed, pot, marijuana, ganja, cannabis—the plant has many names, and even if you’ve never smoked it, you’ve likely heard of it and seen its iconic seven-starred leaves adorning pot shops and art the world over.
But despite being familiar with the plant, you might not know much about it. How does cannabis get you high? What does it do to your body? What does being high feel like? And why are there so many different types, called strains?
If you’ve ever wondered about cannabis and how to consume it, this beginner’s guide to weed has answers to your basic questions. Come learn more about this amazing plant and the medical benefits it has to offer.
The different types of cannabis
Strains are different variations of the cannabis plant, much like there are different variations of tomatoes: cherry, Roma, heirloom, grape, beefsteak, etc.
Each strain has a unique chemical profile, a mix of different cannabinoids and terpenes. If you like the taste, smell, and effects of a certain strain, you will likely enjoy another strain with a similar chemical profile.
The definitions of indicas, sativas, and hybrids are somewhat fraught, Even today, budtenders and consumers the world over still use the terms “indica,” sativa,” and “hybrid” to refer to effects—indicas are thought to be calm and sedating; sativas, energetic; and hybrids, a mix of the two.
However, these terms actually refer to the plant’s physical structure, not its effects. Instead, a strain’s effects are a result of its chemical profile (its mix of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds). That chemical profile will also interact with each person’s body in a different way.
Sativa
While not all sativa marijuana strains will energize you, most consumers notice a tendency for sativas to produce a “head high,” an uplifting, stimulating effect. They also often report sativas as being helpful in mitigating stress or anxiety, and many consumers enjoy sativas to sharpen focus and boost creativity/motivation.
Hybrid
Hybrid strains are bred from both indica- and sativa-descended plants. Due to the long history of crossbreeding cannabis strains—much of it was historically done underground to evade authorities—strains that have pure indica or pure sativa lineages are rare. Most strains referred to as “indica” or “sativa” are, in fact, hybrids, with genetics inherited from both subspecies.
Indica
Not all indica strains will put you “in da couch,” but nevertheless, many consumers associate indicas with full-body effects, for example, heavy limbs or a tingly face. They also report indicas as being helpful in aiding relaxation and curbing insomnia.
How to consume cannabis
People have been consuming cannabis in various forms for thousands of years. Today, there are many different ways to consume it, through different types of devices.
Ways to consume cannabis include smoking, vaping, eating, and topical application. Cannabis can be smoked through pipes, bongs, and bubblers, which can be made from a variety of different materials and objects. It can also be rolled and smoked in joints and blunts.
Vaporization is popular today, especially with the advent of vape pens, which are popular with beginners because they are discreet, portable, and easy to use. There are many different types of vaporizers—some are handheld, some are larger devices that are plugged in at home—and they can vaporize flower, concentrates, or both.
The effects of cannabis
Discover the effects of THC
Cannabinoids and terpenes are the main compounds in the cannabis plant that get you high or provide medicinal benefits. The two main cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC gets you high, whereas CBD is non-intoxicating. People consume both cannabinoids for medicinal benefits. Most strains you buy at the dispensary will be high in THC, and some will be high in CBD or have a balance of the two.
Terpenes give cannabis it’s scent compounds and its complex aromas. Hundreds of terpenes are found in trace amounts in the plant, and there are eight main ones:
Cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically through a process called the entourage effect, and they interact with and activate the body’s endocannabinoid system, a cellular system which maintains balance in your body. This is how you feel high and experience symptom relief or other effects of cannabis.
Dosing cannabis can be tricky because cannabis effects plateau at a certain point and if you take more, it won’t necessarily increase effects. This plateau level is different for everyone based on body chemistry, the weed strain’s chemical profile, and how much you consume.
Understanding the effects of THC
How long the effects last can vary greatly depending on the dose and potency. The more you use and the higher the THC content, the longer the effects will stick around.
How you consume cannabis also affects when the effects peak and how long they last.
Here’s a breakdown:
Cannabis hits everyone differently, so while your high may only last for a couple of hours, you could potentially feel the comedown or aftereffects for several hours or through the next day. It’s best to go low and slow if you’re new to cannabis.
The effects of THC
Smoking, ingesting, or vaping cannabis can make you high or “stoned.” If you’ve never tried cannabis, you might wonder what it feels like.
cannabis can have drastically different effects from one person to the next. Some people report feeling happy or relaxed. Others report laughter, altered time and sensory perception, and increased appetite. But cannabis can also cause less-desirable effects such as anxiety, paranoia and racing heartbeat.
