The cannabis effect is a natural tranquilizer, an antidepressant, painkiller, and muscle relaxant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs or stomach when smoked or eaten. THC then attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, where it produces its effects by binding with two types of receptors called CB1 and CB2. This binding process causes a chain of cellular reactions, which are responsible for the intoxicating effects and many other effects of THC.
1.Smoking
Smoking is a common way to consume cannabis. THC is absorbed into the bloodstream almost immediately through breathing in smoke or vapor. Smoke and vapor contain 50–70% of THC. As smoke or vapor moves through the lungs, DNA strands are broken at regular points because of air pockets at certain places along the way, exposing cannabis chemicals to bind with receptors on neurons throughout the lungs. Thiols in the strands can attach to specific receptors on neurons and effectively increase their activity. Brain cells in the hippocampus and basal nucleus of the brain produce cannabinoids by trans-cis expression. This causes neurons activated by THC to become inhibitory through a change in their activity and also less responsive due to changes in their neurotransmitter release.
2.Eating
Ingestion of cannabis edibles can easily achieve the same effects as smoking but with greater control over the dosage and delivery schedule. When marijuana is consumed orally, THC is absorbed through the intestines into the body fluids and then distributed to cells throughout the body via blood vessels. Once in the blood, THC is rapidly distributed to all tissues through endocannabinoid and other lipid transport systems. As marijuana crosses the blood-brain barrier, THC binds to receptors on neurons throughout the body and acts as an intoxicant despite not being psychoactive. The same response seen with smoking can explain why eating cannabis slows reaction time, causes a feeling of relaxation, causes slight dizziness, and some mild impairment of motor functions and coordination.
3.Vaping
Vaporization of cannabis oil is a relatively new way to ingest cannabis. THC is absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream through inhaling. Vaporizing cannabis also allows for controlled ingestion as cannabinoids are released in split-second intervals, allowing time for absorption only when the carrier fluid reaches a point in your lungs where it can be inhaled. Vaporizing cannabis oil through a pen-like device can produce effects comparable to smoking but without the risk of smoke inhalation. The effect produced by THC is most pronounced in the brain’s basal nucleus and hippocampus. These regions are concerned with processing and storing memories and emotions such as moods. THC causes neurons in these regions to make more of their cannabinoids.
4.Numbing
THC is usually used as an analgesic to help relieve pain and alleviate the symptoms caused by diseases such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, migraines, or cancer. When THC is ingested or inhaled by the body, it binds with nerve receptors in the brain and spinal cord. By binding with these receptors, a high number of signals are sent to the nerves to produce pain and other sensations. The binding of THC triggers a process called ß-arrestin. This process stops pain signals from being transmitted in the same way by blocking them from passing along their normal channels.
Ways to enhance the cannabis effect
1.Proper THC dosage
The effects of cannabis are dose-dependent and vary across individuals based on their weight, metabolism, and frequency of exposure to marijuana. The average person can ingest about 10mg of THC in a single puff of smoke or by eating a single cookie, for example. However, a different person may have different effects from the exact dosage based on the many variables previously stated. If you are a beginner, try a small dose first. This can be as little as one puff. Experienced users can take the amount they usually use. This will provide a safe window for those who have had adverse effects on less-than-optimal doses in the past.
2.CBD/THC ratio
Cannabis effects, especially calming ones, can be enhanced by choosing the right type of cannabis and the proper combination of cannabis ingredients. A high THC mixture may produce more of an effect than a mixture with relatively low THC content. However, a CBD-heavy mix may not have as strong an effect at all. While high-THC products tend to make you feel euphoric and relaxed, CBD can calm you down and even make you sleepy if too much is taken.
3.Terpenes
Terpenes are natural compounds that occur naturally in cannabis, but they can also be added to some products. They are responsible for the aromatic and flavorful properties of cannabis. There are over 160 different terpenes, with different combinations creating different effects, especially when combined with THC or CBD.
In conclusion, any effect caused by cannabis usage directly results from THC interacting with receptors in the brain. The different effects depend on the quantity of THC ingested and on the type of cannabis. Search for ‘recreational dispensary near me’ on Google and visit their website for more information, including how long the effects last, how to buy cannabis, and more.