You’ve probably heard of THC – the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that makes you feel “high.” But did you know that THC isn’t the only compound in the cannabis plant that affects how your high feels?
Yes, you read that right. Other parts of the cannabis plant besides THC can affect your high, including the levels of CBD and the types of terpenes.
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Don’t know what those things are? No problem. We’re here to walk you through lesser-known parts of the cannabis plant that affect your high, and how you can use them to your advantage.
What Is THC?
First, let’s get a refresher on THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main active ingredient in cannabis. But what does THC do?
THC stimulates the part of your brain that responds to pleasure. This causes your body to produce dopamine, a hormone that makes you feel euphoric, relaxed, and happy.
Most people think that the amount of THC in cannabis products directly relates to their potency, with some users choosing strains based solely on a high THC content. However, high THC levels don’t always mean a better experience.
To understand which cannabis products will work for you, you need to learn about how other components of cannabis react with THC.
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most active component in cannabis products. While it is not directly psychoactive, it’s reported to have anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects. CBD has also been linked to improved sleep and athletic performance.
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When choosing a cannabis product, it is important to look at how much CBD is in the product, compared to the THC content. CBD works to counteract the effects of THC. This means that products with a higher CBD level may give you a more mellow high.
Some people complain of increased anxiety or even paranoia when they consume cannabis products, especially products with high levels of THC. If you become anxious when using cannabis, choose a strain or product with a more balanced THC/CBD ratio. You might find it enables you to enjoy the benefits of cannabis products without the adverse effects.
Terpenes
Terpenes are another important factor to consider when choosing a cannabis product. But what are they, and how do they affect your high?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give the cannabis flower its distinctive scent. They are responsible for the smell, flavor, and color of different cannabis strains.
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Terpenes work in tandem with other cannabinoids like THC to produce different effects for the user. This explains why two strains with the same THC content are reported to have very different effects when consumed. Some common terpenes are beta-caryophyllene, which is thought to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression, limonene, which may also reduce anxiety, and myrcene, which is thought to produce sedative effects.
The great thing about cannabis products these days is there is so much to choose from. Finding a product with the right terpene profile can improve your high and overall experience.
Even if you’re prone to anxiety, selecting high CBD cannabis products with a good terpene profile lets you enjoy cannabis the way you want to. By learning more about cannabis compounds, you can tailor your choices to meet your needs.