At Curated Cannabis, we find it’s impossible to tell everyone how they’re going to feel from a certain cannabis product or cultivar, that’s why we just don’t do it. What we do is provide as much information as possible to y’all so you can experiment with the product and have some sort of concrete data to go off of when determining what the effects might be (check out our COA Database as well as the All Cultivars section of our website to see some of the information we provide). We don’t say that something is going to make you happy or relaxed because each of us is different. There’s not enough research out there to try and make claims like that.
With the science still lacking reliable data, it seems like the only method of determining how a cannabis product will affect you is by experimenting. Each one of us is an adventurer the first time we use cannabis, and we eventually navigate the landscape to find the path to achieving desired effects. But we did this on our own. Just by experimenting with cannabis and finding what concrete data you can on what you’re consuming is your best bet for understanding what the effects are.
One thing that the scientific community tends to agree on, is that when cannabis is consumed, THC binds to and activates certain receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. Cannabis affects the receptors in the brain through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system which plays a crucial role in regulating various processes in the brain and body, including mood, pain sensation, appetite, and memory. Basically THC is a key that fit into certain areas of your brain.
The two main types of cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptor controls most of the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids, and the CB2 receptor participates in anti-inflammation (I put some links at the bottom for y’all to check out). The effects of cannabis on the receptors in our brains is complex and can vary depending on factors such as:
- Tolerance or sensitivity
- Individual’s genetic makeup / body chemistry
- Specific cannabinoids in the cannabis product or cultivar
- Method of consumption
- Dosage
There is much more to learn about the effects of cannabis on our brain and the body that we don’t already know. So, I find it hard to try and prescribe the effect it has on you because I’m obviously nothing close to a doctor. For example, I don’t think someone should say that their Blue Dream can produce specific effects or health benefits, because the factors that affect the way our brain and bodies react are so complex.
Most of the research done on cannabis has been to prove the negative side effects. Our country, as well as others, have spent billions trying to villainize cannabis over the years so there hasn’t been very much research into its positive effects. Some brands like to market their product by stepping in to fill that void with bizarre word salads that are supposed to describe the experience or health benefit you might have. Not poking fun, but they seem a bit prescriptive. Here we’ve pulled together some descriptions from different sources who are all describing the same cultivar:
I think you can see that it’s silly to think that a brand could tell you exactly how you’re going to feel from their cultivar when so many other sources have somewhat conflicting descriptions. WHO’S RIGHT??? Also, does Blue Dream cure everything?!
The science out there on cannabis can be questionable at times due to negative preconceptions by some researchers. But you can find a lot of really awesome peer reviewed articles that will blow your mind if you read through enough. I try to regurgitate as much of that information to y’all as possible so you don’t have to, though I highly recommend it.
As I mentioned before, there are several factors that can contribute to how all of our brains and bodies respond to cannabis. None of these are truly considered when a brand is telling you how you’ll feel from their product. These factors include:
- Tolerance: Some of y’all who use cannabis regularly may develop a tolerance to its effects over time. This means you may require higher doses to achieve the same level of effect as someone with less tolerance. The receptors in your brain will be different between you and someone else because of your level of use. Each person’s sensitivity to cannabis can vary as well. Some people may be more sensitive to its effects, while others may be less responsive. Brands who make claims on their products effects don’t take that into account. I think it’s important for individuals, especially beginners, to be perceptive and aware of their own tolerance, so they can experiment responsibly. If you’re just starting out, start small and work your way up. If you’re experienced, then keep doing what you’re doing. Our Live Cured Flower is less dense than traditionally cured flower, yet it has more volume. This means when you pack a bowl it’ll be a lower dose than traditionally cured flower. If you’re a beginner that means you can have an easier time experimenting with the flower using a more metered dose. If you’re a heavy smoker, don’t fret, this just means you’ll have more bowls to smoke per eighth.
- Body chemistry: Each one of our bodies chemistries is different, and this can influence how cannabis is processed and metabolized. Variations in enzymes responsible for metabolizing cannabinoids can definitely affect the intensity and duration of the effects. Even what you ate that day could alter the experience. I’ve never seen a brand say, “Avoid pizza before smoking for optimal effects”. Again, be perceptive and aware of how your body and mind react, when experimenting with a new cultivar and note how you actually feel compared to what the label may read. You can build you own mental notes to go off and apply them to the next cultivars you try.
- Cannabinoid composition: The two main active compounds in cannabis are THC and CBD. THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD has more subtle effects and is not psychoactive. The different concentrations of these cannabinoids can vary between cultivars, harvest batches, and cultivators. Even the terpenes present will play a role in determining what you’ll experience (read our previous posts on Terpenes 101 and Terpenes in Cannabis). The specific combination and ratios of cannabinoids and terpenes can influence the overall effects experienced. If you look through our COA Database, you can see the variations in cannabinoid and terpene content within the same cultivar across different harvest batches. So just because a brand claims that their cultivar will have the same effect and health benefits each time does not mean it’s true. There’re too many variables at play to say that something will absolutely have the exact same effect.
- Method of consumption: The method of consuming cannabis can also impact the effects. Smoking, vaporizing, or dabbing cannabis or concentrates leads to more immediate and intense effects. When cannabis is smoked or dabbed, the cannabinoids enter the lungs and are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, they are transported to the brain and other organs. The onset of effects is usually quick, typically within minutes, as the cannabinoids don’t need to pass through the digestive system. Metabolism occurs in the liver, where THC is converted into its metabolites. These metabolites are then excreted from the body through urine, which is why some of y’all are scared of drug tests. Different methods of consumption result in variations in the way cannabinoids are absorbed and metabolized by the body. Since the makeup of each one of our bodies is different it would be impossible for a brand to say how you’d feel given all the different methods of consumption. There would need to be such specific instructions to guide you towards an experience you may achieve. For example, taking a bong rip is going to produce a different effect than smoking a joint. A brand would need to be as prescriptive as a bottle of pharmaceutical drugs if they hoped to achieve any sort of similar effects. How would a dab of Bule Dream concentrate produce the same effects and health benefits as it does in its raw cannabis form?
- Dosage: The amount of cannabis consumed plays a significant role in the effects experienced. Since most users don’t weigh out how much they consume, the experience will be different each time. I don’t see any brands really suggesting you weigh out each joint you smoke. So how could they be so prescriptive explaining what the effects are? As I mentioned above, our Live Cured Flower is low dose by nature. I feel that it’s easier to dose out each sesh with our flower. I can roll a full joint and have it be half the weight of traditionally cured flower. This means that I won’t be completely faded and now have the option to smoke another or perhaps just smoke a bowl. You get to enjoy the full flavor of the cultivar but with a smoother more enjoyable smoke than traditionally cured flower.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications that can interact with cannabis, consult with your doctor or healthcare professional. There still isn’t any other reliable avenue to find information on these interactions without speaking to them. I’m honest about my cannabis use with all the doctors I see, and they don’t judge me. In fact, they appreciate my honesty. But I also live in California and have pretty cool doctors who are knowledgeable about cannabis and its effects. So, I understand how some of y’all could also be afraid to disclose this to your doctor because some of them may still hold on to the stigma that cannabis is bad. But I wouldn’t necessarily buy into these claims that certain cultivars are going to cure you of anything based on what the internet or a brand is telling you. It’s going to take experimentation and a little research to understand what you may get from it.
In the end, I can only say that if there are cannabinoids present in the cannabis product you’re consuming, then you will feel some effect, even if it’s nearly undetectable. It’s important to research the products you use and to only trust brands that try and present realistic data to support some of their claims. We make the COA for each one of our products available to the y’all and also provide our unique Terpene Compass on each jar. With the COA Database you can see the exact concentration of the cannabinoids and also see what the dominant terpenes are. You can also see the dominant terpenes displayed on our Terpene Compass. We feel that full transparency and an abundance of information from a brand is the only way to learn more about what you’re consuming. Just because someone is telling you that you’re going to feel a certain way does not make it true.
Stay stoned and stay safe!
