Cannabis enjoys a prolonged history of human use. According to various archaeological findings, marijuana was used as far back as 2500 years ago for treating headaches, bacterial infections, erectile dysfunction, etc. Numerous clinical research conducted over the years has since added to marijuana’s list of health benefits. Today, you can use cannabis to manage various forms of pain and anxiety, and sleep disorders.
But despite the long list of diseases that cannabis can treat, it’s sad to observe that not all marijuana users end up benefiting from the plant’s pharmacological properties. As an aspiring cannabis user, there are various reasons why cannabis may not be working for you. This article explores the top six reasons cannabis doesn’t suit you.
You’re Using Cannabis for the Wrong Medical Condition
Purchasing cannabis products from tasty rainbow sour belts or other trusted suppliers may treat, manage, and even prevent various diseases. But there are also numerous medical conditions that marijuana might not help with.
Generally, you can use marijuana for diseases whose primary symptoms include pain, anxiety, inflammation, and seizures. However, this doesn’t necessarily imply that cannabis can help with any condition that presents the above symptoms. It’s always advisable to consult your doctor to be sure that you qualify for a marijuana prescription.
You’re Consuming the Wrong Cannabis Parts
Another possible reason cannabis doesn’t suit you is that you’re consuming the wrong parts. This is primarily a concern for raw, unprocessed cannabis. Marijuana produces over 115 medically beneficial compounds, also known as phytocannabinoids or simply cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most popular cannabinoids.
Contrary to popular belief, cannabinoids aren’t concentrated in the seeds. The same goes for the bark, branches, and even the leaves of cannabis. The best part of the marijuana plant to consume is the flower or buds. That’s because these parts contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids.
You Don’t Know the Effects
Cannabis produces various effects depending on the specific cannabinoids that you consume. We’ve already mentioned CBD and THC as the most prevalent compounds in weed. The fundamental difference between tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol is that THC is both psychoactive and intoxicating, whereas CBD is not. THC is the primary compound in weed that induces euphoria, or the famous ‘high.’
When consumed, both CBD and THC enter the body through the endocannabinoid system. CBD interacts indirectly with endocannabinoid receptors located further from the brain and central nervous system, known as CB2 receptors. On the other hand, THC binds directly with receptors located in and around the brain, known as CB1 receptors. That explains THC’s mind-altering abilities.
All cannabinoids that begin with the prefix CB- tend to be non-psychoactive, while all cannabinoids that begin with the prefix TH- can get you high.
You’re Using the Wrong Delivery Method
Cannabis products fall into five broad categories, depending on the intended delivery method. They include:
- Inhalable like cannabis-infused e-juices
- Smokeables like dried weed extracts
- Topicals, which include cannabis-enriched cosmetic products
- Sublingual sprays
- Edibles like cannabis-infused gummies, chocolate, and candies
Each of such delivery methods has its pros and cons. For instance, inhalable and smokable products generally have a faster onset time and higher absorption rate. The same goes for sublingual sprays. The effects of consuming cannabis by any of these methods can be felt in as little as 5 minutes. However, those effects tend to be short-lasting.
Edibles take considerably longer to take effect. That’s because the edible product must undergo a complete digestion process before it can enter the bloodstream. Weed edibles can take as long as three hours. On the bright side, the effects of marijuana edibles generally last in the body much longer, usually up to 24 hours after administration.
You’re Overdosing on Marijuana
Cannabis has a safer safety profile than many conventional medications. However, overdosing on cannabis could trigger a wide range of side effects, depending on the active cannabinoids in the product. Overdosing psychoactive cannabinoids like THC might leave you with a series of psychedelic effects, including hallucinations and bloodshot eyes. For non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD and CBG, the common side effects include nausea and dry mouth.
But even without factoring in the risks of side effects, it’s still not a great idea to overdose on marijuana. Studies indicate that cannabis is generally ineffective at very high doses. The conventional wisdom is, to begin with, low doses, particularly if you’re a new user. You can then work your way up gradually until you establish your ideal dose, also known as ‘sweet spot.’
You’re Expecting Too Much Too Soon
Despite what you’ve read concerning the health benefits of marijuana, it’s important to note that the effects of cannabis may not always come sooner than you expected. It’s illogical to begin using cannabis today and expect to see the results tomorrow. That’s especially true if you’re using the herb for therapeutic as opposed to recreational purposes.
The fact that your pain or anxiety isn’t going away sooner than you expected doesn’t make cannabis ineffective. It might have a lot to do with how your body processes the herb. So, exercise patience, and if possible, consult your doctor for more professional insights.
There are numerous reasons to consider integrating cannabis into your health and wellness routine. But with the wrong approach, you might never benefit from marijuana’s healing properties. We hope you can now proceed to order your next cannabis dose from the point of information.
