With current trends showing an increased population of cannabis consumers, more and more people are looking for the potential health effects of cannabis without being exposed to its risks. The use of a balanced set of cannabinoids may provide multiple advantages such as increased enjoyment, more effectiveness and improved safety while using cannabis based products. This article discusses how you can achieve perfect synergy with cannabinoids focusing on product selection and controlled usage.
What Are the Health Effects of Cannabis Use?
The marijuana plant contains various cannabis extracts – cannabinoids, of which the most well-known are THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These cannabinoids are absorbed in the body’s cannabinoid system which is important for the maintenance of homeostasis.
Medical cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids can decrease pain and alleviate some of the symptoms associated with chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, or even seizures.
However, the effect of cannabinoids are highly variable – while primarily having psychoactive effects, THC is the main substance present in cannabis, while non-psychoactive CBD is an anti-anxiety agent that has a relaxing effect.
Health Effects of Cannabinoids
Many regular cannabis users report that they improve their sleep, relieve pain, and stabilize their mood with the use of cannabis. Still, users cannot ignore the possibility of adverse effects from cannabis.
When smoked, cannabis use may cause cognitive decline, mental health problems, respiratory complications, heavy cannabis use, cannabis use disorder, and cannabis withdrawal.
Even so, people who are considering the medical use of cannabis should know and understand the health effects associated with cannabis use in order to make the right choices.
How to Create a Balanced Cannabinoid Experience
To achieve proper balance of cannabis or cannabinoids, it is important that the following is incorporated;
General Overview of Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are the active compounds found in cannabis, with the most well-known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). This isn't the only clear distinction because there are many subtypes of each cannabinoid that are unique from one another:
- THC: The psychoactive properties of cannabis are closely attributed to tetrahydrocannabinol, often referred to as THC. Many users describe the effect as euphoric with an increased ability to relax along with extraordinary and enhanced sense of touch. Excessive intake of THC by some individuals is quite often known to cause anxiety or its counterpart, paranoia.
- CBD: THC is an intense psychoactive, while CBD is entirely the opposite as it has no psychoactive effects. It does however, provide some potentially therapeutic benefits, such as anxiety relief, pain relief, and relaxation. CBD works in tandem with THC by mitigating some of THC’s effects giving it a more round experience.
- Other Cannabinoids: Other than THC and CBD, there exist about a hundred odd cannabinoids including CBG and CBN among others which further have their unique features. Products that contain a more robust range of cannabinoids promise a more advanced experience.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Strain or Product
The type of cannabis product you choose to use will largely determine your experience with cannabis.
This being noted, for the strain selection, here are some factors to consider:
Indica strains vs. Sativa strains vs. hybrids:
- Cannabis Indica is well known for its relaxing properties, thus often appropriate for night use/relaxation.
- Cannabis Sativa will tend to give the user more energy, and allow the user to be more social or get involved with something creative.
- Hybrid will allow the user to have either or both of the above in regard to how the user may wish for the effects of that particular strain to be.
Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum vs. Isolate:
- As for full-spectrum products, the compound is made by intermingling cannabinoids besides terpenes and flavonoids. All these enhance the entourage effect delivering a more suited experience to the user.
- Broad-spectrum products include several cannabinoids except for THC, rendering them safe for users seeking therapeutic effects without the mind-altering experience.
- CBD isolates, on the other hand, are only made up of CBD in its pure form and will deliver therapeutic effects of marijuana without any other cannabinoids interfering.
Edibles, Tinctures, or Inhalation
- Edibles take longer to work as compared to inhalation; however, when they work, the effects of the edibles will last.
- But with inhaled cannabis methods like vaporized cannabis, you can feel the effect of cannabis smoke immediately.
- Tinctures would also allow for control as the effect of oral delivery would help inject into the body the desired amount and within a shorter time.
Be Mindful of Dosing
Many cannabis users do not realize the importance of the association between cannabis use and how crucial it is to have the right dosage so that users can have the best experience. Let’s consider some mindful practices for exposure to cannabis in this regard:
- Take it Easy: If this is your first time trying cannabis or the product, then don’t take it head-on. Especially THC, start low and slowly increase it when the effect of each dose has been established.
- Focus on the Ratio: Most manufacturers put unique ratios of THC and CBD; for example, a 2:1 ratio. A higher ratio and effect of CBD can help reduce the high effects of THC, making it a decent overall experience. Experiment with different ratios to decide which suits you.
- Listen to Your Body: Be mindful of your body when using cannabis. Reassess your usage or take time off if discomfort, anxiety or any form of adverse effects is encountered.
Organizing a Suitable Situation for the Usage
The use of cannabis does not solely depend on the strain and the user, but also the environment of the user. Tips on how to achieve steadiness are provided below:
- Choose a Safe Space: Focus on a place you are familiar with. It is exciting to try new places, but it is best to visit them on a day that is not meant for recreational drug use.
- Eliminate Distractions: Noisy people at a party are bothersome indeed and can take all the fun out cannabis consumption. A quieter music selection or soothing fragrances might also be useful.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Such activities may include but are not limited to deep breathing, mild physical aerobic exercise, yoga and meditation to help the body focus and achieve a tranquil mental state prior to cannabis therapeutic use.
Mindful Consumption Practices
These are behavioral/attitudinal practices that help you stay aware and engaged in the cannabinoid experience:
- Set an Intention: Always remember that there is no bad time to smoke cannabis, but like any other action, it is important to have a purpose. It can be used to unwind, to gain clarity or simply to indulge in relaxation.
- Be Present: Notice how the cannabis may trouble you throughout the experience. Notice any differences in your emotional state, thinking processes, or any sensations in your body, and let yourself live in the moment.
- Limiting Multitasking: Cannabis use is associated with somehow strengthening creativity or socialization. But, when few people have ‘it’ for the very first time, they should avoid multitasking. Concentrating on one particular activity will even make a person focus on that activity.
Contemplating About the Experience
Following your session, some time should be dedicated on examining the context of the experience for ease in the impact of cannabis in the future;
- Record Your Emotions: Thoughts, feelings, complaints or insights experienced throughout the process of consumption can be scribed somewhere and this in turn would enable you to comprehend which strains of the cannabis or what dosage are more effective for future purposes.
- Revisit Your Aim: You could enhance your experience in the anticipation and the use of a specific strain or dosage. This is effective for the future in terms of sessions that you may choose to partake.
- If There Were Any Changes: As for the reflections, you should consider what changes you would want to incorporate in future sessions regarding dosage, strain and the environment.
Final Thoughts
You need to assess the use of cannabinoids, pick products carefully, be more responsible in how you consume, and learn from what cannabis exposure does to you. These strategies allow you to take advantage of the therapeutic properties of medicinal cannabis and its cannabis plant products while lowering the risks and making it more rewarding and enjoyable. In all these activities, you must remember that cannabis is a very personal substance. As such, everyone’s interactions with it are different, so be wise and patient as you search for your own balance.