Effects
Cannabis is known for its purported physical and psychotropic effects. Cannabis can alter one’s perceptions, mood, behaviour and even physical sensations. That said, the effects can vary from person to person based on several factors.
The effects can be divided into three main groups.
Relaxing
May be felt at both the physical level (relaxation of the body, feeling of lethargy, drowsiness) and the psychological level (calmness, reduced stress and anxiety). Relaxing effects are generally associated with the Indica category and Indica-dominant hybrids.
Stimulating
May create the impression of having more energy, wanting to be physically active or needing to be around others. May also give the impression of having increased concentration and creativity. Stimulating effects are generally associated with the Sativa category and Sativa-dominant hybrids.
Mood-altering
These effects are usually described by users as a feeling of euphoria or joy that sometimes takes the form of uncontrolled laughter. Generally speaking, mood-altering effects can be caused by all strains except those with little or no THC and a high level of CBD.
Note that none of these claimed effects has been scientifically proven and may vary from person to person and product to product, irrespective of category.
Undesirable effects
Some users may temporarily experience unpleasant effects, including:
- dry mouth
- red eyes
- elevated heart rate
- paranoia
- anxiety
- confusion
- high blood pressure
- nausea
- dizziness
Though it has yet to be scientifically proven, the presence of CBD may modulate some of the undesirable effects of cannabis. Further research is required to validate this claim.
What causes the effects
The effects of cannabis are caused by, among other things, the main active cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which are mainly found in the plant’s flowers.
THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It is responsible for most of the purported psychotropic and physical effects, including euphoria. Cannabis-induced euphoria is often referred to as being stoned or high or having a buzz. THC can occasionally cause undesirable effects, such as paranoia and anxiety. The euphoric phase is often followed by a period of physical and mental languor, commonly called a down, that can last for several hours.
CBD has few if any euphoric effects. Instead, it is known for its purported therapeutic properties. It may also moderate some of THC’s unpleasant side effects (paranoia, anxiety, etc.). In higher doses, it may have medicinal uses and may favour mental and physical relaxation and better sleep. Note, however, that it is currently not possible to determine with certainty if any beneficial side effects CBD use may confer. The studies completed to date are inconclusive on the subject.
Intensity of effects
The higher the THC level in cannabis, the more strongly the psychoactive and physical effects will be felt by users. This is also true for any undesirable side effects. But it is not the only factor that impacts the intensity and duration of the effects.
Recent research shows that the method of consumption also has a role to play. The psychoactive effects of ingested cannabis ( edibles , beverages , cooking ingredients ) would be more powerful and longer lasting than those from inhaled cannabis ( smoking , vaporizing) and sublingual (oral strips, oils , oral sprays ).
Also, a ccording to some studies, the higher the CBD level in cannabis, the less strongly the undesirable effects of THC will be felt. Other studies cast doubt on this claim. More research is needed on this topic.
To reduce the risk of an unpleasant experience or “bad trip,” we advise opting for small doses of low-THC products and spacing the doses out. Note, too, that the type and intensity of effects can vary from person to person.
Moderate
Medium
Strong
How long do the effects last?
| method of use | first appearance | peak | duration** |
| Inhaled cannabis (flower, ground, hash, pre-rolled) |
90 seconds to 5 minutes | 15 to 30 minutes | 2 to 3 hours |
| Ingested cannabis – under the tongue (sublingual oil, oral spray, oral strip) |
15 to 30 minutes* | 90 minutes to 2 hours | up to 6 hours and sometimes longer |
| Ingested cannabis – oral (edibles, beverage, cooking oil, tincture, decarb, capsule) |
30 to 60 minutes* | 90 minutes to 3 hours | up to 8 hours and sometimes longer |
*The effects of ingested cannabis may take two or three hours to appear. We strongly advise beginning with a small dose and waiting two to three hours before taking more, if desired.
**How long the pleasant and unpleasant effects last can vary depending on the type and strength of the product, the amount consumed, the method of use and the user’s tolerance level.
The effects of cannabis may vary from person to person, depending on several factors*:
- the cannabis category (Sativa, Indica or hybrid)
- the cannabis strain (Kush, Banana Split, etc.)
- the THC, CBD and minor cannabinoid level
- the terpenes and entourage effect
- the amount of cannabis consumed
- the method of use
- the user’s tolerance level for cannabis (regular user vs. first-time user)
- the user’s physical and mental state, mood and health condition
- the context in which the product is used (alone, with friends, in a crowd, etc.)
*And possibly other factors not yet identified.
Choose the right product
It is important to choose a cannabis product and consumption method based on your level of experience, state of health and tolerance for potentially unpleasant effects. For personalized advice, speak with an in-store advisor or see the "Types of Products" section.
Three types of
cannabis
Indica, Sativa and hybrids: what’s the difference? learn more about cannabis species and hybrids and their many strains.
Methods
of use
Smoking, vaporizing or ingesting: each method for consuming cannabis has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Assistance
resources
Are you or a friend or family member dealing with a problem related to cannabis use? Several assistance resources are available to you. Take advantage of them!