Cannabis effects in the short and long term

Modified on: 28/04/2021

All the effects of marijuana, both immediate and in the long run.

If you are interested in the world of marijuana and cannabis seeds, you will probably want to know a few facts and different details about them, including the effects of weed.

You’ve probably tried a few before, but the sensations can differ based on both the cannabis strain consumed and several other factors, including frequency of use, quantities, and the consumer’s mood.

Furthermore, you may want to know the long-term effects of cannabis, as well as the immediate ones, so that you are fully aware of them.

While reading this in-depth study, you will find answers to all your doubts because we will talk to you about what it feels like to take marijuana both immediately and in the long term.

Get comfortable and keep your eyes peeled — we’re about to get started!

Types of marijuana and effects

Before discussing the general sensations of marijuana, we want to distinguish between the effects of cannabis Sativa and those of Cannabis Indica. The two different types are different, both morphologically (starting from the marijuana seeds, large and oblong for the Indica and small and rounded for the Sativa, up to the plant and the flowers) and the results of their intake.

Effects of marijuana sativa, such as euphoria.

Generally, Sativa– dominant strains are positively euphoric and relaxing on the muscles only after some time. They stimulate creativity, increase the feeling of happiness, the flow of thoughts and general energy.

Indica– dominant varieties of weed, on the other hand, are highly relaxing in the mind and muscles, calm the nerves and even have a pain-relieving effect. They are ideal in case of severe stress, anxiety and insomnia as they combine a restful sleep; the feeling that prevails is total abandonment, combined with sleepiness.

The Sativa effect is called the “high” because it makes you active, while the impact of the Indica is called “stoned” because it gets high by slowing down the reflexes and relaxing the user overall.

What is the reason for these differences?

The main culprits are the different amounts of THC and CBD present in the two species and the terpene profile, i.e., the aromatic and gustatory profile (yes, this too can affect the effects of cannabis).

Sativa-type varieties, of fact, have high concentrations of THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid, and meagre amounts of CBD. This relaxing and non-psychotropic active ingredient mitigates the action of THC. The two cannabinoids are entirely unbalanced, so in Sativa, the THC effects clearly prevail over those of CBD.

In Indica marijuana, the THC / CBD ratio is usually well-balanced, so that cannabidiol makes itself felt with its relaxing and pain-relieving effects and sharply moderates the psychotropic effects of tetrahydrocannabinol.

Now that you know the differences between Cannabis Indica and Sativa’s effects let’s see the overall sensations of using cannabis.

Read also: Marijuana resin: what it is used for and where it is found

The short-term effects of cannabis

As you probably know, there are numerous ways to take marijuana. Smoking joints with weed and tobacco, or just weed, is by far the most used, but cannabis is also inhaled through bongs, vaporizers, and pipes and even ingested.

Are you wondering how long the joint’s effect and, in general, of the inhalation of cannabinoids last? Generally from 3 to 5 hours, with an immediate outcome. The ingestion of marijuana, on the other hand, is slow-release: the effects begin after about 1 or 2 hours from intake and last for about 6-8 hours.

But what are these sensations? Here they are listed below:

Euphoria, increased creativity, intense energy and happiness when taking Cannabis Sativa
Strong relaxation, peace of mind, drowsiness, a sharp decrease in pain and inflammation, in the case of Cannabis Indica intake
Increased sensory perception
Distortion of space and time
Mood improvement
Red and swollen eyes
Sudden and irrepressible hunger (the so-called munchies)
Slowing of reflexes, especially when consuming cannabis indica
Increased heart rate

Depending on the amount of cannabis consumed, the state of mind at the time and the situation in which they are, those who use cannabis may also experience the following adverse effects:

More or less intense anxiety, up to panic attacks
Depression
Discomfort
Tachycardia
Sudden mood swings
(Rarely) hallucinations and delusions

And others.

As you could read earlier, the short-term effects of cannabis wear off within hours. Furthermore, some of these effects are beneficial, e.g., happiness, relaxation, mood improvement, pain and inflammation relief, etc.).

However, there are long-term consequences of using cannabis, mostly if the consumption frequently occurs in adolescence and becomes compulsive.

Negative effects of cannabis in adolescents

The long-term effects of marijuana use

Although cannabis has several positive outcomes, one should never overdo it. Its excessive use, widespread (for example, daily) and at a young age could lead to:

Addiction to the effects, therefore the need to consume more and more to benefit from it
Psychological dependence
Insomnia
Anxiety
Depression
Psychosis (but only in predisposed people.

However, it is fascinating to note how many people who already have psychotic symptoms — well before knowing the weed — use cannabis to appease them)

Furthermore, the preference for the fastest method of consumption, namely smoking, could lead to unpleasant consequences such as the development of respiratory and heart diseases. Between the rods and the vaporizer, it is always better to choose the second option.