Why does everyone react differently to cannabis?

Most of what we know about how people react to cannabis comes from consumer experience. Even with feedback from Internet users, it's hard to say how a person might react to a new variety of cannabis without trying it. That's because cannabis affects everyone differently, and it's customary to say that the individual reactions to cannabis depends on its tolerance to cannabis.

Read more: What do people who have tasted cannabis legally for the first time have to say?

While certain variables have an undeniable influence on experience, a genetic component may explain it all. By considering a number of factors, such as the plant's composition of cannabinoids, Whether we're talking about our overall health or our genetic make-up, we can begin to understand why two people may have different experiences with the same variety.

On the scientific side, researchers have isolated 85 different cannabinoids. The ratio of cannabinoids is different from one plant to another, and the way each cannabinoid interacts with the others, in a process called entourage effect, modifies the combined effects.

In 2010, the Journal of Pharmacology has published a study which explores the combined effects of THC and CBD, the two best-known cannabinoids. The study shows that CBD blocks the negative effects of THC, such as anxiety and paranoia. Varieties with a lot of THC and little CBD will more easily cause these side effects.

Look also at the way the body reacts to other drugs such as alcohol or caffeine. The body reacts in the same way to different varieties or combinations of cannabinoids. By highlighting the therapeutic role of CBD in people with psychiatric disorders, the 2010 study underlines how psychological differences determine the response to certain varieties of cannabis.

In addition to plant genetics and human psychology, a new study which explores the relationship between cannabis use and human genetic make-up, suggests that there may be other levers of influence; According to the study, genetic variation affects the effect of THC on memory performance, meaning that people with the genetic variation will respond differently to cannabis.

All this to say that, beyond the characteristics that seem to influence the effect of cannabis, our different individual experiences, with varieties that affect us more than others, seem to teach us things about our bodies and minds. Here too, a great deal of research is needed to understand why this phenomenon exists. Direct applications could help guide patients towards the varieties that suit them best and are most effective for their individual condition.