Ever noticed how a puff of cannabis can hit you like a ton of bricks while leaving your friend completely unfazed?

This leads to the natural inquiry of why cannabis impacts people differently.

From genetic makeup to the method of consumption, several factors influence your experience with weed.

Let’s unpack the science behind the high—or why it sometimes misses the mark.

Your response to cannabis may be written in your genes.

Genetics plays a large role in how your body processes cannabinoids, the active compounds in weed.

Individual genetic differences can lead to varied experiences with cannabis. Some people possess genetic variants that enhance the metabolism of THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis. This can result in a quick, intense high followed by a rapid decline.

Conversely, others might have genetic profiles that metabolize THC more slowly, extending the duration and intensity of their high.

Your body can build up a tolerance to cannabis over time.

Tolerance refers to the weakened effects of a substance as your body becomes used to it.

Regular cannabis users often find that they need higher doses to achieve the same effects they once felt with smaller amounts. This happens because your body adjusts to cannabinoids by downregulating receptors or increasing the rate it’s metabolized in the body.

How regular you use, dosage, and individual metabolism all contribute to your tolerance level.

The way you choose to consume your weed plays a huge role in the kind of high you feel.

Whether you prefer smoking, vaping, edibles, or topicals, each method delivers cannabinoids to your body in different ways. This can dramatically change the onset, intensity and timeline of your high.

Smoking or vaping lets cannabinoids enter your bloodstream quickly through the lungs, leading to quicker effects.

And since edibles need to be digested before entering your bloodstream, there’s often a delay before you feel high. Although many users report edibles often get them higher than other consumption methods, some users actually find edibles completely ineffective.

This is mainly due to differences in metabolism, stomach acidity, and liver enzymes, which all help break down cannabinoids in your body.

Where you choose to get high can significantly shape your experience.

Comfortable, familiar and secure spaces usually give off a relaxing and at-ease vibe.

Unfamiliar or challenging settings or people may evoke certain feelings that impact the intensity of your high. If you’re on edge, your high will likely feel sharper and more intense compared to someone who’s kicking back in their comfort zone.

So, picking the right place to enjoy your green can make all the difference.

Hormones can significantly influence your cannabis experience, creating a complex interaction that varies by gender.

While men are statistically more likely to use cannabis, women may be more vulnerable to developing a cannabis dependency. This difference could be linked to hormonal interactions.

According to a 2018 study, female rats show different levels of endocannabinoids and more sensitive receptors in key brain areas than males, with fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle impacting these levels.

Research suggests that estrogen levels can enhance the effects of cannabis by increasing the concentration of endocannabinoids, which could explain why women may experience more intense highs during certain phases of their menstrual cycle.

These hormonal changes might also contribute to higher tolerance and greater withdrawal symptoms in women compared to men.

Rare yet real, cannabis allergies range from mild irritation to downright severe reactions.

Cannabis allergies typically include symptoms like nasal congestion, itchy eyes, coughing, and skin irritation.

The culprit lies in proteins like pollen, which induce respiratory issues. Like many other plants, cannabis produces pollen that can trigger allergic reactions in some.