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The Charter of the French language and its regulations govern the consultation of English-language content.
The Charter of the French language and its regulations govern the consultation of English-language content.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 properties. Instead, it is known for its purported therapeutic properties. It may also modulate THC’s unpleasant side effects, such as paranoia and anxiety. Note, however, that none of these claims have been proven.
Other compounds found in cannabis, including the minor cannabinoids and terpenes, may also have an influence on the plant’s effects. As each person is unique, any effects may be felt differently from person to person.
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.
According 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.
To reduce the risk of an unpleasant experience or “bad trip,” we advise opting for low-THC products, using small doses and spacing the doses out.
| 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, sublingual strip) |
after 30 minutes* | 90 minutes to 3 hours | up to 8 hours and sometimes longer |
| Ingested cannabis – oral (beverage, cooking oil, tincture, decarb, capsule) |
after 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*:
*And possibly other factors not yet identified.
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.
Indica, Sativa and hybrids: what’s the difference? learn more about cannabis species and hybrids and their many strains.
Smoking, vaporizing or ingesting: each method for consuming cannabis has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
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!