Sativa varieties are usually associated with energizing and uplifting effects. Popular among both recreational cannabis customers and medical marijuana patients, sativas are often preferred for daytime use. For example, many enthusiasts enjoy sativa varieties while hiking, exercising, or socializing. The effect of a sativa strain is often referred to as a “head high” because many users report feeling creative cerebral effects after consumption. However, individual experiences vary, and some users may encounter discomfort for various reasons.
What Are the Side Effects of Sativa?
Many of the premium sativa products found in Colorado dispensaries have incredibly high levels of THC. While this is what some people want from their cannabis experience, too much THC can cause negative side effects for others. It’s easy to overdo it with cannabis products, especially for those who have a high sensitivity to THC. Some people also report experiencing negative side effects after consuming indica and hybrid strains, but these issues are more common for those who use sativa products.
Anxiety
For many consumers, cannabis is the answer when they want to relax and unwind, but some people report having the opposite experience. According to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, smaller doses of THC appear to decrease anxiety, while larger doses appear to increase it. Consequently, sativa products—which tend to contain more THC than their indica counterparts—can provoke feelings of anxiety and paranoia and, in some cases, can even prompt panic attacks. This side effect is especially common among new users who aren’t well-versed in the effects of cannabis or haven’t determined their ideal dosage yet. People who have a pre-existing anxiety disorder also appear to be more prone to experiencing anxiety while using sativa products.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to try to reduce any anxiety after consuming cannabis. These include:
- Don’t overdo it. If you’re not sure about your limits with cannabis, start slowly and proceed with caution. It’s always possible to have more when you feel ready.
- Don’t try cannabis in an environment where you’re not comfortable. If you’re with people you don’t know or trust, it might not be the time to have a lot of THC. Make sure you’re comfortable with your surroundings and your group.
- If you start to feel like you’re becoming anxious, see if you can do anything that normally calms you down. Examples of soothing activities could be getting under a comfortable blanket on the couch, going to a quiet room, taking a shower, or going on a short walk. It really depends on what would make you feel the most comfortable.
Insomnia
Many indica strains have the reputation of making people fall asleep, but sativas are designed to do the opposite. While you might welcome the creative effects of sativas, this probably isn’t what you want when it’s time for bed. If you find yourself getting frustrated because you have trouble sleeping after smoking cannabis, consider giving yourself more time between your cannabis session and your bedtime. Many people also like to choose other strains and completely avoid sativas at night.
It’s also worth noting that researchers suspect there may be a link between long-term cannabis use and insomnia. That means if changing your habits or switching out the strains doesn’t help, it may be worth trying a cannabis-free lifestyle to see if your sleep improves.
Lightheadedness
Orthostatic hypotension, commonly known as a head rush or dizziness upon standing, can be a potential side effect of marijuana use, increasing the risk of fainting and falls. This is because using cannabis, especially through smoking, can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. This might be more noticeable when you get up suddenly after a period of relaxation.
If you experience lightheadedness, it's important to find a safe place to sit down and avoid any activities that could pose a risk. Thankfully, over time, many users develop a tolerance to these cardiovascular effects with repeated exposure.
The Munchies
The munchies are more commonly associated with indica strains, but they can sneak up on you any time you’ve had a lot of cannabis. Some people actually use cannabis to induce their appetites, while others hate getting the munchies because it makes it harder to stick to a healthy diet. The best way to avoid unwanted snacking is to only surround yourself with healthy options or distract yourself with other activities.
What To Do If the Effects Are Too Strong
Even experienced cannabis connoisseurs might get uncomfortable from time to time. If you start to feel like you’ve had too much THC, here is some popular advice from avid users that you might want to try:
- Try Some Pepper – This sounds bizarre, but Neil Young swears by this trick. Sniff some black pepper or chew on a few of the peppercorns. It might have something to do with the caryophyllene terpene, which is found in both cannabis and pepper and consequently might help users ground themselves.
- Distract Yourself – Try to focus on a different activity. Get creative, work out, or play a video game to distract yourself until the feeling passes.
- Try CBD – Some people say that adding some CBD or choosing high-CBD strains can help them feel better than strains that are all THC. Fast-acting CBD tinctures are often a good answer for too much THC. This may be because CBD can mitigate the neuropsychiatric side effects of THC.
- Rest – Sometimes, lying down can help people relax. Even a short nap can make you feel better if the effects of cannabis are too strong in the moment.
- Move Around – If you’re feeling too wound up to lie down, it may be helpful to go for a walk. Just avoid walking anywhere that will make you feel less safe. When feeling uncomfortable, it is not the time to go on an ambitious hike.
- Have a Snack – Many people say that drinking a big glass of cold water and eating a healthy snack can help them feel better if they’re too high after smoking a sativa strain. Remember to stay hydrated and feed yourself regularly when consuming cannabis.
Other Sativa Effects
When reading the side effects listed above, it might not make sativas sound very appealing. The good news is that most people report that those unintended effects are rare for them. More commonly, people say they feel happy, uplifted, and inspired after smoking a sativa strain. Cannabis is a personal experience, though, as it is largely based around each individual’s brain chemistry. It is encouraged by industry professionals to focus on the cannabis strains that appeal to you instead of following others. Know your own limits and stay within them rather than trying to catch up to someone with a higher tolerance.
Buy Sativa Strains in Wheat Ridge and Boulder
If the positive aspects of a sativa experience sound like the type of high you’re looking for, Options has a wide variety of premium sativa strains available. If you’re looking to stay awake but you want to avoid feelings of anxiety, the budtenders at Options can walk through what strains might be right for you. Visit either of our dispensaries in Wheat Ridge or Boulder to find fresh strains from the best growers in Colorado. Our Wheat Ridge dispensary serves both recreational cannabis customers and medical marijuana patients, while our Boulder dispensary is only for recreational cannabis. Come visit either location today or place an order online for maximum convenience!
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