Does CBD Affect People Differently?

UPDATED ON DECEMBER 18, 2018

How CBD affects people differently is not a simple answer since there are a number of effects, reasons for taking CBD, and many other factors. Most people experience a sense of relaxation, elevated mood, reduced pain, feelings of peacefulness and well-being. These effects are considered analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, will help reduce nausea and provide relief from most pain.

But why some experience these effects more than others? There are a few reasons:

Genetics

Approximately 20% of the population has good endocannabinoid genetics, meaning that means they have good cannabinoid receptors. These people were born with a genetic mutation that increases the level of endocannabinoids and levels of anandamide that naturally occurs in their system.

These are responsible for regulating sleep, appetite, mood, motor control, immune function, pleasure, pain, reproduction and fertility, memory and temperature regulation. This mutation also means that when this person consumes CBD, which normally activates the endocannabinoid system, they will most likely have fewer effects due to their body already producing a similar result on its own.

Men vs. Women

CBD affects men and women differently. Women are found to be more sensitive to cannabis due to having higher levels of estrogen compared to men.

Unique Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of chemical substances and vital processes occurring in living organisms. No two individuals have the exact biochemistry make up, which affects the way we metabolize substances. Having a healthy endocannabinoid system impacts how our body metabolizes substances as well. We naturally produce endocannabinoids, but things like our diet, stress, and overall lifestyle influences endocannabinoid levels.

When we consume CBD, you increase your endocannabinoid levels. For an individual who may not have a healthy endocannabinoid system, CBD consumption will most likely produce favorable results, wheres a person who a healthy endocannabinoid system might experience less of the effects of CBD.

Overall Health

The reason someone using is CBD is also going to impact their experience with it. When someone is using CBD to help treat symptoms for a disease or disorder, their and endocannabinoid levels are going to be different already due to that illness or disease. Therefore, as stated earlier, they are most likely going to feel the effects more so compared to someone who has a normal or healthy endocannabinoid system.

Tolerance

Just like any substance, over time and continued use, one will most likely build up a tolerance. But there isn’t enough research to show that CBD consumers will develop a tolerance with long-term use.

Weight, Gender, and Other Factors

Everyone metabolizes food and other substances in different ways. This variation can depend on things like your age, weight, gender, and more. Consider those people who seem to be able to eat whatever they want and never seem to gain a pound, while another person will gain weight eating the exact same amount and type of food.

CBD also comes in varying strengths. It takes time for an individual to determine the right dosage that is best for them. As with other medications, body weight helps determine the dosage. The heavier you are, the more CBD it will take to have the same effect compared to someone who has less body weight.

Since females are found to be more sensitive to CBD, they tend to need less compared to males.