What sativa does to your body
Sativa-labeled cannabis carries a high THC content and a low CBD content. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and spinal cord. That binding changes heart rate, blood pressure, appetite, memory, and perception. Inhaled effects start in 5 to 15 minutes and peak near 30 minutes. Edible effects start in 30 to 90 minutes. Inhaled effects fade in 2 to 4 hours. Edible effects can run 6 to 8 hours.
Heart and circulation
Heart rate rises 10 to 20 beats per minute within minutes of smoking. The rise can last up to 3 hours. Blood pressure can drop on standing, which causes dizziness. Blood vessels in the eyes widen, which turns the sclera red. These changes matter for people with heart conditions. Reviews link cannabis use to higher odds of arrhythmia.
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Mouth, eyes, and appetite
Dry mouth and dry eyes are common. Salivary flow drops. THC acts on the hypothalamus and raises hunger, with cravings for sweet and salty food. This effect is the basis of prescription cannabinoid appetite stimulants.
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Memory, mood, and movement
THC disrupts short-term and working memory for the length of the high. Time sense stretches. Reaction time slows. Coordination drops. Mood can shift to euphoria, giddiness, or talkativeness at low doses and to anxiety, paranoia, or panic at high doses. Sensory input such as music, color, and texture can feel stronger.
The sativa label is a market term
Cannabis sativa is one botanical species. Cannabis indica was named as a second species in 1785, and most retail flower is a hybrid of both. Lab tests of product sold as sativa show wide ranges in THC and terpenes. Terpenes such as terpinolene, limonene, and pinene appear more in sativa-labeled lots. Research finds that THC content and terpene profile track effects better than the label on the jar.
Dose changes the outcome
THC doses of 2 to 5 mg can produce alertness and mild body relaxation. Doses above 20 mg raise the odds of anxiety, racing heart, and confusion. A new user reaches 20 mg with two or three bites of a 10 mg edible. Wait 2 hours before a second edible dose.
Possible side effects
- Fast heart rate and palpitations
- Low blood pressure with dizziness on standing
- Dry mouth and dry eyes
- Short-term memory loss
- Anxiety, paranoia, or panic
- Slowed reaction time and impaired driving
- Nausea or vomiting with heavy long-term use
What sativa does not do
Sativa does not act as a stimulant in the caffeine sense. There is no known lethal dose of THC in humans. Effects differ by person, tolerance, product potency, and route of use. Product labels list THC in mg. That number is the most useful guide to what the body will feel.