Is Cannabis a Stimulant, Depressant, or Hallucinogen? - July 22, 2022

Cannabis is popular by many other names, including marijuana, weed, and pot to name a few. It is one of the most frequently used drugs derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. There are hundreds of compounds present in cannabis, however, CBD and THC are the most important of all. Unlike CBD, THC is known as the main intoxication culprit that users seek.

Now, it’s important to know about the kind of chemicals present in a cannabis plant because they determine how and what you feel.

When it comes to the benefits and effects that marijuana offers, the question that often arises is whether cannabis is a stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogen. There is no precise answer to this. Its effects differ from person to person. In this case, it’s best to understand what each effect feels like so you can identify the ways to control the effects you feel. Why? Because for MMJ patients, having an understanding of the effects cannabis will have on them will help them use the herb in a better way.

Types of Drugs

Depending on the basis of their uses, effects, and properties, drugs are mainly categorized as

• Depressants: Drugs that can slow brain function or activity. These drugs include sedatives and tranquilizers that are used to treat anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
• Stimulants: Common types of psychoactive drugs that are mostly used to uplift your mood and energy. These are highly addictive drugs that can make you feel paranoid over time. Examples include cocaine and methamphetamine.
• Hallucinogens: These drugs are known to alter your thoughts, perception, and feelings. They make people feel hallucinated and see things that are not even real. Examples include LSD and psilocybin.
• Opiates: These drugs are used to treat chronic pain and can even make a person fall asleep. Examples include heroin and morphine.

As per the University of Maryland, cannabis acts as a depressant, stimulant, and hallucinogen. Continue reading to learn more about what makes cannabis work as a depressant, stimulant, and hallucinogen

Cannabis as a Depressant

As mentioned above, depressants are the type of drugs that affect the functioning of your nervous system including the brain. They can slow down brain activity, making you feel more relaxed and stress-free. Cannabis produces the same effects just like other depressants.

It works as a depressant to help you alleviate some health conditions like sleep disorders and anxiety. Apart from that, it produces effects like

• Relaxation
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness

Unlike other drugs, depressants are safe and less addictive. Over some time, you can develop tolerance to depressants, including cannabis. Apart from that, no matter whether you smoke tobacco or cannabis, it can result in respiratory problems like a chronic cough. Some of the popular cannabis strains with depressant qualities are OG Kush and Granddaddy Purple.

Cannabis as a Stimulant

Stimulants react opposite to depressants. While depressants make you feel relaxed, stimulants make you feel energetic. These drugs are often known to make your heart beat faster and even increase blood pressure, causing breathing issues in some people.

The reasons why cannabis is considered a stimulant are

• Improves your mood
• Increases your heart rate
• Causes anxiety
• Makes a person feel paranoid

Please note that the effects of cannabis differ from person to person. Some users may feel relaxed and others may feel anxious at the same time. However, unlike stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, cannabis is the least harmful. But eventually, you can become dependent in case you use it for a long time to avail of its mood-elevating effects. Some examples of cannabis strains with stimulant qualities are Durban Poison and Green Crack. If you are interested in using any of the strains for the stimulating properties of cannabis, make sure to get a medical marijuana card if your state mandates the same. You can get one for your state with Online Medical Card. The approval process happens online and the team send the recommendation via email.

Also Read: Skywalker OG Strain Review – May the Force Be With You

Cannabis as a Hallucinogen

Hallucinogens are drugs that make you feel false perceptions of people, objects, or events. For quite long years, cannabis has been ill-famed for making people feel high and hallucinated. While hallucinations are possible when consuming cannabis, that doesn’t happen with everyone.

Apart from making a person feel hallucinated, hallucinogens can also cause:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Loss of control
• Faster heartbeat

When consuming cannabis, users often experience these effects, which is why it is classified as a hallucinogen. Some examples of cannabis strains with hallucinogenic qualities are Super Lemon Haze and LSD cannabis strain.

Let’s Wrap Up

From making you feel more relaxed to working as an energy booster, cannabis has a lot of mental and physical effects varying from person to person.

This tiny and versatile plant can help some people in alleviating mental health issues like anxiety and depression. On the contrary, it can make people feel anxious over time. As a result, cannabis works as a depressant, stimulant, and hallucinogen. Now, which case applies to you? You need to consult a professional and use the herb under supervision to understand its effects on you. With a professional’s help, you can find the best strains and products to begin with and also get the guidance to use it the best way for your first time.