Is it possible to be immune to weed?

Cannabis affects everyone differently. Like any other substance, some people may be more or less sensitive to the herb than others. It all depends on your internal body chemistry and genetics.

Some early evidence suggests that those with certain medical conditions may experience the effects of cannabis differently. Further, a particular hormone may block the high caused by THC.

Here’s why some people might not get high from cannabis. Even for individuals without a medical condition, there’s still a good reason why you’re not high in the sky. Read on to learn more.

In total, there are over 400 different chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. About 100 of these compounds are molecules unique to the cannabis plant, called cannabinoids. The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the plant is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

When you consume cannabis, THC enters the bloodstream and connects with special cell receptors called cannabinoid receptors. Thus far, researchers are aware of two distinct cannabinoid receptors, named CB1 and CB2.

When THC connects with these receptors, specifically the CB1 receptor in the brain, it causes the classic psychoactive high. But your ability to feel “high” depends on many different factors.

In general, most people will feel a high from psychoactive cannabis. However, evidence suggests that the cannabis varies from one person to the next. And, you guessed it, it’s completely possible for some individuals to experience no effects from cannabis whatsoever.

It’s not possible for a human to completely lack cannabinoid receptors.

Everyone naturally has cannabinoid receptors as part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes such as appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory.

Some might have lower amounts of these receptors or less sensitive ones, which could lead to a reduced response to THC or CBD, but having no receptors at all is highly unlikely.

Ever spark up and feel… nothing? You’re not alone. Some cannabis consumers report feeling unaffected by THC, including those who were once regular users and new timers.

But can you be immune to weed in all reality?

The short answer: not exactly. Immunity suggests a complete lack of response, which is rare.

Top reasons why cannabis or THC might not affect someone:

Genetics: Some people may have fewer cannabinoid receptors or receptors that don’t bind well with cannabinoids like THC.

Tolerance: Frequently using cannabis, especially products with high levels of THC, will increase your tolerance. It may require higher doses of THC to achieve the same effects. This might also explain why your once beloved edible doesn’t hit the same spots it used to.

Metabolism: Metabolism varies widely and impacts more than just digestion; it also affects how THC is processed. Those with a faster metabolism may break down THC more quickly, potentially lessening its effects compared to those with slower metabolic rates.

So, while you might not be “immune” to weed, your body’s unique chemistry could make it seem that way.

If you’re not feeling the effects, consider experimenting with different strains, consumption methods, or take a tolerance break.

One intriguing concept in cannabis research is Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD).

This idea suggests that some people naturally produce fewer endocannabinoids — these are compounds our bodies make that are similar to those found in cannabis.

If your body doesn’t produce enough of these compounds, you might not respond to cannabis in the typical way.

Some of these conditions may include:

• Fibromyalgia
• IBS
• Chronic migraines
• PTSD
• Bipolar disorder

If you ever thought to yourself, “Why can’t I get stoned?” it may be your own body trying to protect you (sweet and all, until you want to get high and can’t!).

A 2014 study in the journal Science found that a hormone called pregnenolone, which is naturally produced in the body, might be stopping you from experiencing a high.

Pregnenolone is thought to protect the brain from cannabis intoxication.

In the study, researchers treated rodents with very high levels of THC. They noticed that the rodents began to produce pregnenolone in response, as if the hormone seemed to block the effects of the THC.

In another experiment, the scientists injected the rodents with pregnenolone after treating them with THC. The injection reduced THC intoxication, and the rodents self-administered THC less. Results were similar in human cells.

So, it’s entirely possible that beyond tolerance, metabolism, genetics or medical conditions, your body simply won’t let you get all that high.

Beyond just THC alone, are some people immune to marijuana strictly when consuming edibles?

Well, they’re not immune, but many have reported not feeling the effects of cannabis edibles but easily getting high off other methods, like smoking or vaping.

It all comes down to how edibles are processed by the body: the liver. THC, specifically, is metabolized in the liver and converted to 11-hydroxy-THC. But this conversion varies across individuals.

Factors like metabolism, digestive health, presence of fats in the edible or in your stomach can affect how well THC is absorbed by your body.

Edibles Take A While To Kick In

You might think edibles aren’t affecting you, but remember, they can take up to 2 hours to kick in. If you’re in the habit of consuming an edible before bed, the delayed onset might be why you don’t feel high immediately, yet you still wake up feeling a bit groggy.