While social research and public media might want to tell us otherwise, scientists and chemists will confirm that (beneath the skin and outside our bodies) men and women are distinctive creatures that react to substances in radically different ways. In that light, the same can be said for our endocannabinoid system, the miraculous network that controls our equilibrium and well-being. Recently, Lex Pelger (head of education and outreach at Bluebird Botanicals and host of the Greener Grass Podcast) has argued about the limited information obtained from laboratory experiments on mice in contrast to untainted human experience (particularly with the gender fluid perceptions of some Western cultures). However, his most recent research (a 2010 study featured in the British Journal of Pharmacology) completely contradicts our attempts to blend genders. Why is this the case? Simply put, men and women react differently to substances, including cannabis (in this case). Let’s take a closer look at how both genders reach to certain “side effects” of the little green plant called marijuana.
Munchies
According to Pelger, research indicates that marijuana boosts the pleasing aspects of food. Even more interesting, the simple act of looking at food can trigger a lot more than taste sensations and instigates an overwhelming feeling of absolute happiness. After consuming marijuana, a person will feel a stronger attraction towards tasty food versus a person who has not taken the drug. Overall, Pelger has concluded that men are more likely to get the munchies and consume more food than their female counterparts.
Sexual Drive
Have you ever consumed so much of a food or drink that it starts to taste bland and unpleasant? This feeling is the direct result of the biphasic effect. Perhaps one of the best known “biphasic substances” is alcohol, which is pleasurable until a person’s BAC (blood alcohol content) exceeds 0.05%. After this point, a person will be reduced from a talkaholic to a drunken, idiotic mess.
Interestingly, this biphasic effect is directly linked to sex drive, at least where marijuana is concerned. For men, the little green plant puts a damper on their “pleasure reflex,” while women tend to feel a bit happier and eager after consuming the herb.
Impact on Mental and Physical Health
Pelger explains that a high female rat will not have a desire to move about her cage but does experience a decrease in anxiety and emotion, which is not a good thing for human females. In fact, after a woman consumes marijuana, the chemical substances will put a damper on her emotions. Likewise, women will also suffer from dizziness and memory impairment.
For males, the experience is the exact opposite for males. After a man consumes the drug, he will experience an increased heart rate and undergo severe withdrawal symptoms. Even more interesting, Pelger discovered that male cannabis users will experiment with other drugs and do not find success with marijuana for pain management (unlike women).
Always remember that marijuana does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
