How Cannabis Affects Your Mood: The Science Explained
Most of us don’t grab cannabis simply to “try something new.” For many of us, it’s about getting better. Whether it’s to shake a down mood, relax after a wild day, or just get a spark of inspiration — cannabis has become a standard for emotional health, especially when you can find the best cannabis prices. But what’s actually happening in your brain when you do?
Let’s demystify the science of cannabis and mood, without getting too complicated.Â
The Basics: How Cannabis Interacts with Your Brain
First of all, your body does have something known as an endocannabinoid system (ECS). It assists in controlling mood, sleep, hunger, and even the sensation of pain. Your ECS contains receptors known as CB1 and CB2, and cannabinoids such as THC and CBD contained in cannabis act on these receptors.
THC is the ingredient that makes you feel that “high” sensation. You might feel euphoric, giggly, relaxed, or if you take too much, a bit too spaced out.
CBD, however, doesn’t produce that high but helps to calm nerves and regulate your mood.
The combination of these two, as well as other chemicals in the plant (terpenes), all combine to make what’s referred to as the “entourage effect”, essentially how everything in the plant works together to affect how you feel.
Can Weed Actually Improve Your Mood?
Short answer: Yes, but it has to do with what you consume, how much you consume, and your individual chemistry.
Here are some of the typical mood changes people experience:
- Feeling calmer or relaxed
- Greater happiness or euphoria
- Reduced anxiety or stress
- Increased creativity or introspection
- Sleepy and serene if using some indica strains
But here’s the surprise: if you do too much THC, particularly if you’re a newbie to cannabis, it can backfire. You may end up feeling stressed, paranoid, or even irritable. So getting the product right matters a lot, which is where the best cannabis brands are needed.

Mood Matters: What You Want to Feel vs. What You Choose
Here’s a fast cheat sheet:
- Want to be energized or creative? Try a sativa or sativa-dominant hybrid.
- Want to chill or sleep? Try an indica or indica-dominant hybrid.
- Want something in between? Seek out a 1:1 THC:CBD ratio or mild hybrid strains.
And don’t forget, edibles, flower, vapes, tinctures, all of them take a little differently. Flower and vapes are quicker, whereas edibles are slower but can last longer as well.
Why It Works: The Science, Again
THC releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter that causes you to experience pleasure and enjoyment. That is why it may seem funny, and food is delicious.
CBD influences serotonin receptors, which play a key role in controlling mood (as it happens with certain antidepressants).
Your experience is also influenced by terpenes (including limonene, myrcene, and linalool). Such as limonene (citrus strains) can make you feel good, or myrcene (earthy strains) can make you relax.
Collectively, they affect your way of thinking, and hence some strains leave you euphoric, yet others only send you to drowsiness.
Where to Get the Proper Products for Your Mood
No one size fits all when it comes to cannabis and its impact on your mood, which is why you should find a dispensary with quality products and a staff who knows their way around.
At Lowell Cannabis, we’re all about making it easy to discover the right product for your energy. Whether you want to calm anxiety, sleep more soundly, or simply feel more joyful, we’ve got options from the best cannabis brands in Massachusetts.
You’ll also discover fantastic bargains on some of the most reasonably priced products from Massachusetts dispensaries, without ever compromising on quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does cannabis actually change your mood?
Cannabis targets endocannabinoid system in your body and the CB1 receptors located in your brain. These are receptors which control mood, anxiety, and stress. Depending on the intensity and the cannabinoid dose (THC or CBD content), marijuana will make you relaxed or give you an energy boost.
How come there are different effects on people when exposed to various strains?
All the strains of cannabis are unique combinations of the cannabinoids and terpenes. These chemicals determine the way you respond in your body. Others will get elevated, whereas some will feel tired. Individual issues, such as your tolerance, mental attitude, and body chemistry, have a contribution.
Does cannabis help anxiety or depression?
Customers report that they feel more chill or happy when they smoke cannabis, especially those with dominant CBD. There are differences in the effects. Although low doses may be used to keep anxiety at bay, some people may experience the opposite of small doses of high-THC strains. Dosing should be low and slow, and a health practitioner should be consulted when using cannabis to improve mental wellbeing.
What is the way to choose the mood-enhancing cannabis products?
Look at products of well-known cannabis brands that have their strain, THC/CBD percentage, and terpene profile highly visible. When you are buying in a reliable Lowell shop like Lowell Cannabis, you can request the budtenders to advise you according to the mood you want to experience: In restfulness, thoughtfulness or in creativity.
Conclusion: Let Cannabis Work With You, Not Against You
Cannabis can be a wonderful tool to help your mood, if used in moderation. Know what you want to do, pick the right strain, and start low. Listen to your body and respond, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
If you’re in the neighborhood and searching for a reliable dispensary in Lowell, drop by Lowell Cannabis. We’re here to walk you through the experience and assist in finding out what works best for your mood.
Because when you get the right product at the right time? That’s when the magic happens.
