In recent years, studies have confirmed medical uses of THC that have long been debated about. Based on the findings, THC can be used for treating nausea, pain, inflammation, anxiety, and boosting appetite. 

But like other drugs, there are potential side effects. Every person can have a different reaction to the drug. It can be affected by their age, medical condition, and other medications taken. Also, abuse can bring harmful results. 

One major concern when using cannabis is drowsiness and tiredness. Not everyone can experience this.

For some, it is the desired effect. It can help with insomnia and other sleeping disorders. But for others who want to stay productive, it is a problem. 

Read below and learn some tips on how to counter the drowsiness caused by THC products. 

How does THC interact with the body?

As human beings, we have two major parts of our body: the outer and the inner part of our body.

Starting on exploring the use of THC, let’s jump into our body’s endocannabinoid system or ECS in short.

ECS plays a vital role in our human body wherein it regulates the range of functions and processes of our system, which includes:

• Sleep
• Mood
• Appetite
• Memory
• Reproduction
• Fertility

Using cannabinoids connects to our ECS through its two primary endocannabinoid receptors.

1. CB1 (cannabinoid receptor type 1)
2. CB2 ( cannabinoid receptor type 2)

The CB1 receptor is located primarily in the central nervous system.

This receptor is responsible for producing the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids, including Delta 9 THC.

If the cannabinoid hits the CB1 in the spinal nerve, its use can be a pain reliever.

The CB2 receptor is found mainly in the outer part of our nervous system, most in our immune cells.

Some findings show that some CB2 receptors are in the brain tissues.

That is the reason why some researchers agreed that using THC can play an essential role in treating Neurodegenerative disorders like:

• Memory loss
• Forgetfulness
• Anxiety
• Apathy
• Agitation
• Loss of inhibition
• Mood change

Using THC on both receptors can cause the consumer the feeling of tiredness.

If the more significant amount of THC intake affects the CB1 receptor, this drives the consumer the effect of sleepiness.

What makes some marijuana strains drowsier than others?

Indica vs. Sativa

These two variants are both species of cannabis, which means that they have similarities but at the same time have differences.

Attributes

Indica

Sativa 

Physical appearance

Short

Bushy and broad

With dark green leaves

Tall

Slim

With light green leaves

Place of origin

Afghanistan

Pakistan

Tibet

South Asia

Central America

South America

Effects

Relaxant

Eases depression and anxiety

Increases focus

Helps with insomnia

Pain reliever

Appetite booster

Energizer

Sparks creativity

Content

Linalool 

Myrcene 

Bisabolol  

Citral

Pinene 

Suggested time of consumption

Nighttime (before going to sleep)

Daytime

Cannabinoid Profile

CBN and CBD are the most common cannabinoids and are known for their sedating effect.

If you are looking for something to help, you relax and calm you can take this the milder way.

But those looking for the feeling of getting more tired and wanting a more potent effect can combine the CBD and CBN with the THC to make a more decisive sedative action.

Terpene content

Terpenes have a high aroma compound seen in all types of plants.

It also gives relaxing lavender and the citrusy aroma from the fresh orange peel.

However, terpenes contribute some therapy alternatives like aromatherapy.

These help the person relax and relieve stress, like terpenes in the strains of cannabis.

Some people believe that terpenes in cannabis plants help the consumer feel the higher effect of THC and CBD in the body when taken.

This effect is so cold the “entourage effect.”

Cannabis terpenes with sedative effects include:

• Bisabolol
• Linalool
• Myrcene
• Borneol

Terpenes are also the plant immune system, keeping them away from infectious germs.

But just like the plant, terpenes also provide some health benefits to humans.

That is why the researchers continue to study terpenes to fully understand their medical and potential therapeutic uses.

Does THC make everyone tired?

A human metabolism, THC tolerance, and the overall chemical compound of THC and other cannabinoids make the consumer experience different.

The effect of falling asleep on others after the consumption of THC may not be the same on others.

That is why the accuracy of its effect is hard to determine.

However, some strains still can cause fatigue and drowsiness than others.

Concerning its effect, an Indica strain that contains high CBD concentration and relaxing terpenes can almost make the consumer more tired than the Sativa strains that include a low concentration of CBD.

How do you consume THC without feeling sleepy and tired?

Some consumers feel tired whenever they take THC.

That is why there are several things that you might want to consider in taking THC to make your experience more enjoyable.

Medical cannabis collecting specific health benefits proving without experiencing tiredness after taking THC.

That is why there is solid evidence proving the possibility of not getting sleepy after taking THC.

Plenty of unreliable resources proves that many recreational cannabis consumers taking THC are not experiencing sleepiness.

To find a pleasant and wakeful experience, you have to find the right combination of environment, strain, and mindset.

Here are five of the best tips on consuming THC without being tired and experiencing its effect to the fullest.

Use the correct dose.

The effect of taking THC depends on its dosage.

The lesser THC dosage, the stronger the sedative effects.

That is why Indica Sativa and hemp flower are said to be the most sedating products of THC because they both contain a lower concentration of THC.

While on the other hand, the higher the dosage, the more the consumers stay alert and energized.

Choose the right strain.

In choosing the right strain, you have to remember that every pressure has a unique blend of terpene, THC potency, and concentration of other cannabinoids.

Trying a new strain is the best way to prove it to be sure how it feels.

Starting up in choosing Sativa strain over Indica is a good one.

But be reminded that this choice is not always a good one.

Some Indica strains are stimulating, while some Sativas are potent sedatives.

For those looking for a new strain, be careful choosing. You have to pay attention to the CBD and THC content.

Strains that contain high CBD concentration and low THC can cause sleepiness.

Setting your mindset

The most powerful system in our body is the human brain which some people don’t realize.

That is why some people don’t affect their physiological response.

So, if you are expecting to fall asleep after taking THC, you have to think of yourself being tired.

Sitting while waiting for its effect to take its place isn’t a good idea if you want to feel energized.

That’s why if you want to feel energized, try your best to clear your mind before taking THC, and have something to do while waiting for its effect to take its place.

Combine THC with coffee.

If you want to feel awake after taking THC, this method is one of the simplest ways to eliminate the sleepy side effect.

You can drink coffee or use other energizing tea or supplements while consuming THC.

You can do this often, which is enough to lessen the relaxing effect of cannabis entirely.

The main point here is that mixing caffeine with cannabis may increase your chance of experiencing side effects like anxiety or insomnia.

Try using THCV instead.

This one is for those working late who need to energize or a student who needs a mental booster.

THCV or tetrahydrocannabivarin is another form of THC found in some rare cannabis strains which contain the same cannabis strains but are a little bit weaker.

The difference between THC and THCV is that THCV is much more energizing.

That is why this one is much more popular for a working person and students.

This cannabinoid is not new, but it only became popular in the past few years.

THCV can find in the same products where THC is located, just like:

• THC vape pens
• Vape carts
• Gummies
• Tinctures

THCV can be present in dried marijuana flowers at the same time.

Final Thoughts

Even if THC is often used to stop insomnia, many people still use it for medical and relaxation purposes.

It is so good to know that things can help limit the feeling of tiredness after taking THC.

Choosing Sativa strains over Indica is already enough for some consumers.

Still, on the other hand, you can look at strains with low CBD content or switch to cannabis strains or distillates which contain a higher THCV.

In general, reaping the benefits of THC takes time. Every person has different reactions to cannabis use. So don’t be discouraged if your first experience doesn’t meet your expectations.

With continued use and some experimentation, you’ll end up finding the best combination that works for you.