What do you do when you want to feel bliss? Some people take peaceful walks, read a good book, or play with their pets. For us, we usually reach for our favorite cannabis cultivar in order to feel bliss. But what in cannabis causes you bliss? It’s a combination of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

The most abundant cannabinoid present in marijuana, THC is responsible for cannabis’ most well-known psychoactive effects. THC acts as a partial agonist at the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The compound is a mild analgesic, meaning it acts as a painkiller. Cellular research and shown that it has antioxidant activity.

So how does THC make you feel blissful? Well, in the 1990’s, Dr. Raphael Mecholam (the man who first identified THC) found a neurotransmitter: anandamide. This anandamide seemed to produce an increased sense of happiness and joy, earning the nickname of ‘bliss molecule’. Anandamide and THC share similar properties, so consuming cannabis can produce those similar effects. When you consume cannabis by inhaling it, the THC hits your brain in seconds, and it affects your brain’s neurons. Once the neurotransmitter binds to the correct receptor in your brain, it signals your body to do something. In our case it’s causing the feeling of bliss. Think of it like a runners high, when you run it affects the anandamide, so you get that similar euphoric high and happiness. 

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is a natural chemical derived from the cannabis plant. The compound belongs to a classification known as cannabinoids, which are found both in cannabis (phytocannabinoids) and the human body (endocannabinoids).

Your body has an endocannabinoid system, which in short means that it has receptors for cannabinoid compounds like CBD and THC. CBD and THC both interact with the body through the endocannabinoid system, a biological communication system that regulates a wide array of functions, like:

• Pain
• Appetite
• Mood
• Memory
• Immune response
• Sleep

CBD and THC have chemical structures similar to the body’s own endocannabinoids, which allows them to interact with the endocannabinoid system’s cannabinoid receptors.

The main difference between CBD and THC? THC causes euphoria and other mind-altering effects, CBD doesn’t. Not even a little bit. CBD is found in all marijuana plants, both those with high amounts of THC and those with little amounts of THC (hemp). 

CBD is often known for its pain relieving qualities as well as its anti-anxiety properties. When you consume CBD and feel better, this is often why you’re feeling bliss, because it has blocked the other bad feelings, allowing you to feel better. 

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv)

THCV is a minor cannabinoid found in only some cultivars of cannabis. The only structural difference between THCV and THC is the presence of a propyl (3 carbon) group, rather than a pentyl (5 carbon) group on the molecule. Though this variation may seem subtle, it causes THCV to produce very different effects than THC. These effects include a reduction in panic attacks, suppression of appetite, and the promotion of bone growth. THCV acts as an antagonist at the CB1 receptors and a partial agonist at CB2 receptors. THCV helps you feel bliss by decreasing the amount of negative feelings you may have.

Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

Like CBD, CBDV significantly reduces the frequency and severity of seizures. It also reduces or even eliminates the nausea associated with several conditions, and helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body. CBDV is also beneficial in the treatment of pain and mood disorders. When you’re not throwing up or feeling bad, you have a better chance of feeling bliss, which CBDV helps with.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anticancer effects in rat brain cells. Studies with mice show that terpinolene has a sedative effect when inhaled. In addition, terpinolene is responsible for many of the floral notes found in Jack Herer varieties. This could help you feel bliss by being more sedated and less inhibited.

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most prevalent terpene and is found in most varieties of cannabis. Myrcene concentration dictates whether a strain will have an uplifting or sedating effect. Cultivars containing over 0.5% of myrcene produce a more sedative high, while strains containing less than 0.5% myrcene have an energizing effect. Myrcene is also present in thyme, hops, lemongrass, and citrus, and is used in aromatherapy. In the cannabis cultivars that cause you to feel bliss, you’ll likely find some myrcene in them, but that’s not to say only cultivars with myrcene will cause bliss.

Limonene

Limonene is a dominant terpene in cultivars with a pronounced energizing effect. It is also found in the rinds of citrus fruits. Limonene aids in the absorption of other terpenes through the skin and mucous membranes, and has been used to treat anxiety and depression. Limonene is found in many things that make people feel bliss, which isn’t surprising since it’s used to help with anxiety and depression.

Bliss In Action

These are the cannabinoids that most likely cause you to feel bliss. Have any questions about how cannabis makes you feel bliss? Reach out to our cannasultants and ask any questions you may have, we’d love to help!