When you’re stressed, your sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is active.
This increases:
• cortisol
• heart rate
• amygdala activation
• internal tension
• shallow breathing
A 2017 Harvard study showed that stress changes the way THC interacts with CB1 receptors, making sensations feel sharper, faster, and more overwhelming.
When you're calm, parasympathetic activity (rest & digest) dominates — so THC feels:
• smoother
• grounding
• more predictable
• more enjoyable
THC interacts with your state, not just your brain.
How does cannabis feel in your body when you're stressed vs calm?