The relationship between cannabis and the brain is complicated, yet a few studies published after extensive research managed to shed some light on this subject. Because we have just begun to unravel the mysteries behind cannabis and its therapeutic potential, you are most likely to come across contradictory studies and research. For instance, on one hand, studies suggest that regular cannabis smoking can impair cognitive functions. While other studies reveal that cannabis protects the brain from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Whether true or not, we will help you understand the connection between marijuana and our brain. Let’s begin.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system also is known as the ECS regulates different functions inside our body. Experts say that ECS is our own cannabinoid system and to understand the interaction between cannabis and the brain, you have to first understand the ECS.
A group of cannabinoid receptors present inside the brain, the peripheral nervous system, and the central nervous system forms the ECS. This system regulates our memory, appetite, pain, sensory nerves, mood, and entire bodily functions. While the ECS performs all these functions, experts say that the main goal of the ECS is to maintain a healthy body.
The discovery of the ECS led to the understanding between cannabis and our body. The scientists and researchers realized that ECS and its receptors play a major role in defining our understanding of cannabis’s interaction with our body. Mainly, two primary cannabinoid receptors – CB1 and CB2 interact with THC and CBD. THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain and causes the effects. In contrast, CBD binds with both CB1 and CB2 receptors inside our bodies. The interaction between these receptors and the phytocannabinoids leads to the effects you feel after consuming cannabis.
The Biphasic Effect
In order to understand the psychoactive effects of THC on our brain, it is extremely vital to first learn the various nuances associated with the biphasic effect. You see, cannabis affects each individual differently. In addition, the dose type also plays a major role in deciding how cannabis will affect your body. For THC, the effects are psychoactive and biphasic in nature. What does this mean? It means that low and high doses may have totally opposite effects on the user. That’s why most people feel relaxed after consuming low doses of THC. As far as high doses are concerned, you are most likely to feel energetic and focused at the same time. Moreover, most cannabis doctors provide a medical cannabis card to patients and recommend them to start small and gradually increase the dose with time. Slowly and steadily the dose can be increased for better results.
To describe the biphasic effect properly, here’s an example. Say you take a low to moderate dose for chronic pain. Until now, the dose worked perfectly well for you, but you decided to increase the dose one day, and instead of experiencing low pain, the pain was exacerbated. This means that the effects of THC vary from person to person. If you are confused about your cannabis dose, talk to a doctor, and get medical marijuana in Newport Beach, CA easily. Also, remember that the biphasic effect is a result of the interaction between cannabis and our body’s biochemistry.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have learned how cannabis interacts with our body and what are its effects, here’s what we think. First and foremost, not everyone is aware of the therapeutic potential of cannabis. So, most of them will view it as a recreational substance only. Yes, making them understand can be a difficult task, but there’s one thing for sure, we have very little research regarding cannabis use for the brain and how it affects cognitive functions.
Regular cannabis smoking affects the lungs and respiratory system, but more research is required to understand the relationship between cannabis and the brain. While the right amount of cannabis can actually work miracles for a patient’s body, a high dose can prove catastrophic. However, you don’t have to worry, if you seek cannabis care just get in touch with a doctor and receive a medical cannabis card to properly understand the nuances of medical marijuana.