Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, has been around for thousands of years, originating in Asia, primarily in ancient China as early as 2700 BC for medicinal use. It’s use has been a subject of controversy and curiosity.
In the 20th century, cannabis became heavily regulated, and, in many places, it became illegal. In more recent years, there has been a global shift in cannabis laws leading to its legalization for medical and recreation use.
Similar to other substances such as nicotine and alcohol, cannabis is readily available and extensively used by many. We must explore the impacts it has on the human body.
If you or are a loved one are struggling with your mental health or substance use, it may be time to speak to a psychiatrist near you. Speaking to a provider at Sacred Psychiatric in San Diego is a great place to start.
What is Cannabis?
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of molecules with the main ones including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, amongst others.
Cannabinoids are the primary active compounds in cannabis, and they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The most well-known cannabinoid, THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, producing the “high” that users experience. It also has potential therapeutic effects, such as pain relief, appetite stimulation, and anti-nausea properties. Another cannabinoid is CBD which is a non-psychoactive and is known for its potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure effects.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. Often found in high concentrations in cannabis, myrcene has a musky, earthy aroma and is believed to have sedative and muscle-relaxing effects.
Flavonoids are a group of phytonutrients found in cannabis that contribute to its color and while they make up a smaller percentage of the plant’s composition, they play a role in the “entourage effect,” where various compounds work together to enhance the overall effects of cannabis.
Impact of Cannabis on the Brain
THC increases the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This surge in dopamine levels contributes to the euphoria or “high” experienced by cannabis users. However, chronic cannabis use can lead to alterations in the dopamine system, potentially reducing the brain’s ability to produce dopamine naturally and leading to issues with motivation and reward processing.
Cannabis also influences the balance between GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate, two key neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms neural activity, while glutamate is excitatory and stimulates neural activity. THC can disrupt this balance, leading to altered states of consciousness, memory, and learning.
The hippocampus is critical for forming new memories and spatial navigation. THC affects the hippocampus by altering neural communication, which can impair short-term memory and disrupt the formation of new memories.
The amygdala is involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. THC can either reduce or increase anxiety, depending on the dose and the individual.
Without a doubt, there is a negative impact on the brain with cannabis use despite it short term relief of symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, pain, or nausea.
Mental Health Effects
Cannabis’s impact on mental health is a multifaceted issue, with effects that can vary greatly depending on factors such as the individual’s genetics, age, frequency of use, and the specific compounds within the cannabis consumed.
The CBD (cannabidiol) component, has been studied for its potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as it is thought to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, which play a role in mood regulation.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of cannabis, can have the opposite effect. Chronic use, particularly of high-THC strains, has been linked to an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety and psychotic disorders.
Cannabis exerts significant effects on neurons and the brain through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system; understanding the neurological impact of cannabis is essential for making informed decisions about its use. Seeking mental health services in San Diego is the first step towards better health and well-being.