Effects Of Smoking Weed On The Brain
Marijuana has been widely used as a fiber, intoxicant, and as medicine throughout history. In fact, Queen Victoria reportedly used cannabis tinctures to ease her period pains. However, it acquired a very different reputation during the early 20th century and gradually came to be seen as a drug of abuse. The common argument against the use of medical marijuana is that it could lead us to using harder drugs like cocaine or heroin – or, the ‘gateway effect’ as it is popularly called.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA claims that use of marijuana in adolescence could increase risks of misuse later in life. But isn’t this true for alcohol and nicotine as well? So is there truth to the ‘gateway drug’ theory? And how does marijuana affect teen brain development? Read further to know more about the effects of marijuana on the body:
How Does Marijuana Affect Your Brain
Marijuana has around 130 different kinds of compounds called cannabinoids. However, two of its compounds, viz., tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinoid are two important compounds and primarily responsible for most of marijuana’s effects on the body. While the TCH in marijuana is the compound that gives you the high, CBD counteracts this effect. Both of these compounds are naturally found in the body and form the Endocannabinoid System or ECS. Besides regulating our mood, appetite and memory, the ECS in our brain helps with homeostasis, i.e., it stabilizes the body’s internal environment when dealing with external changes.
The ECS is made up of cell receptors and chemical molecules. The cell receptors are like locks attached to the surface of the cells, while the molecules are the key to these locks. Two cell receptors are very important, viz. CB1 and CB2.
CB1 is commonly found in the brain and nervous system is a primary receptor for THC and anandamine – a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the body and mirrors THC. Some of the psychoactive effects such as relaxation, euphoria, etc. happen when CB1 receptors are activated by THC. When administered in low doses, THC helps to keep you focused and is even known to stimulate tangential thoughts. CB2 is found in the immune system and is known to regulate the body’s anti-inflammatory response. Thus, CB2 is the immune system’s response to pain. Thus, as earlier explained, THC activates CB1 and helps the body relax.
CBD neither attaches itself to CB1 or CB2; rather, it suppresses an enzyme called FAAH and stops it from breaking down anandamide, thereby making it available to cells for use. Thus, CBD is more like a mood-enhancer. It also helps in pain management and improves appetite. This is probably why CBD counteracts THC.
In fact, researchers have found that the correct dosage of THC and CBD could offer therapeutic effects on certain conditions like:
· Alzheimer’s Disease:
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that a minimal dosage of THC can slow the production and reduce the levels of beta-amyloid protein – a vital contributor to the disease. They also help to prevent inflammation within the brain - a significant aspect of damages associated with the brain.
· Parkinson’s Disease:
There have been several clinical trials to suggest the effect of medical marijuana in managing several symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease. For example, research done in Israel found that patients with PD experienced improvement in certain symptoms like muscle rigidity, pain, tremors, etc. Another study found that people with PD have lower levels of CB1 receptors when compared to those who do not have PD. Mild doses of medical marijuana could boost CB1 and help with motor symptoms.
There have been several other research studying the effect of medical marijuana in treating conditions like migraines alleviating pain related to multiple sclerosis and manage nausea and lack of appetite in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Agreed, medical marijuana isn’t as effective as some marijuana enthusiasts would like us to believe, but, it isn’t ineffective as some anti-marijuana activists claim. We need more research on this subject to study about its administration and long-term effects.