Is Cannabis Having Any Effect On The Way Your Brain Functions

Cannabis has become quite a hot topic today. It has left no discussion untouched, be it in the sitting rooms, in schools, or in government offices. Of late, there has been an increase in the legalization of the drug in many states and countries, which leaves many people wanting to know what it actually does to the brain. While some people refer to it as a natural healing drug, other people have questions regarding its influence on mental activities. But what is the truth in this case?

There are more than 100 compounds that are considered to be cannabis-active constituents. The two most famous ones are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is generally responsible for the “high” feeling, while CBD does not cause this feeling. Both compounds can affect the brain but in different ways.

In order to appreciate the negative effect of cannabis on your brain, it’s first essential to know how the brain itself works. The brain acts the same way as a control center. It is responsible for all bodily functions, breathing, thinking, and emotions. Cannabis interacts with receptors located in the brain and affects its functioning. But how do you know what these changes are, whether negative or positive?

In this blog, we aim to analyze the effect that cannabis can have on the brain of a person. We will seek out clinical evidence, legal perspective, and even anecdotes to paint a complete picture for you. So, let’s get this show on the road.

How Cannabis Affects the Brain

Now, cannabis smoke turns the head. It is a lovely feeling and easy to relax, but what mechanism is triggered in the human organism? Well, many researchers claim that the marijuana interaction strategy begins with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

ECS is more than just a communication system; it’s involved in regulating emotions, appetite, sleep, and memory. It consists of numerous messagers and receptors scattered throughout the whole body. The feeling of being dizzy and euphoric post-consumption can be attributed to THC, which is a component of cannabis. It is important to point out that cannabis does not affect the entire brain but the receptors located in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum. 

The first junction is located within the area that governs memory; thus, cannabis will evoke and enhance the memory process. THC interacts with CB1 receptors focused on movement and initiates coordination tasks with CB2 receptors containing a range of functions. 

THC primarily acts on pleasure. It's well known that people enjoy feeling elated. However, consumption should be limited to avoid THC receptor overstimulation. Fortunately, there is good news: CBD is calming, has anti-inflammatory properties, and isn’t addictive.  Other research claims that cannabis can enhance creativity and encourage problem-solving activities in someone who uses cannabis occasionally. 

Small amounts of dosage were said to ‘be of help to deal with the effects of PTSD and similar diseases’ according to the Boston-based Harvard Medical School. 

Several impacts and complications of excessive use may include confusion and learning disabilities. As with most of these complications, the extent of their effect may depend on age, genetics, and use frequency.  Now, researchers claim that young brains, especially those younger than 25 years, are most affected by cannabis. This is due to the adolescent years being the time when the brain has not developed completely.

Some studies published in the Journal of Neuroscience have indicated that regular cannabis use in teenagers can cause the development of weaknesses in IQ level, memory functioning, and speed of thinking. 

THC vs. CBD Effects on Brain Functionality

Now, let’s narrow our focus to the two main compounds found in cannabis: THC and CBD. 

THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the substance that gets people ‘high.’ It can attach itself to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which causes some psychoactive effects. This substance tends to make a person feel relaxed and happy; however, some users may experience feelings of anxiety or paranoia. 

A study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that high dosages of THC have negative effects on memory and attention span. 

But there is a catch: THC is not all that great, as it may reduce chronic pain, as some studies suggest. Even suppress nausea and induce appetite. Such medication as Marinol, which contains THC, is prescribed for patients like those suffering from cancer or HIV to enhance weight. 

On the other side, cannabidiol, or CBD, does not have any psychoactive effects. It has a soothing effect, helps calm anxiety and numb inflammation, and has been known to reduce certain types of seizures. As stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD has a good safety profile, and people have not reported effects adverse to it. It achieves this by changing the way signals in the brain work, which, in turn, assists in reducing anxiety and helping with mood elevation.

CBD has even demonstrated potential in the treatment of severe disorders such as epilepsy. Epidiolex is an FDA-approved medicine that consists of CBD and is utilized in the treatment of epilepsy in children. Although CBD’s effects on the central nervous system are mainly adverse, its high doses might still lead to some side effects, like dizziness or fatigue.

Short-Term Effects of Cannabis on the Brain

Cannabis can take minutes, which is dependent on the physical or metabolized form consumed. The following may be the short-term impacts of cannabis on your brain:

Euphoria: As soon as you light up marijuana, the delicious chemical THC forces the brain to release “dopamine,” which is a happy hormone. As such, people feel relaxed and cheery.

Altered Perception: THCs impact on the sensory areas of the human brain leads to the perception of color having a more vivid intensity, while one’s senses may determine the passage of time to be slower.

Impaired Memory: Regular consumption may cause problems in the operation of the hippocampus, which is in charge of memory & recall functions. Because of the elevated levels of toxin, the user may temporarily be impaired in their ability to recall certain events or information.

Increased Appetite: Cannabis consumption often leads to so-called munchies: the heightened sense of taste along with THC making the food smell & taste even more appealing.

But, one has to remember these short-term effects can also be deleterious, such as:

• The highest proportion of the users often report that cannabis, and in particular CBD, causes panic attacks, anxious feelings, or paranoia.
• After usage, users report them to have coordination impairments, which makes them dangerous to drive among other activities. 
• The ability to focus or enjoy light conversations may be significantly difficult.

Such effects typically wear off after a couple of hours. However, new users or individuals with low tolerance may experience these effects as stronger and lasting longer than intended.

Long-Term Effects of Cannabis on Brain Health

The long-term effects of cannabis are more complex and often depend on whether or not a person is a frequent user or their age. A study does conclude that heavy, prolonged use of cannabis only tends to cause more changes in the brain for teenagers and young adults.

Here are some:
Memory Problems: Frequent users can have difficulty forming new memories or recalling recent events.

Lower IQ: A landmark study conducted at Duke University revealed that regular teenage cannabis users lost about 8 points on their IQ when they reached their adult stage of development.

Reduced Motivation: Over time some users claim to become less motivated, which has been documented as ‘amotivational syndrome’.

Nonetheless, such risks also come with certain benefits as well. Certain cannabis proponents suggest that cannabis can be neuroprotective, which means that it can save the brain from sustaining damage. A dementia-related study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease has reported potential benefits of THC, as a low dose of this is helpful in shrinking the plaques in the brain connected to inflammation associated with extensive wear and tear of brain cells caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

There’s quite a long way for all these things to be conclusively understood, but if you intend to consume cannabis on a regular basis, you should consider the positives and the negatives carefully.

Tips for Safer Edibles Use

If you’re thinking of consuming cannabis, then here are a few tips to limit the harms of cannabis consumption:

• If you are a beginner in cannabis, it is advisable that you start with a small dose. This minimizes the chances of feeling paranoid, among other unpleasant effects.
• All strains of cannabis are not the same, and they may have different impacts on you. Indica strains are relaxing, whereas Sativa strains are stimulating. Be sure to do your research before using any strain.
• Always check the local laws regarding cannabis use, and if it is legal, remember to be responsible and do not drive while under the influence or operate heavy machinery.
• If you are using cannabis for medical reasons, please speak to a doctor first in order to find out if this is a great option for you.

Final reflections

Cannabis’s impact on the brain is a two-sided coin. It can be beneficial for certain conditions but also has its adverse effects, especially on adolescents and regular users. Thus, knowledge of them is important in terms of choosing the right one.

If you are thinking about using cannabis in the future, bear in mind the following:

1. Your age
2. Reason of usage
3. How often do you use it?
4. Which type of cannabis are you going to use?

You must remember that it is benevolent to have a health professional’s opinion before having cannabis, especially when you already have some issues related to mental health.