Around half (1/2) of Americans say that at some point in their life, they have used cannabis. But how does this highly popular drug impact your brain both short-term and long-term? This article covers how cannabis makes you high, its immediate effects, and potential lasting impacts on cognitive function and mental health.
How does cannabis make you high?
Cannabis makes you high by interacting with your brain’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. There are hundreds of cannabinoids in cannabis and it is these compounds that are responsible for this, THC being the best known of these. When you consume cannabis, THC enters your bloodstream and binds to the cannabinoid receptors in your brain. This interaction alters neurotransmitter release, which slows down reaction time, changes our mood, perception, and behavior.Â
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network that helps regulate essential body functions. The ECS plays a crucial role in maintaining balance in processes like sleep, mood, appetite, and memory. It consists of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes that work together to keep your body’s internal environment stable.
How does it work?
The ECS is made up of three main components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are molecules your body produces that bind to cannabinoid receptors to signal the need for specific actions. These receptors, CB1 and CB2, are found throughout your body. Enzymes then break down endocannabinoids once they’ve done their job, ensuring balance is maintained.
Endocannabinoids, or endogenous cannabinoids, are naturally produced by your body. They are similar to cannabinoids found in cannabis but are made internally. Key endocannabinoids include anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG), which help regulate various internal functions as needed.
Endocannabinoid receptors
Endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, are located in different parts of your body. CB1 receptors are mostly in your central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are mainly in your peripheral nervous system and immune cells. Endocannabinoids bind to these receptors to signal specific actions, like pain relief or immune responses.
How does THC interact with the ECS?
THC interacts with our endocannabinoid system by binding with CB1 and CB2 receptors, triggering the various effects that give us the feeling of being high.Â
What short-term effects does cannabis have on our brains?
Cannabis quickly affects your brain by stimulating the pleasure center. The main ingredient, THC, releases dopamine, leading to feelings of euphoria, relaxation and for some people, arousal. When smoked or vaped, these effects occur within seconds to minutes, peaking around 30 minutes and lasting 1-3 hours.Â
Link Between Cannabis and Arousal
There is evidence to suggest a link between cannabis and enhanced sexual arousal. Many users report that cannabis heightens their sexual desire and increases the intensity of their orgasms. It can help you relax and be more present during intimate moments, leading to a more enjoyable experience. This effect is observed regardless of whether cannabis is used occasionally or more frequently.
Cannabis can enhance sensitivity and the overall satisfaction of touch, making intimate moments more pleasurable. However, moderation is key to maintaining the ability to stay focused and fully enjoy the experience. Overuse can detract from the positive effects, so finding the right balance is important.
Somatic Effects
Using cannabis alters your brain’s physical state. It causes increased heart rate, dry mouth, red eyes, and hot or cold hands and feet sensations. EEG readings indicate changes in brain activity, with more persistent alpha waves of slightly lower frequency. THC also depresses motor activity by activating cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
Duration
The peak of cannabis intoxication occurs about 20 minutes after smoking, with effects lasting several hours. However, if you consume cannabis by eating edibles, the effects take longer to start but last around 4-6 hours.
Appetite
Cannabis often increases appetite, commonly known as the “munchies.” Studies show that cannabis enhances food enjoyment and interest. This effect is due to THC’s interaction with brain neurons that typically reduce hunger, triggering uncharacteristic behavior that promotes eating.
What long-term effects does cannabis have on our brains?
Long-term cannabis use can significantly impact brain function. Research following nearly 1,000 individuals from age 3 to 45 showed that long-term and heavy cannabis users had notable cognitive impairments. These users exhibited an average IQ decline of 5.5 points from childhood and had deficits in learning and processing speed compared to non-users. Frequent cannabis use correlated with greater cognitive impairment, suggesting a potential causative link.
Cognitive Impairments
Long-term cannabis users often face issues with memory and attention. Observers familiar with these users noted these cognitive problems, which persisted even when accounting for other factors like drug dependence, socioeconomic status, and baseline intelligence. The cognitive impairment from cannabis was more severe than that from alcohol or tobacco use.
Brain Structure Changes
Chronic cannabis use is associated with smaller hippocampi, the brain region responsible for learning and memory. This structural change further explains the cognitive deficits observed in long-term users. Interestingly, individuals who used cannabis less than once a week without developing dependence did not show these cognitive deficits, indicating that moderate, infrequent use may not lead to long-term issues.
Could cannabis use damage mental health long-term?
Long-term cannabis use can have detrimental effects on mental health. Studies indicate that chronic use, especially starting in adolescence, increases the risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The risk is higher for those who use cannabis frequently and in large amounts.
Increased Risk of Mental Health Disorders
Regular, long-term cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety. The brain’s development during adolescence is particularly vulnerable, and cannabis can interfere with this process, potentially leading to lasting changes in mood regulation. Additionally, there is a significant association between cannabis use and the onset of psychotic disorders, particularly in individuals with a predisposition to such conditions.
Impact on Adolescents
Adolescents who use cannabis are at a higher risk of long-term mental health issues. The developing brain is more susceptible to the negative effects of cannabis, which can disrupt normal brain maturation processes. This disruption can lead to persistent mental health problems that continue into adulthood, even after ceasing cannabis use.
Cannabis affects the brain both short-term and long-term. We explored how it makes you high, its immediate effects, and potential lasting impacts on cognition and mental health. Remember to consider these insights next time you roll that joint. Don’t forget to like and share this article!
