What Weed Does To You ?

This study investigates how cannabis (THC and CBD) impacts the brain and body, detailing its fast absorption, peak intensity, duration, and persistence in body fat. It also explores the differing effects of various cannabis types (sativa and indica) and the challenges of predicting individual reactions.

What are the Effects of Cannabis?

1. Rapid Absorption: Cannabis quickly enters the bloodstream, reaching the brain within half a minute and peaking in an hour.
2. Duration of Effects: The effects generally last for 3-4 hours, although this varies based on individual factors such as metabolism and experience with the substance.
3. Lipophilic Nature: THC and CBD are fat-soluble, meaning they easily integrate into fatty tissues, staying detectable for up to 80 days.
4. Sativa Effects: Often linked to improved mood, heightened alertness, increased talkativeness, and sharper focus.
5. Indica Effects: Frequently associated with calmness, relaxation, and possible short-term memory impairment.
6. Varied Effects: The same substance can produce contrasting effects depending on the brain area affected (for example, enhanced focus in the prefrontal cortex, reduced stress in the amygdala).
7. Unpredictable Individual Response: It's impossible to reliably predict how individuals will react to specific strains, dosages, or pre-existing conditions like anxiety.
8. Impact on Brain Areas: It influences various brain areas, including the hippocampus (memory), prefrontal cortex (cognition and attention), basal ganglia/cerebellum (motor skills), and hypothalamus (appetite).
9. Physical Effects: Common physical side effects include bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, and increased hunger.
10. Potential Pain Relief: It may provide some pain relief due to the presence of CB1 receptors in the spinal cord.

How Does Cannabis Affect the Brain and Body?

1. CB1 Receptor Interaction: Cannabis mainly functions by attaching to CB1 receptors throughout the nervous system.
2. Retrograde Signaling: This interaction triggers retrograde signaling, which either boosts or reduces activity in various neural pathways.
3. Strain-Specific Effects: Sativa strains tend to stimulate the prefrontal cortex, enhancing focus and mood, whereas indica strains often dampen activity in this area, resulting in relaxation.
4. Dosage and Consumption Method: Dosage is more easily controlled with edibles but less precise when smoking.
5. Lack of Predictability: Even with precise dosing, predicting individual reactions remains challenging due to the complex interplay of various factors.

Why Does Cannabis Have Such Diverse Effects?

1. Location of CB1 Receptors: The varied effects arise from the widespread distribution of CB1 receptors throughout the body and brain.
2. Differential Activation/Suppression: The same substance can either activate or inhibit neural activity based on the receptor's location.
3. Individual Variability: Individual differences in neural networks and pre-existing medical conditions significantly impact the response to cannabis.
4. Strain Differences: Sativa and indica strains possess distinct chemical compositions resulting in varying effects.
5. Dosage and Consumption Method: The method and amount of cannabis consumed significantly influence the outcome.