Month: May 2021

So, how does medical cannabis work? By enhancing your body’s innate ability to maintain homeostasis. 

The ECS has two different cell receptors, though some researchers speculate there are even more. These receptors, also known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, tell their respective cells to perform various functions. The body produces certain cannabinoids that target these receptors, such as the chemicals anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. 

However, the substances in cannabis can also target these receptors. In the brain, CB1 receptors tell certain nerve cells to signal more or less frequently. This is why cannabinoids like THC can affect your mental health, because the brain cells that undergo endocannabinoid signaling are involved with memory, emotion, and perception.

In the immune system, CB2 receptors tell immune cells if the body is undergoing inflammation. This is why cannabinoids like CBD are associated with pain and inflammation relief. 

This process is the same way in which other medicines treat the body. Painkillers target nerve cell receptors, insulin targets the receptors that tell cells to take in glucose, etc. Thus, cannabis works by amplifying the body’s natural system for maintaining homeostasis and regulating mood.

If cannabis can have a hangover effect on the body, it’s because of THC. THC binds to certain receptors in the body that cause these hangover effects. For example, THC temporarily binds to the glands that produce saliva, which is why cannabis consumption can give you dry mouth. THC can also cause temporary cognitive impairment, especially in large doses, which explains the “foggy” hangover feeling.

Many researchers argue that a weed hangover is actually just a prolonged high. THC can remain in the body for a while, especially if you consume an edible. An alcoholic hangover occurs because your body has spent too many resources removing alcohol from your system; since the THC from cannabis is still in your system, “hangover” might not be the correct term.

Legalizing cannabis can profoundly benefit both the nation’s economy and the wellbeing of its residents. Ostensibly, national legalization would expand the pool of individuals who can consume medicinal cannabis. On top of increasing Americans’ access to the health benefits of cannabis, legalization would improve the country through the following:

Greater Testing Capabilities 

If cannabis were legalized, there would be much more funding for medical research on the plant. We know that cannabinoids, in certain ratios, can seriously improve a user’s health, comfort, and wellbeing. Future research would let us understand the chemical mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system, and it would help producers finetune their products. 

Better Cannabis Products

With better testing comes better products. Growers and manufacturers can improve their methods and products, allowing for cheaper production techniques and higher quality cannabis. Additionally, legalizing cannabis would allow people to purchase cannabis products from trusted retailers, rather than from local dealers – who may deal products that are laced, or of otherwise poor quality. 

Public Health 

Lastly, legalizing cannabis would greatly benefit public health, especially the health of drug addicts. Cannabis offers a potential avenue for weaning off of an opioid addiction, mitigating the withdrawal symptoms from opioids. With cannabis also used to treat individuals with cancer, epilepsy, and mental illness, public health would greatly benefit from legalizing marijuana.

The two active chemicals in cannabis, THC and CBD, affect the body in different ways. Both of them target brain receptors associated with the flight or fight response – the physical response associated with anxiety.

CBD, the “calming” chemical of cannabis, binds to CB1 receptors in the brain that lessen the flight or fight response. Many stress relief products today rely on CBD to ease the effects of anxiety. While CBD can’t cure anxiety, it can certainly calm the body down.

THC also targets CB1 receptors, but it has a different effect on the body. Known as the “psychoactive” component of cannabis, THC has a “bi-phasic” effect on anxiety. In low doses, THC reduces anxiety; in high doses, THC can increase feelings of paranoia and unease. This is because THC can overwhelm the amygdala, which is the part of the brain associated with fear and emotion. Although people can build their tolerance to THC, it should be consumed in moderation among people with anxiety.