Marijuana is a complex molecule containing over 400 cannabinoids . Cannabinoids are the chemicals that give marijuana the ability to get a user high. THC (Delta-9- Tetrahydrocannabinol ) is the main active ingredient in the marijuana plant. THC is a cannabinoid .
A chemical called anandamide one of the natural cannabinoids found in the brain. THC mimics the effects of anandamide . THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors , tricking the brain into thinking it’s naturally producing anadamide . It tricks the brain! Long-term use of marijuana can clog the pathways that chemicals cross (synapses) and slow/stop the production of endorphins, or “feel good” chemicals, that the brain naturally produces. Below is a list of areas in the brain affected by marijuana use:
Cannabinoid receptors are abundant in:
- Cerebellum ——- Body movement/coordination
- Hippocampus—–Learning/Remembering
- Cerebral cortex —- higher cognitive functions
- Nucleus Accumbens —–Reward Center
- Basal ganglia — (unconscious) movement control
- Cannabinoid receptors are moderate in:
- Hypothalamus —- Household functions of the body (body temperature, salt, water, sugar)
- Amygdala —-emotional response/fear/flight or fight
- Spinal cord —- peripheral sensation/pain
- Brain stem —- sleep and arousal, motor control
- Central Gray —- Analgesia/pain control
- Core of solitary tract —- visceral sensation, nausea/vomiting
Still not sure why this is an issue? Imagine you are a person who smokes marijuana on a daily basis. All of the above areas of your brain are affected every day. This means your short-term memory isn’t always useful ( e.g. how often do you forget where you left your keys?) and your HHC Blüten kaufen ability to follow directions, especially complicated ones, is inhibited. The user may need to be reminded of what was said or need to write things down to remember the instructions. You may find that you are not as coordinated as you used to be. This may be more obvious to others than to the person himself.
Marijuana can also cause a person to feel tired, tired, or suffer from insomnia due to its effects on the brainstem. In addition, your reaction time will be slowed down and may cause problems when operating machines. Studies have been conducted in several countries showing that a large percentage of car accidents involved people who were under the influence of marijuana.
relaxation or euphoria
When a person smokes for the first time, they experience a feeling of relaxation or euphoria. Once this initial feeling is gone, a depressed mood is often felt, which tempts the person to start smoking again. Many studies have been conducted linking marijuana use to symptoms of depression and even psychosis.
All effects of marijuana on the brain are not negative, there are some positive things it can do for a person. It can help regulate pain as it acts as a blocker of pain receptors. Marijuana can help reduce the symptoms of nausea or vomiting that can accompany diseases like cancer and HIV/AIDS and increase a person’s appetite with such a disease. Symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder can also be treated with marijuana. The effect the substance has on the amygdala results in an ability to relax and become less responsive to things that would normally cause anxiety or discomfort to a person with these disorders. Remember that self-medicating with marijuana is not a good idea. If you are ill and think medical marijuana might help you, seek the advice of a doctor.
Overall, long-term, heavy use of marijuana has many negative side effects on the brain. There are some medicinal uses for the substance, but they can be beneficial when overseen by a doctor. Before trying a substance like marijuana, it’s a good idea to understand the potential effects it will have on your brain so you can make an informed decision and decide if you’re willing to take the risks involved.
