There’s a growing body of scientific evidence that shows how cannabis can have a variety of effects on the brain. While most research has focused on the effects of cannabis use in young adults, it is now clear that this chemical affects everyone differently. For some people, occasional use may be harmless and even beneficial as it seems to relieve stress and boost creativity.
However, for others, regular or heavy use may lead to problems such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and memory loss. When you first start using cannabis, you may notice that your thoughts feel a little more intense than usual while you’re high. This is because the chemical acts on your sensory receptors to create new experiences and sensations. It can also affect your perception of time and space while you’re high, making it harder for you to stay focused on one task at a time.
What Does Cannabis Do To The Brain?
When you smoke cannabis, it is absorbed by your bloodstream and carried to your brain where it is broken down by enzymes in your tissues. CB1 receptors are found in the parts of your brain that process feelings, movement, sensory perception, memory, and thought. CB2 receptors are located in your immune system, cells that line your digestive tract, and in your brain’s nervous system – which includes your brain and spinal cord.
THC binds to the CB1 receptors in your brain and causes your brain cells to release more “feel-good” chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. This causes your perception of feelings to become more intense and may also enhance your sense of taste and smell. However, it also interferes with cognitive functions, such as memory retention, attention, and language.
How to Make Sense of Cannabis’ Effects on the Brain
As we’ve seen, cannabis has both negative and positive effects on the brain. The only way to truly understand the impact of this drug on your mind and body is to experiment with it yourself. When you first try cannabis, you may notice that your thoughts feel a little more intense while you’re high.
This is because the chemical acts on your sensory receptors to create new experiences and sensations. It can also affect your perception of time and space while you’re high, making it harder for you to stay focused on one task at a time. In this state, your memory retention is also likely to be impaired, so it’s important to eat beforehand and take breaks from your work to avoid overload or distraction.
Understanding THC and CBD
As well as binding to receptors in the brain, THC is also psychoactive. This means it sends signals to your brain and triggers chemical reactions that alter your perceptions and feelings. However, this does not happen with CBD. Instead, the compound binds to other receptors in your body and has various health benefits.
In 2016, researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered that CBD can improve the brain’s inhibitory control system and counteract age-related cognitive decline.
The researchers found that CBD increased the connections between neurons in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and emotional processing. Furthermore, the compound seems to have no psychoactive effects, which makes it a potentially safe alternative to THC for those who are concerned about cannabis’ emotional effects on the brain.
THC and CBD – Which one is better?
THC – Cannabinoid A cannabinoid is a compound found in cannabis that binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain. This causes your brain cells to release “feel-good” chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. CBD – Cannabidiol Unlike THC, CBD does not bind to the CB1 receptors in your brain.
Instead, it targets receptors in your body and has numerous health benefits, including helping with: – Insomnia – Depression – Epilepsy – Anxiety – Pain – Glaucoma
Safety of Using CBD Oil for Your Brain
THC is a psychoactive substance that can alter your perceptions and feelings. It can also impair your memory, attention, and concentration – especially when you’re first experimenting with it. As well as this, it can also cause feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and fear.
CBD, on the other hand, does not seem to have these harmful effects on the brain. In fact, recent studies have shown that it has some amazing properties for the brain. CBD seems to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and has also been shown to improve conditions such as:
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Glaucoma
How to Use CBD Oil for a Brighter, Safer You
THC oil comes in many forms, including capsules, e-liquid, and tinctures. The most common way to consume it is by vaping it. There is a range of CBD oils available, each with different concentrations. Generally, the higher the concentration, the more effective it is. If you choose to vape, make sure you use a high-quality product. Start with a low concentration and work your way up if you feel too high.
It’s also important to remember to replace the oil each week or month as this breaks down the chemicals in it and reduces the strength. When you use CBD oil, the compound enters your bloodstream via your lungs and then enters your brain, providing relief for your symptoms. However, you’ll need to consume higher amounts to get the same feeling as you would from smoking or vaping THC. While vaping seems to be the most popular way to take CBD, you can also take it in drops or capsules.
Conclusion
Cannabis is a drug that has both positive and negative effects on the brain. It can produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation, but it can also lead to memory loss and anxiety. Understanding this can help you make better decisions about using cannabis.
There are many safe and effective ways of using cannabis, from smoking to vaping, to eating, drinking, or taking CBD oil. As well as this, it’s important to keep your doses to a minimum and only use it occasionally as this is the safest way to enjoy the benefits of this drug.
