Cannabis: An Overview and Its Effects

Cannabis: An Overview

• The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses the science and science-based tools for everyday life.
• The podcast episode focuses on cannabis, its various forms, and effects on the brain and body.
• The episode details scientific research and medicinal applications, emphasizing potential benefits and risks.
• Cannabis legality varies by location.
• Cannabis effects are highly individual; dosage, frequency, profession, genetics, sex, age & hormones all influence outcomes.
• The episode aims for a comprehensive understanding of cannabis and its effects.

Cannabis for Everyday Use

• The episode offers a free resource for Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) for relaxation and restoration.
• NSDR is a behavioral practice for accessing deep relaxation.
• NSDR, a scientifically-backed technique, improves sleep, anxiety, and self-regulation.

Sponsors of the Episode

• Levels: Provides real-time blood glucose feedback.
• Thesis: Creates custom nootropics tailored to individual needs.
• InsideTracker: Personalized nutrition, analyzing blood and DNA data.
• Momentous: Offers high-quality, single-ingredient supplements.

The Cannabis Plant

• Cannabis strains have unique genetic makeups.
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most potent compound.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) is another psychoactive compound with potential pain, anxiety, and other medicinal benefits.
• Cannabinol (CBN) is less discussed.
• THC causes psychoactive effects like mood, bodily state, & sensation changes.
• CBD and CBN affect the brain/body, but generally don't alter perception or mood.
• Over 70 psychoactive compounds exist in the cannabis plant, many unstudied.
• The cannabis plant has over 400 biologically active compounds, some psychoactive.
• THC and CBD are two of the most studied and commonly consumed compounds.
• The plant has three main strains: sativa, indica, and ruderalis. Ruderalis is rarely used recreationally or medicinally.
• Sativa strains are taller with longer leaves; indica are shorter and stouter.

The Importance of Research

• The episode highlights the importance of human subject research for mental/physical health and performance protocols.
• The Huberman Lab Podcast premium channel supports research; a portion of funds from the premium channel go to the Tiny Foundation, which matches donated funds dollar-for-dollar.

Cannabis and its Compounds

• THC and CBD are two of the most studied and commonly consumed compounds.
• The cannabis plant has over 400 biologically active compounds, some psychoactive.
• The plant has three main strains: sativa, indica, and ruderalis. Ruderalis is rarely used recreationally or medicinally.
• Sativa strains are taller with longer leaves, indica are shorter and stouter.

Cannabis Effects on the Brain and Body

• Sativa strains have a "head-biased" effect, stimulating alertness, focus, and creativity.
• Indica strains have a more full-body effect, inducing relaxation, sedation, and potential sleep aid.
• Cannabis compounds enter the bloodstream through smoking, vaping, or edibles.
• Active compounds move to the brain/body via bloodstream but directly from the lungs via smoking.

Cannabis Strain Variations

• Hybrid strains combine sativa and indica varieties for diverse effects.
• Strains are classified into types 1, 2, and 3 based on THC:CBD ratios.
• Type 1 are THC dominant, type 2 are balanced, and type 3 are CBD dominant, minimizing psychoactive effects.

The Endocannabinoid System

• Humans have cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body.
• The body produces endogenous cannabinoids that bind to these receptors.
• THC and CBD have higher affinity to these receptors than endogenous cannabinoids.

Analogy to Nicotine and Hormones

• Nicotine binds to nicotinic receptors (intended for acetylcholine), creating stronger effects than acetylcholine alone.
• Hormones like testosterone and estrogen have related receptor interactions.

Key Points

• Cannabis effects vary by strain (sativa/indica), type (1/2/3), and THC:CBD ratio.
• Understanding the endocannabinoid system is crucial for understanding cannabis interaction.
• THC and CBD exert effects by binding to cannabinoid receptors.

Cannabis and Endogenous Cannabinoid Systems

• Some believe cannabis is inherently safe due to natural origin and endogenous receptors.
• However, individual response and potential dangers (both recreational and medicinal) exist.
• Receptor presence doesn't equate to inherent safety or intended purpose.
• THC and CBD bind to endogenous cannabinoid receptors with high potency, affecting mood, energy, creativity and relaxation.
• This can potentially lead to dependence.
• Cessation of cannabis use may result in heightened anxiety and mood disruptions due to lessened endogenous cannabinoid function.

Endogenous Cannabinoids and Neuronal Communication

• The two main endogenous cannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
• These compounds are released by postsynaptic neurons and signal back to presynaptic neurons.
• Endogenous cannabinoids primarily act as brakes on neuronal communication, regulating neurotransmitter release and neuronal communication.
• They influence long-term potentiation (strengthening connections) and depression (weakening).

CB1 and CB2 Receptors

• Two types of cannabinoid receptors exist: CB1 and CB2.
• CB1 receptors are primarily in the nervous system (brain, spinal cord).
• CB2 receptors are mainly in body tissues (immune system, liver, reproductive organs).

Effects of Cannabis and THC/CBD on CB1 Receptors

• THC and CBD strongly bind to CB1 receptors, overriding nuanced endogenous cannabinoid effects.
• This strong interaction can have predictable but potentially problematic outcomes.

Cannabis Ingestion and Effects

• Cannabis enters the bloodstream rapidly (within 30 seconds), reaching the brain and body.
• Peak effects are typically within 30–60 minutes.
• Effects generally last 3–4 hours, varying by individual metabolism and use frequency.

Lipophilic Properties of Cannabis

• THC, CBD, and other cannabis compounds are lipophilic (affinity for fatty tissues).
• This allows them to penetrate cell membranes, including neuronal membranes.
• Cannabis remains in fatty tissue for an extended period (potentially detectable for at least 80 days).

Subjective Effects of Cannabis

• Sativa varieties are linked to elevated mood, alertness, talkativeness, and focus.
• Indica varieties are associated with sedation, relaxation, and potential sleep aid.
• These effects are from CB1 receptor activation in brain structures.

Prefrontal Cortex and Stress Reduction

• The prefrontal cortex regulates limbic circuitry (including the amygdala, involved in threat detection).
• Sativa varieties might increase prefrontal CB1 activation, reducing stress by modulating amygdala activity.

Cannabis: Mechanism of Action

• THC and CBD bind to CB1 receptors, influencing various brain regions.
• Sativa activates the prefrontal cortex for alertness and focus.
• Indica suppresses prefrontal cortex activity for relaxation and sleep.
• The same compound can have opposite effects depending on the brain region.
• THC and CBD can increase alertness and mood in the prefrontal cortex but decrease stress and threat detection in the amygdala.

Cannabis: Effects

• Cannabis impacts the hippocampus, affecting short-term memory.
• Cannabis may affect the basal ganglia and cerebellum, impacting motor control and coordination.
• Cannabis affects the hypothalamus (including the arcuate nucleus), potentially increasing appetite.
• Cannabis consumption can reduce saliva and tear production due to CB2 receptor presence.
• Cannabis has some pain-reducing (antinociceptive) effects.

Effects of Sativa and Indica Varieties

• Sativa leads to alertness, focus, and enhanced mood.
• Indica generally induces relaxation and sleep.
• Both can affect basal ganglia and cerebellum, impacting motor coordination.

Effects of Cannabis on Creativity

• Creativity is multifaceted.
• Cannabis potentially enhances divergent thinking (generating diverse ideas and perspectives).

Cannabis: Individual Response

• Predicting individual responses to cannabis strains is unreliable.
• Individual neural circuitry and anxiety predispositions impact responses.
• Increased dosage does not always negate negative effects like anxiety or paranoia.
• Personal preferences and strain choices vary considerably.

Cannabis: Other Points

• Sativa can cause anxiety and paranoia in some individuals.
• Indica can suppress prefrontal cortex and hippocampus activity, potentially causing sleep and relaxation effects but impaired short-term memory.
• A specialized industry exists for tailored cannabis strains.
• Cannabis research is evolving but often lags behind public awareness and use.
• Most studies haven't distinguished between sativa and indica, limiting effect understanding.
• Cannabis has uses for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and to achieve creativity.
• Effects are complex and depend on dosage, individual predisposition, strain, and context.
• Comprehensive understanding of effects and nuances is essential for optimal results.