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Huberman Lab
Dr. Matthew Hill: How Cannabis Impacts Health & the Potential Risks
Jul 8, 2024
Dr. Matthew Hill, expert on cannabis biology, discusses THC vs. CBD effects, different strains' impact on perception, appetite, memory, and stress. Exploring cannabis's links to psychosis, anxiety, bipolar depression, and schizophrenia. CBD benefits in stress regulation, sleep, and disease treatment. Cannabis strains' biological differences, hormone impact, pain management, and PTSD use discussed.
03:52:37
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Quick takeaways
- THC activates brain networks broadly causing intoxication, unlike precise endocannabinoid regulation.
- Cannabis-induced fasting-like effects increase cravings for high-calorie foods.
- Boosting endocannabinoids non-psychoactively may aid stress regulation and emotional responses.
- Inconsistent evidence on cannabis impact on focus and memory functions.
- Standardizing cannabis dosing crucial due to individual variability and complex mechanisms.
- Misinformation from untrained cannabis sellers emphasizes need for standardized education.
Deep dives
Endocannabinoids vs. THC Impact on Brain Function
Endocannabinoids, naturally occurring in the brain, are released in specific spatial and temporal patterns to regulate neurotransmitter release. THC, found in cannabis, indiscriminately activates CB1 receptors, leading to a blanket activation of brain networks, causing an intoxicating state. While endocannabinoids are finely tuned to specific tasks, THC triggers all receptors simultaneously, affecting information processing and perception.
Effects of THC on Feeding Circuits
Endocannabinoids naturally rise during fasting periods to regulate food-seeking behavior and enhance the rewarding aspects of food in specific brain circuits. THC, in contrast, impacts the feeding circuits by inducing a generalized activation of CB1 receptors, potentially leading to changes in food-seeking behavior and reinforcing the rewarding properties of food. The indiscriminate nature of THC's impact differs from the precise regulation of endocannabinoids in response to nutritional cues.
Therapeutic Potential of Boosting Endocannabinoid Levels
Elevating endocannabinoid levels pharmacologically using FAE inhibitors has shown non-psychoactive effects in reducing stress, enhancing stress perception, and altering conditioned responses. Unlike THC, boosting endocannabinoids does not lead to intoxication and various behavioral changes, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for stress management and emotional regulation without psychoactive side effects.
Effects of Cannabis on Food-Seeking Behavior
Consuming cannabis can mimic a fasting state, leading to heightened cravings for high-calorie, high-fat foods due to the activation of brain reward pathways. This behavior is thought to help replenish lost energy stores, resulting in a preference for calorie-dense foods when intoxicated with cannabis.
Impact of Cannabis on Focus and Memory
The effects of cannabis on focus and memory remain inconclusive. While anecdotal reports suggest enhanced focus, scientific studies have not provided strong evidence for this claim. Acute memory deficits, particularly in recall and consolidation processes, have been observed during cannabis intoxication, but long-term effects on memory in regular users are not well-established.
Challenges of Studying Cannabis and its High Potency Products
Studying cannabis, particularly high-potency products like concentrates, presents challenges due to the complex mechanisms of action and individual variability in response. The use of standardized dosing units for edibles aims to address issues of dosing consistency and onset of effects. Additionally, the time course of oral consumption versus inhalation and the impact on blood levels highlight the need for more precise regulatory frameworks in understanding cannabis effects on the body.
The Influence of Cannabis Use during Pregnancy
The majority of individuals tend to stop using cannabis once they discover they are pregnant, particularly due to concerns about its effects on the fetus. Some women may continue using cannabis due to beliefs that it is safer than other medications for morning sickness, despite potential risks. Dispensaries have been known to recommend cannabis for managing morning sickness, highlighting concerns about irresponsible advice.
Education and Training in Cannabis Sales
There is a lack of standardized education and training for individuals selling cannabis products, leading to potential misinformation and irresponsible recommendations. Efforts are being made to advocate for educational courses for cannabis sellers to ensure accurate and reliable information is provided to consumers. The need for informed and trained cannabis sellers is crucial to address public health concerns and promote responsible cannabis use.
Misconceptions and Public Perception on Cannabis and Schizophrenia
There is a widespread belief linking cannabis use to the development of schizophrenia, leading to significant concerns and debates. However, research challenges the direct causal relationship between cannabis and schizophrenia, highlighting the complexity and nuances involved. Expectancy biases and public perceptions play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards cannabis and its perceived impact on mental health conditions.
Research on Endocannabinoid Function and Anxiety states
Research shows a link between peripheral endocannabinoid levels and mood states, including anxiety and depression. Lower endocannabinoid levels may be linked to higher anxiety levels. Studies have shown that boosting endocannabinoids or using THC on a background of low endocannabinoids could potentially reverse anxiety phenotypes and bring anxiety back to a normal range.
Effects of THC on Anxiety
Studies on social anxiety disorder have indicated that THC may have anti-anxiety properties. A 1970s study with synthetic THC showed some benefit, comparable to benzodiazepines. There is evidence to suggest that THC boosts endocannabinoids, filling any deficiency and potentially helping individuals feel less anxious. Theoretical focus suggests THC may bridge the gap for those with lower endocannabinoid function, aiding anti-anxiety effects.
Potential Benefits of Cannabis on PTSD Nightmares
Anecdotal evidence from veterans with PTSD suggests that using cannabis helps reduce nightmares, a common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder. A study with a synthetic THC-like compound called nabilone showed efficacy in suppressing nightmares, with subjective improvements in quality of life. The endocannabinoid system may play a role in modulating anxiety circuits and nightmares in conditions like PTSD, with potential benefits seen in clinical trials.
Health Harms of Cannabis Use
While cannabis use can have potential benefits such as appetite stimulation, reducing eye pressure in glaucoma, and alleviating pain and anxiety, there are also concerns regarding health harms. These may include lung damage from smoking, possible cardiovascular effects, and rare conditions like cyclic vomiting syndrome. Individuals, particularly those with underlying conditions like schizophrenia or cardiac issues, should be cautious with cannabis use, considering both the potential benefits and risks.
Challenges in Cannabis Research
The podcast episode highlights the complexities of studying cannabis and CBD, emphasizing the need for research to clarify the potential benefits and health risks associated with their use. From anxiety modulation to PTSD symptom relief, the impacts of cannabis on mental health remain a subject of ongoing scientific inquiry, balancing anecdotal accounts with empirical data to inform public health and regulatory decisions.
The Science Behind Anxiety Management with Cannabis
An investigation into the endocannabinoid system's role in anxiety states reveals a potential link between peripheral endocannabinoid levels and mood disorders. Research suggests that lower endocannabinoid function may contribute to higher anxiety, with THC showing promise in alleviating anxiety symptoms by boosting endocannabinoid signaling. Studies targeting social anxiety disorder and PTSD highlight the nuanced relationship between THC and anxiety regulation, providing insights into cannabis's potential impact on mental health.
Key Research Findings on PTSD Symptom Management
Emerging research explores the efficacy of cannabis, particularly THC compounds, in mitigating nightmares associated with PTSD. By modulating the endocannabinoid system and potentially alleviating anxiety circuits linked to PTSD, cannabis presents a novel approach to managing symptoms in affected individuals. Clinical trials and animal studies provide preliminary evidence supporting the use of cannabis in tackling PTSD-related symptoms, with a focus on enhancing quality of life and improving sleep patterns.
Balancing Benefits and Risks of Cannabis Use
As the podcast episode underscores the potential benefits of cannabis in managing conditions like anxiety and PTSD, it also highlights the need for caution regarding associated health risks. From lung damage to cardiovascular effects, understanding the complexities of cannabis usage is crucial for individuals, particularly those with preexisting health conditions. By providing insights into both the benefits and harms of cannabis, this discussion navigates the intricate interplay between therapeutic potential and potential risks.
Insights into Anxiety Regulation with Cannabis
Exploring the multifaceted impact of THC on anxiety, studies elucidate its potential as an anti-anxiety agent comparable to traditional medications. By bridging possible deficiencies in endocannabinoid signaling, THC offers a promising avenue for anxiety modulation. Theoretical perspectives underscore the importance of endocannabinoid function in anxiety states, shedding light on potential mechanisms underlying the anxiolytic effects of cannabis.
6.
Exploring Nutrition, AG1 Supplement, and Endocannabinoid Activity in the Context of Cannabis
2min
12.
Discussion on the Importance of Education for Cannabis Sellers and Information Consensus
3min
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Matthew Hill, Ph.D., a professor of cell biology and anatomy at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the University of Calgary and an expert on the biology of cannabis. We discuss how cannabis affects the brain to produce its psychoactive effects (feeling “high”), including altered time perception, focus, memory, appetite, and stress.
We discuss how THC vs. cannabidiol (CBD) affects the brain, the effects of different routes of cannabis administration (e.g., smoking, vaping, edibles), high-potency THC, and whether cannabis is addictive. We discuss if there is a link between cannabis use and the development of psychosis, anxiety, bipolar depression, or schizophrenia.
We discuss whether CBD has clinical benefits in regulating stress, promoting sleep, and treating certain diseases. We also discuss if there are real and consistent differences in the biological effects of different cannabis strains, if cannabis impacts hormones, and the uses of cannabis for the management of pain, stress, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and nausea.
Listeners of this episode will get an up-to-date understanding of what is currently known about how cannabis affects the brain and body, including both its potential benefits and risks.
Access the full show notes for this episode at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
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Timestamps
00:00:00 Dr. Matthew Hill
00:00:00 Sponsors: Eight Sleep, LMNT & BetterHelp
00:07:16 Cannabis, THC, Cannabidiol (CBD), Terpenes
00:12:08 Psychoactive Effects, Cannabis “High”; Time Perception
00:16:55 Cannabis & Brain, CB1 Receptor, Endocannabinoids
00:26:19 Endocannabinoids Types: Anandamide, 2-AG
00:33:46 “Munchies”, Cannabis & Appetite
00:42:17 Sponsor: AG1
00:44:06 THC & Anandamide, Pharmacology
00:52:37 THC & CB1 Receptors, Intoxication & Appetite
00:58:57 Cannabis & Focus, Memory
01:04:09 Routes of Administration, Concentration, Cannabis Research
01:15:12 Self-Regulation, Inhalation & THC, Tolerance; THC Concentrates
01:22:25 Sponsor: InsideTracker
01:23:36 Addiction & Cannabis, Cannabis Use Disorder
01:31:30 Cannabis Legalization & Use, Edibles & ER Visits
01:36:48 Oral Consumption, Edibles, Dosing & Time Course
01:41:12 Drug Testing & Cannabis, Exercise
01:46:04 Cannabis & Hormones, Gynecomastia, Sperm Quality
01:54:37 Cannabis & Pregnancy; Selling Recreational Cannabis
02:04:07 Vaping
02:07:05 Psychosis, Anxiety & Cannabis
02:17:17 Cannabis, Psychosis, Schizophrenia & Genetics
02:30:45 Cannabis Use & Schizophrenia, Manic Bipolar, THC Potency, Nicotine
02:40:37 Schizophrenia, Cannabis Legalization
02:45:06 Cannabis Strains, Indica, Sativa, Subjective Effects & Expectancy Bias
02:57:00 CBD, Pediatric Epilepsy, Adenosine
03:07:22 Entourage Effect; Placebo Effect, CBD & Doses
03:19:12 Cannabis Health Risks, Cardiovascular Risk, Schizophrenia
03:27:08 Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome & Hot Shower
03:31:30 Cannabis Benefits: Pain, Stress, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
03:40:18 Cannabis & Anxiety, Anandamide & Stress Response
03:45:55 Scientific Discussion, Clarification & Advancement
03:49:47 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
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