CANNABIS SERIES | Dr. Yasmin Hurd: How It Changes Your Brain & Why It Makes You More Stressed
Nov 2, 2023
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Dr. Yasmin Hurd, renowned neuroscientist, reveals how cannabis changes the brain and why it affects stress management. She explores the dangers of high potency marijuana, discusses recovery from cannabis addiction, and highlights the role of cannabis in harm reduction for opiate addiction. Additionally, she identifies signs of cannabis use in children and emphasizes the importance of open communication and recognizing the risks of high potency THC in adolescents.
Repeated use of high-potency THC can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain, impacting cell activity, morphology, and connectivity.
Recovering from cannabis addiction involves individualized approaches and behavior modifications, including engaging in activities that bring joy and strengthening endorphin-releasing systems naturally.
Deep dives
The Impact of Cannabis on the Brain
Cannabis, specifically the component THC, binds to endogenous cannabinoid receptors in the brain, affecting various functions such as working memory, motor coordination, and inducing relaxation and euphoria. Repeated use of high-potency THC can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain, impacting cell activity, morphology, and connectivity. Developmental exposure to THC, especially in adolescence, can have long-lasting effects on brain function and increase vulnerability to stress, impulsive behavior, and addiction. Traumatic early life events can further increase the risk of cannabis use disorder, emphasizing the importance of addressing environment and stress sensitivity. The potency of cannabis has significantly increased over the years, with THC concentrations currently ranging from 15% to 24% or higher, compared to the original 2%. The high availability and social acceptance of cannabis contribute to its appeal among teenagers and the need for informed education and prevention efforts.
Recovery from Cannabis Addiction
Recovering from cannabis addiction involves individualized approaches and behavior modifications. Strategies include engaging in activities that bring joy, such as exercise or hobbies, and strengthening endorphin-releasing systems naturally. Cultivating a support network, including therapists, physicians, and positive friends and family members, is crucial. Substance use disorder should not be tackled in isolation, and continued education and open conversations about drugs play a vital role. Relapse is common, and recognizing cravings and urges early allows individuals to seek help and utilize their support systems to prevent relapse. Recovery is a continuous process, and finding what works best to maintain sobriety is key, as different tools and strategies may resonate differently with each person.
Assessing Cannabis Use in Teens
Identifying cannabis use in teenagers can be challenging, especially with the availability of edibles and more discreet consumption methods. Parents should be attentive to behavioral changes, increased lethargy, school performance decline, and signs of disorientation or paranoia. Maintaining open, non-judgmental communication with teenagers is important, as well as involving teachers who may observe behavioral changes in school. Parents should also be aware of the risks associated with high-potency THC and the potential for fentanyl-laced products. Seeking professional advice and guidance can help parents address cannabis use and support their teenagers effectively.
Harm Reduction and the Cannabis-Opioid Connection
While harm reduction strategies are important in addressing the opioid epidemic, it is essential to approach cannabis as an individualized form of harm reduction. High-potency THC cannabis is not a universal solution for reducing harm from opioid addiction. Lower potency THC (combined with CBD) shows potential as a harm reduction tool, as it has demonstrated effects on reducing cue-induced craving and stress response. However, more research is needed to understand the effectiveness and individual suitability of cannabis, particularly lower potency THC or CBD, in addressing opioid addiction. Education, awareness, and comprehensive treatment programs remain critical in combating the opioid epidemic and understanding the role of cannabis in harm reduction.
Dr. Yasmin Hurd is the Director of the Addiction Institute within the Mount Sinai Behavioral Health System as well as the Ward Coleman Chair of Translational Neuroscience and Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. Dr. Hurd is an internationally renowned neuroscientist whose translational research examines the neurobiology of drug abuse and related psychiatric disorders. Her research exploring the neurobiological effects of cannabis and heroin has significantly shaped the field. Using multidisciplinary research approaches, her research has provided unique insights into the impact of developmental cannabis exposure and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the drug’s protracted effects into adulthood and even across generations. Dr. Hurd’s basic science research is complemented by clinical laboratory investigations evaluating the therapeutic potential of novel science-based strategies for the treatment of opioid addiction and related psychiatric disorders including pioneering work with cannabidiol.
Today on the show we discuss: how cannabis changes the brain, why it messes with your ability to manage stress, why cannabis is more dangerous today, what must happen to prevent kids from abusing cannabis, what cannabis does to mental health, whether or not it’s a gateway drug, how recover from cannabis addiction and more.
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Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed.
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If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help:
Emergency Medical Services—911
If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov
