Your Brain On... Marijuana

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Aug 14, 2024

Dive into the fascinating world of marijuana's impact on the brain and body. Discover the distinct effects of THC and CBD, and learn how the endocannabinoid system influences mood and pain perception. Hear a compelling case of a woman who couldn't feel pain due to a genetic mutation. Uncover the potential benefits of marijuana, such as pain management and mental health support, while also addressing significant risks like addiction and memory disorders. It's a deep exploration of cannabis's evolving role in our lives.

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INSIGHT

Cannabis Activation

Fresh cannabis contains THCA, not THC, and has no psychoactive effects unless dried or heated.
This explains why humans started using cannabis after discovering drying and heating processes.

INSIGHT

Endocannabinoid System

Cannabis research has revealed the endocannabinoid system, present in almost every cell.
This system regulates mood, pain, appetite, sleep, and memory, and is crucial for cannabis's effects.

INSIGHT

Endocannabinoid System's Purpose

The endocannabinoid system's evolutionary purpose is mood regulation, especially stress coping.
It also plays a crucial role in fat storage and energy conservation.

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The neuroscience behind the benefits and risks of marijuana, explained.

Splintered legislature, evolving taboos, and new forms of consumption have created a fragmented market for cannabis, and made it challenging for scientists to research its effects on our brains and bodies.

In this episode, we unpack what we know about the cognitive impacts of marijuana use — the good and the bad — and explore new studies which are filling in the gaps.

We discuss:

• The difference between the THC and CBD cannabinoids, and their unique effects on our brains • How your endocannabinoid system works, and how it’s altered under the influence of marijuana • Why one woman with a genetic mutation that affected her endocannabinoid system couldn’t feel pain • The benefits of marijuana: nausea relief, pain management, and possible uses for reducing seizure frequency and helping with mental health • The risks of marijuana: memory disorders, addiction, developmental issues, and the dangers of high-potency products that are increasingly difficult to regulate • Why we first consumed cannabis, about 12,000 years ago

Our incredible guests this week are:

• Dr. Daniele Piomelli, Director of the Institute for the Study of Cannabis at the University of California Irvine • Dr. Susan Weiss, Director of the Division of Extramural Research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neurologists, scientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean are now welcoming patients via the Brain Health Institute: https://brainhealthinstitute.com/

‘Your Brain On... Marijuana’ • SEASON 3 • EPISODE 2

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LINKS

Dr. Daniele Piomelli

At University of California Irvine: https://cnlm.uci.edu/piomelli/ UCI Center for the Study of Cannabis: https://cannabis.uci.edu/

Dr. Susan Weiss

National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://nida.nih.gov/ The ABCD Study: https://abcdstudy.org/

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