Whether you’ve been smoking marijuana for a while or you’re new to the drug, you’ve probably wondered whether the drug raises serotonin or dopamine. While many studies have found that marijuana does increase the amount of both hormones in the brain, there are also a lot of conflicting findings.
Inconsistencies Between Preclinical And Clinical Findings
Despite the paucity of data, the study was able to draw several conclusions about the brain-boosting properties of marijuana. For example, it is said that THC has a synaptic effect reducing connectivity between neuronal networks. It has also been alleged that THC may exacerbate the ills of chronic stress, leading to a plethora of psychiatric disorders ranging from schizophrenia to depression. Several studies have also been performed on the neurochemical effects of THC on the brain. In particular, the hippocampus has been shown to be susceptible to THC’s aforementioned nasties. In fact, recent studies have shown that females may be particularly susceptible to the aforementioned hazards. Interestingly, females have been shown to have lower scores on cognitive tests involving the aforementioned hippocampus. Nonetheless, the gender gap has recently been narrowed by a small handful of well-designed studies. As a result, the sex factor may well be a thing of the past.
The aforementioned nasties have also been linked to a number of atypical psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression. As such, the efficacy of treatment options has been a topic of research and conjecture for decades. While some studies have found that THC aint a good place to start, other studies have shown that cannabis users are likely to have preexisting neuropsychological problems. Nevertheless, as with most afflictions, the best treatment approaches are still to be found.
Interactions With Other Neurotransmitters
Despite the many benefits of using cannabis, there are many concerns about its effects on the brain. These concerns include the possible effects on the nervous system, addiction, and mental health. Several experiments have investigated the effects of cannabis on neurotransmitters and enzymes.
The endocannabinoid system is one of the most extensive neuroregulatory systems in the animal brain. This system contains cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are found throughout the brain. This system has a number of functions, including the regulation of dopamine levels and motivation.
When THC enters the brain, it latches on to cannabinoid receptors. It then begins to work on the neurons. It may also indirectly influence the dopaminergic system.
THC may also affect GABAergic activity in the brain. This may contribute to its effects on mental health. THC may also affect the brain’s coordination, reaction time, and memory.
THC is a very potent chemical. It can throw the entire system out of balance, disrupting typical brain activity. Depending on where THC binds, it can cause a wide variety of effects. It can make you feel relaxed, make you anxious, or increase your appetite. It can also make you sleepy, cause you to feel euphoria, or slow down your reaction time.
THC is also known to interact with other neurotransmitters. These include dopamine, glutamate, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play a critical role in regulating moods, motivation, and reward-seeking behavior.
Mechanisms of Action
Various drugs of abuse have the potential to contribute to an overall behavioral effect in the short term. The best examples of this include marijuana, cocaine, nicotine, and methamphetamines. They have their own set of pros and cons, as well as a few chinwags in their own right. The most notable distinctions pertain to their individual effects on the brain. Despite their differences, there are several notable similarities. For example, cannabis and nicotine have in common the ability to elicit a notable impact on neurotransmitter levels. They also share a notable tendency to impair short-term memory, which is a topic for a different article.
The endocannabinoid system is a well-studied topic, spanning multiple regions of the brain. The ECS is a plethora of neurotransmitters, but there are some that stand out from the pack. The most notable is THC, which has a plethora of neurotransmitter-interacting metabolites and neuronal markers. In particular, THC is thought to play a key role in the enhancement of sensory perception. It also has a notable impact on anxiety. THC may also have a sly effect on chronic pain, although the effect might be more complex. As for a single drug, the most significant effects might be confined to the esophagus, but the brain and spinal cord are well represented.
