The human body maintains a remarkably stable internal temperature, a process known as thermoregulation. This internal stability ensures that biological processes can continue efficiently despite wide fluctuations in the external environment. Anecdotal reports from cannabis users often describe feeling colder, sometimes accompanied by shivering. Scientists have investigated whether this common perception has a basis in physiology. The scientific evidence now suggests that the primary compounds in the cannabis plant do influence the body’s internal temperature controls.
The Direct Answer: The Hypothermic Effect
The short answer to whether cannabis lowers body temperature is yes, it can. This effect, documented since the 1970s, is specifically attributed to Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant’s main psychoactive component. Researchers often refer to this temperature reduction as “THC-induced hypothermia.”
This effect is a consistent finding in pre-clinical studies conducted across various species, including rats, mice, and monkeys. In these models, core body temperature is precisely measured, and the magnitude of the temperature drop is directly related to the amount of THC administered. This robust pre-clinical evidence establishes the reality of THC as a compound that actively interferes with the body’s thermal balance.
THC’s Interaction with the Body’s Thermostat
The mechanism behind this cooling effect involves the body’s internal regulatory network, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a widespread signaling system composed of receptors and compounds that help maintain homeostasis across multiple bodily functions. THC’s action on temperature is specifically mediated by the Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 (CB1), one of the primary receptors of the ECS.
These CB1 receptors are densely concentrated in the central nervous system, including the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus functions as the body’s central thermostat, constantly monitoring and adjusting the core temperature to maintain a set point. When THC enters the body, it binds to and activates the CB1 receptors within the preoptic area of the hypothalamus.
This binding disrupts the normal signaling pathways that regulate heat generation and conservation. THC essentially signals the hypothalamus to reset the body’s thermal set point to a slightly lower temperature. Scientific studies have confirmed that blocking the CB1 receptor prevents the THC-induced temperature drop.
Dosage Differences and Real-World Impact
While the hypothermic effect is a reliable scientific finding, its impact in real-world human use is often minor or negligible. The robust temperature drops observed in animal models typically occur after administering high doses substantially greater than those used in casual human consumption. The effect is markedly dose-dependent, meaning a higher concentration of THC is required to induce a more pronounced drop in core temperature.
The route of administration also influences the effect, as inhalation and injection produce different pharmacokinetic profiles than oral consumption. Individual factors, such as tolerance and unique metabolism, significantly influence the degree of temperature change experienced. For most casual users, the temperature drop is mild and short-lived, often manifesting as a sensation of being chilled.
The theoretical risk of severe hypothermia is extremely rare in casual use. This risk is usually only a concern in extreme scenarios, such as very high doses combined with exposure to extremely cold ambient temperatures. While the science confirms that THC acts as a thermoregulatory agent, the practical effect for most people is limited to a subtle or temporary feeling of coldness.