Cannabis has garnered increasing scientific attention due to its diverse effects on the body. Its influence extends across various physiological and psychological processes, with researchers continuing to explore the complex biological interactions that underpin how it affects individuals.
Key Components of Cannabis
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of chemical compounds, with cannabinoids and terpenes being among the most significant. Cannabinoids are the primary active compounds, numbering over 100 types. The two most studied are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the main psychoactive component in cannabis, responsible for the “high” sensation. It interacts with specific receptors in the brain to produce its characteristic effects. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and does not induce intoxicating effects.
Minor cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) are also present. The plant also contains terpenes, aromatic compounds that contribute to its scent and flavor. Terpenes are thought to influence the overall experience through a concept known as the “entourage effect,” where these compounds work synergistically to modulate the effects of primary cannabinoids.
The Endocannabinoid System
The body possesses an intricate cell-signaling network called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which maintains internal balance. Identified in the early 1990s, the ECS is present throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is made up of three main components: endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.
Endocannabinoids are molecules naturally produced by the body, similar to cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These act as messengers, binding to cannabinoid receptors on cells throughout the body.
There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are highly concentrated in the brain and central nervous system, influencing cognitive functions, mood, and memory. CB2 receptors are found predominantly in peripheral tissues, particularly in immune cells, where they regulate immune responses and inflammation. Enzymes within the ECS synthesize endocannabinoids when needed and break them down after use. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) breaks down anandamide, and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) degrades 2-AG.
The ECS contributes to maintaining homeostasis, regulating physiological processes such as sleep, appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. When the body’s internal environment is disrupted, the ECS helps restore balance.
How Cannabinoids Interact with the Body
The active compounds from cannabis, particularly THC and CBD, exert their effects by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. THC is a partial agonist at CB1 receptors, binding to and activating them. This occurs primarily in the central nervous system, affecting brain regions involved in mood, perception, and memory.
When THC activates CB1 receptors, it influences the release of various neurotransmitters, including dopamine, glutamate, and GABA. This modulation of neurotransmitter activity can lead to the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis, such as altered perception, euphoria, and impaired short-term memory.
CBD interacts with the ECS differently than THC; it has a low binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. Instead, CBD is thought to work by indirectly influencing these receptors, such as by inhibiting enzymes like FAAH, which breaks down anandamide, increasing natural endocannabinoid levels. CBD also interacts with other non-cannabinoid receptors, including serotonin receptors and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, contributing to its diverse range of actions. These indirect interactions mean CBD does not produce intoxicating effects but may contribute to anti-inflammatory or anxiolytic responses. The “entourage effect” suggests terpenes and other minor cannabinoids can further modulate these interactions.
Factors Influencing Cannabis Effects
The effects of cannabis can vary significantly among individuals due to several interacting factors. An individual’s unique physiology, including their genetics and metabolism, plays a role in how they respond to cannabis. Genetic variations can influence the number and sensitivity of cannabinoid receptors and the efficiency of enzymes that break down cannabinoids.
The characteristics of the cannabis product itself also influence the outcome. The ratio of THC to CBD is particularly important, as CBD can modulate some of the psychoactive effects of THC. The presence and profile of terpenes, though less understood, are also thought to contribute to the overall experience.
The method of consumption affects how quickly and intensely the effects are felt. Inhalation, such as smoking or vaping, typically leads to a rapid onset of effects, often within minutes, and a shorter duration. Ingesting cannabis, such as edibles, results in a slower onset, often taking 30 minutes to two hours, but with potentially more intense and longer-lasting effects due to how it is metabolized. The dosage, or the quantity consumed, directly correlates with the intensity of the effects. Finally, the user’s mindset, expectations, and the environment in which cannabis is consumed, known as “set and setting,” can profoundly shape the subjective experience.