Theory of a dopamine is something that has been around for a while now in the cannabis community. It’s a theory that cannabis users are constantly under the influence of dopamine, and that they develop a deficiency of it.
Exposing the brain to cannabis has an effect on the dopamine receptor. The D2 receptor is a part of the reward system in the brain.
When it is stimulated, it is thought to contribute to the feeling of euphoria that is associated with pleasure.
Marijuana affects the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, released by neurons, that plays a role in reward-motivated behavior, and without sufficient dopamine, the brain would not be able to experience pleasure.
How marijuana affects the brain?
Marijuana is commonly known for its psychoactive properties, which come from the cannabinoid THC.
Although marijuana has been shown to have an impact on the brain, the exact effects are causing a temporary state of heightened awareness and sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
Marijuana use, especially long-term, can be detrimental to the brain in many ways. It can cause changes in the brain’s gray matter, which is associated with memory and cognition.
It can also cause changes in the brain’s white matter, which is associated with emotions, behavior, and decision making.
Cannabis short and long-term effects on the brain
Cannabis use has a widespread impact on the brain, affecting areas such as memory, learning and motivation, and the effect of such impairments may be significant. This is a worrying issue, and despite the evidence for the harm that cannabis causes, some experts believe that it should not be classified as a harmful drug, and some even claim that it should be legalized.
The short-term effects
The effects of cannabis aren’t always the same for everyone. Some people feel euphoric and mentally stimulated while others may feel relaxed and mellow.
It’s important to remember that the degree of potential side effects will depend on how much you use and how you use it. One quick example of the different effects cannabis can have is the short-term psychological effects.
Short term effects of cannabis include:
- Increased heart rate.
Using cannabis has been found to increase heart rate. You can check the effect on your heart rate by using a stopwatch and measuring the time it takes for your heart rate to increase.
- Difficulty with thinking and problem solving.
The review of the medical evidence for the use of cannabinoids and cannabis in medicine has not been conclusive.
Evidence has suggested that therapeutic use of cannabinoids may reduce some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but also that cannabinoids may promote the progression of other degenerative neurological illnesses.
- Impaired coordination.
There is enough studies that vaping or smoking marijuana can cause Impaired coordination because THC gets absorbed in the bloodstream and has a direct effect on the brain. And you will have difficulty performing daily activities.
- Slowed reaction time.
The researchers from the University of York in the UK wanted to know the effects that CBD had on participants’ reaction time, they also wanted to establish the baseline reaction time of the study participants.
They recorded the time it took the subjects to complete the visual reaction task and found that those who received the larger doses of CBD had notably slower reaction times.
- Loss of concentration.
Yes, there is medical evidence that smoking cannabis causes problems with concentration. And, yes, there is also evidence that vaping cannabis can cause these problems too.
In the case of both cases, there is a simple explanation: Cannabis is a psychoactive drug that affects the brain (not the vision usually) in a similar way to other drugs.
As a result, these effects are similar to those experienced by people who take drugs.
The long-term effects.
A growing number of studies show that cannabis use causes long-term damage to the body. When someone smokes marijuana they are releasing a chemical compound called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) into their bloodstream which stays in the body and can cause damage for days, weeks, or even years after use.
This chemical has been linked to long term cognitive impairment, cardiovascular problems, and weaker immune systems. For this reason, the ingestion of cannabis should be approached with caution.
Cannabis use in the long term can also cause damage to the:
- Lungs.
Cannabis affects the lungs in different ways. Some people have had no problems whatsoever. Others have suffered from chronic cough, shortness of breath, and chest pains.
It is important to know what kind of cannabis you are using, how you are using it, and the effects it is having on your body.
- Brain.
The way that cannabis damages your brain is that for starters it affects your mood, and when you have a mood that changes it affects other things like your memory and your ability to focus.
- Heart.
The herb hits the heart and the brain and it is known to cause allergic reactions. Dr. John W. Allen, the founder of The Allen Heart Association, has said that “Cannabis is directly associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.”
As well known is that cannabis can damage the heart in a number of ways, including via increased blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm.
- Hormonal and immune systems.
Marijuana is known to have clinically significant effects on hormones through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating hormones, such as estrogen and insulin, in the body.
This system also controls the growth and reproduction of cells in the body.
In a nutshell, cannabis can affect your Hormonal and immune systems. Cannabis contains a compound known as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the chemical that gets you high.
By smoking, vaporizing, or eating cannabis, THC is absorbed through the lungs or digestive tract and travels to the liver, where it’s stored and then released into the bloodstream.
Then it makes its way to the brain, where it binds with a protein called cannabinoid CB1 receptor. Since these receptors are found throughout the body, they can activate a wide range of cellular processes.
Understanding neurotransmitters
What are neurotransmitters? They are chemicals in your brain that are responsible for carrying messages from one nerve cell to another.
Endocannabinoids are a group of neurotransmitters that help regulate fat, sleep and appetite. They work by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system.
Nerve cells are the basic machinery of our body, and they are responsible for the communication between cells. They help us to think, feel, move and, above all, communicate with others.
The nerves are the main actors of our body, sending impulses at the speed of light from one part of our body to another. They are the main actors of our body, sending impulses at the speed of light from one part of our body to another.
Understanding the endocannabinoid system
Your brain has two main systems that fire together to control how you feel. One is called the sympathetic nervous system, and the other is the parasympathetic nervous system.
These are often referred to as the fight or flight response. In addition, there is another system called the endocannabinoid system.
This is often referred to as the “weed system” because it is responsible for producing many of the “feel good” effects marijuana users experience when they smoke. Many people believe that cannabis has a direct effect on the endocannabinoid system as well.