Ever wondered exactly how weed works its magic to get you high?
Behind the quintessential cannabis experience is a complex interplay of science and biology.
THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system — a network that plays a pivotal role in regulating our physiology, mood, and everyday experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the scientific mechanisms that allow THC to alter consciousness and produce its famous euphoric effects.
THC and the endocannabinoid system
When you smoke or consume cannabis, it introduces a compound known as THC into your body.
This psychoactive component is responsible for the ‘high’ feeling.
The key to understanding this lies in our endocannabinoid system.
This complex cell-signaling system plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, appetite, and other functions. It’s always active in your body, even if you don’t use cannabis.
The human body naturally produces chemicals similar to THC, known as endocannabinoids. They interact with receptors in the brain to carry out their functions.
THC also interacts with these receptors, especially the CB1 receptor. This interaction disrupts normal brain communication and causes the euphoric effects associated with cannabis.
- CB1 Receptors: Mostly found in the brain, these receptors are responsible for the psychoactive effects experienced when THC binds to them. They influence mood, memory, sleep, appetite, and pain perception.
- CB2 Receptors: These are more prevalent in the immune system and peripheral organs. While THC can interact with these receptors, their role in the cannabis high is less significant.
The role of THC in high sensation
THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives a high sensation.
It’s found in the resin produced by the leaves and buds of the female cannabis plant.
When you smoke cannabis, THC rapidly passes from your lungs into your bloodstream, which carries it to your brain and other organs throughout your body.
The effects are felt within minutes and can last for several hours, depending on several factors like how much you consume, how it’s consumed, and your body’s metabolism.
Once in your brain, THC attaches to cells, or neurons, with specific kinds of receptors called cannabinoid receptors.
Usually, these receptors are found in several parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, coordination, and sensory and time perception.
THC stimulates these cells to release the chemical dopamine — creating euphoria — and interferes with how information is processed in the hippocampus, which is part of the brain responsible for forming new memories.
This, in turn, can alter your sensory perception, causing colors to look brighter and sounds to be louder. Believe it or not, it’s also why time seems to slow down when you’re high.
Interesting fact: Did you know that pure THC has no color and it’s a glassy solid when cold? It’s only when heated during smoking or cooking that it turns into a sticky liquid.
Physical effects on your body
Smoking weed doesn’t just affect your brain – it has physical effects on your body too.
As THC enters your bloodstream, it causes your heart rate to increase, sometimes substantially, which can increase the risk of a heart attack, particularly in those with existing heart conditions.
Additionally, THC can cause bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, and increased appetite. The latter, often referred to as ‘the munchies’, is due to THC’s interaction with receptors in the brain that control hunger and satiety.
Moreover, frequent cannabis use can lead to respiratory problems.
Just like tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke contains a variety of toxins that can irritate the bronchial passages and lungs. If smoked regularly over time, it can lead to conditions like chronic bronchitis.
For instance, consider the case of a regular smoker named John. He smoked weed daily for about five years and started experiencing persistent coughing and difficulty breathing.
After a medical check-up, he was diagnosed with early-stage bronchitis.
This example highlights the importance of understanding the physical effects of smoking weed.
Different strains, different effects
Perhaps not surprisingly, it’s essential to understand that not all cannabis is created equal.
What I mean here is that different strains of cannabis can have different effects on the body and mind. This is primarily due to variations in the chemical compositions of different strains.
There are two main types of cannabis plants:
- Cannabis Indica
- Cannabis Sativa.
Indica strains are generally associated with more physical sensations, including relaxation, sedation, and pain relief. On the other hand, Sativa strains are more likely to produce cerebral effects, such as feeling uplifted, energetic, or creative.
But it’s not just about Indica or Sativa.
The chemical profile of a cannabis strain – its mix of cannabinoids and terpenes – also plays a significant role in its effects.
For example, a strain high in the cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol) will have vastly different effects compared to a strain high in THC.
- CBD-dominant strains are often used for their potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief and reduction of inflammation and anxiety.
- THC-dominant strains are usually more psychoactive and are often chosen by those looking to experience a “high.”
So, here’s the thing: what you experience will depend significantly on its chemical makeup.
Personal tolerance and individual differences
We’ve covered a lot about how weed gets you high and the science behind it, but here’s something we haven’t touched on yet: personal tolerance and individual differences.
This plays a significant role in how weed affects you.
Just like with any other substance, your body can develop a tolerance to cannabis.
This means that over time, regular users may find that they need to consume more to achieve the same effects. This is due to the way your body adapts to regular cannabis use by reducing the production of endocannabinoids.
However, it’s not just about tolerance.
Individual differences also play a huge role.
Factors such as your metabolism, body mass index (BMI), and even your mood can influence how you respond to cannabis.
So while we can provide a general guide on what to expect, the reality is that everyone’s experience with cannabis will be unique.
Understanding your high: The key takeaways
To make the most of your cannabis experience, it’s essential to understand how weed gets you high and the science behind its effects.
Knowledge about THC’s interaction with your endocannabinoid system, the varied effects of different cannabis strains, and the role of personal tolerance and individual differences can empower you to make informed decisions about consumption.
We’ve broken down this complex topic into digestible insights, highlighting the physiological processes that occur when you smoke weed.
Whether you’re a seasoned user or a curious newcomer, having this understanding can enhance your experience and awareness.
As we continue to evolve in our understanding of cannabis and its effects, it’s essential to approach this with an open mind.
By doing so, we can fully appreciate the complexities of this fascinating plant and its potential benefits.
