The Effects of Cannabis (Marijuana) on the Brain & Body
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In this episode, I discuss cannabis (aka marijuana), including the biological mechanisms underlying its effects on the mind and body, its known medical applications, its impact on libido, creativity, hunger, hormones and more. I also cover the known adverse health consequences of chronic and even acute (one-time) use and the factors that determine if cannabis is helpful or harmful. Additionally, I detail how the various strains of cannabis: sativa, indica and hybrid strains, can produce such divergent effects depending on the strain type, THC-to-CBD ratio, total dosage, and frequency of use. I review why cannabis can impact speech patterns and one’s propensity to develop anxiety/depression during and after use and, in some individuals, paranoia. As the legal landscape for cannabis is rapidly evolving, this episode should interest a wide audience, including former/current cannabis users, those in the medical, sports, law enforcement, and educational communities and, of course, children, teenagers, and parents.
Articles
- Inspired by Mary Jane? Mechanisms underlying enhanced creativity in cannabis users (Consciousness and Cognition)
- Adults with a history of recreational cannabis use have altered speech production (Drug and Alcohol Dependence)
- Individual prolactin reactivity modulates response of nucleus accumbens to erotic stimuli during acute cannabis intoxication: an fMRI pilot study (Psychopharmacology)
- Bayesian causal network modeling suggests adolescent cannabis use accelerates prefrontal cortical thinning (Translational Psychiatry)
- Association of cannabis potency with mental ill health and addiction: a systematic review00161-4/fulltext) (The Lancet Psychiatry)
