The Effects of Cannabis (Marijuana) on the Brain & Body | Huberman Lab

Intro

In this episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, Dr. Andrew Huberman explores the effects of cannabis (marijuana) on the brain and body. He discusses the various strains of cannabis, the psychoactive compounds it contains, and the potential benefits and risks associated with its use. Dr. Huberman also delves into the impact of cannabis on cognition, creativity, speech, and sexual health. Additionally, he addresses the effects of cannabis on mental health, brain development, and the importance of quitting cannabis during adolescence for optimal cognitive function. Stay tuned to learn more about the fascinating science behind cannabis.

Main Takeaways

Types and Strains of Cannabis

• Cannabis contains many compounds that have profound impact on the brain and body, including THC and CBD.
• There are different types or strains of cannabis, including sativa, indica, and hybrid strains.
• Sativa varieties tend to elevate mood, alertness, and talkativeness, while indica varieties tend to have a sedative and relaxing effect.
• Highly customized cannabis has become an enormous industry due to the varying effects of different strains and hybrids of cannabis.

The Effects of Cannabis on the Brain

• THC is largely responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, but CBD and CBN also play a role.
• The cannabis plant has over 70 different psychoactive compounds and over 400 biologically active compounds.
• THC and CBD bind to endogenous cannabinoid receptors, affecting mood, energy, creativity, and relaxation.
• Cannabis can impact the way we think, access memory systems, and engage in convergent and divergent thinking, which is one way of conceptualizing creativity.
• Cannabis use can be immensely beneficial to one group and entirely detrimental to another group, even at equivalent dosages, depending on a number of different factors.

The Impact of Cannabis on Mental Health

• Chronic cannabis use has consistently been associated with mental health disorders.
• Heavy cannabis use increases the risk of psychosis later in life, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar-like episodes.
• Reduction in frequency of cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood is important to reduce the risk of developing mental health disorders.
• The more potent the THC concentration, the higher the probability of developing psychosis or major depressive/anxiety disorders later in life.

The Effects of Cannabis on Speech and Sexual Health

• Chronic cannabis use can impact patterns of speech, including drawing out certain syllables and slowing speech.
• Cannabis use can have acute effects on speech while under the influence.
• Smoking or vaping cannabis and tobacco can severely impair the function of endothelial cells, leading to cognitive decline, stroke, lung function impairment, and sexual dysfunction.
• Cannabis use can affect testosterone, estrogen, and prolactin levels, which impact sexual health and function.

Summary

Types and Strains of Cannabis

Cannabis plants come in different strains with different genetic backgrounds and psychoactive compounds. Sativa varieties tend to elevate mood, alertness, and talkativeness, while indica varieties tend to have a sedative and relaxing effect. The highly customized cannabis industry caters to the varying effects of different strains and hybrids.

The Effects of Cannabis on the Brain

Cannabis contains compounds like THC and CBD that bind to endogenous cannabinoid receptors, affecting mood, energy, creativity, and relaxation. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, but CBD and CBN also play a role. Cannabis use can impact cognition, memory systems, and divergent thinking, which is associated with creativity.

The Impact of Cannabis on Mental Health

Chronic cannabis use has consistently been associated with mental health disorders. Heavy cannabis use increases the risk of psychosis, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar-like episodes. Reducing cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood is crucial to minimize the risk of developing mental health disorders.

The Effects of Cannabis on Speech and Sexual Health

Chronic cannabis use can affect speech patterns and impair endothelial cell function when combined with tobacco use, leading to cognitive decline, stroke, lung function impairment, and sexual dysfunction. Cannabis use can also impact testosterone, estrogen, and prolactin levels, influencing sexual health and function.

Conclusion

Cannabis, with its various strains and psychoactive compounds, has complex effects on the brain and body. While it can be beneficial for some individuals, it can also pose risks, particularly for those with a predisposition to mental health disorders. Understanding the science behind cannabis and making informed choices about its use is essential. Stay tuned to the Huberman Lab podcast for more fascinating insights into the world of neuroscience and human behavior.