Learning & education: Cannabinoids
Cannabis has historically been used for a wide range of purposes, such as industrial, ornamental, and pharmaceutical applications [1,2]. In the modern world, marijuana use is permitted in some jurisdictions to help address the nausea caused by chemotherapy, anorexia in patients with AIDS, and to manage pain. It is also used recreationally to treat anxiety, insomnia, to stimulate an appetite, to simply get “high,” and much more.
Nowadays, cannabis is a popular topic in the news and on social media. You may have come across articles or blogs discussing compounds called cannabinoids that are present in cannabis plant and their effects on the neurotransmitter GABA. In this article, you’ll learn more about cannabinoids and their effects on mental health, especially in relation to the GABA system.
Even though cannabis has accompanied humans for almost 5000 years, it was not until recently that its mechanism in our bodies and related main actors were revealed. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most known active compounds in cannabis. These exocannabinoids interfere with the regular neuron communication system by mimicking natural endocannabinoids, internal compounds produced in our body.
If you’re a fan of all things cannabis, you’ve probably heard about the endocannabinoid system (ECS) — the homeostatic superhero of our bodies that regulates everything from mood to appetite. But did you know that the ECS also has a hand in something called neurogenesis?
Did you know that because of cannabis, getting high on your own supply has never been easier? It's all because of our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a major regulatory system, which was discovered because people love their cannabis... and have for almost 5000 years.
First-pass metabolism, otherwise known as the "first-pass effect." This phenomenon relates mainly to drugs and other supplements that are consumed orally. The concentration of a drug or supplement that we ingest is often not the amount that is eventually seen in the blood (systemic circulation).
AI-generated responses are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Accuracy, completeness, or timeliness are not guaranteed. Use at your own risk.
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