The Science of Marijuana: How THC Affects the Brain

Some people think that marijuana smoking does not pose a danger. However, according to a scientific survey, we know that there is a risk especially during adolescence. Cannabis affects human judgment and may lower driving ability. For those who regularly use it, it can lead to poor academic performance and even poisoning.

Scientists have been asking this question for a long time. After dozens of years of research, they discovered how marijuana works, and discovered an important communication system in the brain and body.

Understanding cannabis science began in the mid-1960s and identified THC (δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as the major active ingredient of cannabis. Twenty years later, scientists have identified parts of the body of cannabis, marijuana and the brain, called cannabinoid (CB) receptors.

Scientists later discovered the natural chemicals of anandamide and 2-AG (2-arachidonoyl glycerol) itself that act on CB receptors themselves. These chemicals (called cannabinoids) and their receptors constitute the endogenous cannabinoid (EC) system.

The EC system exists in many areas of the brain and explains why it affects many different physical functions. Cannabinoids influence by controlling the cell communication method, that is, the method of sending and receiving information. Cannabinoid acts like a "dimmer switch" that delays communication between cells

When someone smokes marijuana, THC immediately enters the brain and adheres to the cannabinoid receptor. Natural EC systems are carefully adjusted to respond appropriately to incoming information. However, THC overwhelmed the EC system. It prevents natural chemicals from functioning properly and breaks the balance of the whole system. For details on the science of endogenous cannabinoid system click here

Most people know that marijuana influences memory. Cannabis and memory are central to current research on the brain effect of THC, the main active chemical substance of cannabis. In fact, it is known that cannabis is associated with a decline in short-term memory function and impairs the ability of the person forming a new memory. However, marijuana also affects other functions in the brain. how is it? THC binds to neuronal receptors in the cerebellum and basal ganglia and affects the brain. These chemical changes in the brain cause the following.

Understanding cannabis science began in the mid-1960s and identified THC (δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) as the major active ingredient of cannabis. Twenty years later, scientists have confirmed the location of marijuana in the brain and body called a cannabinoid (CB) receptor. The EC system exists in many areas of the brain and explains why it affects many different physical functions. Cannabinoids influence by controlling the cell communication method, that is, the method of sending and receiving information. Cannabinoid acts like a "dimmer switch" that delays communication between cells

Compounds of THC and CBD are similar, but the effects on the brain are varied. THC is a psychoactive component of cannabis, a component that causes taller than someone else. Most of the cannabis sold on the streets contain 2-5% tetrahydrocannabinol, but some cannabis varieties including cannabis sold at pharmacies contain an average of 15% to 20% THC It is. Lower concentrations due to THC also makes routine tasks more difficult. Clinical chemistry research in 2013 found that low blood THC concentrations as low as 2 ng / mL (ng / ml) could have serious consequences for human driving ability. When using THC, it is not safe to drive or run other important tasks