7 Fascinating Ways Cannabis Can Affect Your Body
If you ever think about it, the human body is a marvel of nature and evolution that defies all superlatives. Now imagine that there is a system running through the microscopic galaxy that makes up our physical body—and you can influence it with cannabis. If that seems foreign to you, take a moment to get to know your body’s endocannabinoid system.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
Scientists discovered the endocannabinoid system in the 90s. This system is responsible for regulating many functions of the human body. There are two main receptors within the ECS, known as CB1 and CB2. These can modulate different systems in the body, and one of the ways they can be influenced is through cannabis-based compounds called cannabinoids (“phytocannabinoids”).
Let's look at seven important bodily functions and systems where the ECS plays a crucial role.
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Memory and learning
Cannabis is known for its effects on short-term memory, but it’s more complex than that. The cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) activates CB1, which is found throughout the brain, including the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory. In addition, the CB1 receptor is responsible for extinction learning, the process by which new information overwrites old memories — including traumatic memories. This is one reason why cannabis may be effective in treating PTSD.
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Regulation of appetite
Studies have shown that cannabinoid receptors play a vital role in regulating food intake and metabolism. While there is a stereotypical image of cannabis users getting hungry and snacking, there is also strong evidence that the ECS can help manage obesity and eating disorders. Research also shows that cannabis users had significantly lower BMIs and obesity rates compared to non-users.
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Thermoregulation
Our body maintains a core temperature despite external environmental factors. The ECS plays a role in thermoregulation and can increase the core temperature of the human body to fight infections. Thermoregulation can also protect against strokes, viral and bacterial infections.
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Female reproductive processes
The ECS plays an important role in hormone secretion related to reproductive functions. Some scientific studies have shown that cannabis can reduce female fertility by disrupting the production of estrogen and progesterone, potentially delaying or preventing the ovulation cycle.
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Function of the immune system
The ECS is considered a “gatekeeper” of the immune system, largely because of its ability to suppress the immune system. This is one reason why cannabis may be effective in treating autoimmune diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis.
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Sleep and sleep cycles
Cannabis is a popular treatment for insomnia and research has shown that activating CB1 receptors can induce sleep. At the same time, cannabis can reduce the REM sleep stage, where dreams occur.
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Pain perception
Chronic pain is the most common reason why patients are prescribed medical marijuana. This is because the ECS is one of the major systems responsible for regulating pain. ECS receptors are located in various parts of the peripheral and central nervous systems, and virtually every part of the body’s pain pathway.
