The Effects of Cannabis (Marijuana) on the Brain & Body | Huberman Lab Podcast #92

Andrew Huberman・2 minutes read

The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses science-based tools for everyday life, focusing on cannabis, legality, medicinal applications, health hazards, sex differences, and personalized formulas. Chronic cannabis use, especially among young individuals, significantly impacts brain development, increasing the risk of mental health disorders, underscoring the need for caution and awareness regarding cannabis consumption.

Insights

Cannabis strains vary in effects and composition, with sativa strains inducing alertness and focus, while indica strains promote relaxation and sedation.
Understanding the legal status of cannabis is crucial, as possession, use, and sale can range from illegal to legal based on location.
Cannabis impacts the brain through CB1 receptors, affecting mood, perception, and biological functions, with THC and CBD outcompeting natural cannabinoids.
Chronic cannabis use, especially in young individuals, can lead to mental health risks like anxiety, depression, and psychosis, impacting brain development.
Cannabis can influence sexual desire through complex processes involving arousal, emotional states, and neurochemicals like dopamine and prolactin.
The effects of cannabis ingestion on the body are significant, with rapid entry into the bloodstream, peak effects within an hour, and detectability in fatty tissues for up to 80 days.

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What is the Huberman Lab Podcast about?
The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses science and tools for everyday life, hosted by Andrew Huberman, a Stanford professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology.

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Summary

00:00

"Cannabis Science and Health on Podcast"

The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses science and science-based tools for everyday life, hosted by Andrew Huberman, a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine.
The discussion focuses on cannabis, highlighting compounds like THC and CBD, different strains (sativa, indica, hybrid), and the scientific literature on type one, type two, and type three strains.
Emphasizes the importance of understanding the legality of cannabis based on location, as possession, use, and sale can vary from highly illegal to entirely legal or decriminalized.
Explores the medicinal applications and potential health hazards of cannabis, particularly for individuals with a genetic propensity for psychosis.
Discusses the role of cannabis in anxiety, depression, and creativity, impacting memory systems, convergent, and divergent thinking.
Provides insights into sex differences in cannabis reactions and the importance of considering age, genetic predisposition, and professions when determining cannabis use.
Introduces the Huberman Lab Podcast premium channel, offering AMAs and supporting research on human beings for mental and physical health and performance.
Presents the Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) protocol as a zero-cost resource for relaxation, sleep improvement, and dopamine restoration, accessible on YouTube.
Acknowledges the podcast's separation from Stanford roles and thanks sponsors like Levels for real-time feedback on diet and Thesis for custom nootropics tailored to individual needs.
Encourages listeners to explore Levels for blood glucose management and Thesis for personalized nootropics starter kits.

12:33

Personalized Health Solutions for Optimal Wellness

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Cannabis strains include sativa, indica, ruderalis, and hybrids.
Sativa varieties offer a head-centered high, alertness, focus, and creativity.
Indica varieties induce full-body relaxation, sedative effects, and are known as 'in-da-couch.'

26:05

Cannabis Strain Classification and Effects Explained

Cannabis and marijuana are used interchangeably, with growers creating various strains with different sativa and indica ratios.
Plant genetics allow for the development of nuanced strains with distinct effects on the brain and body.
A new nomenclature is emerging around cannabis strains for medicinal or recreational use.
The classification now includes type one, type two, and type three strains for sativa, indica, or hybrid varieties.
Type one strains have high THC and low CBD, impacting the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Understanding the THC to CBD ratio helps predict the effects of a cannabis strain on an individual.
Sativa strains are stimulant-like, inducing a head high, while indica strains lead to relaxation and reduced insomnia.
Type two strains have equal THC and CBD ratios, while type three strains are high in CBD and low in THC.
Endogenous cannabinoids in the body naturally bind to cannabinoid receptors, affecting mood, perception, and other biological functions.
THC and CBD from cannabis bind to these receptors with greater potency than endogenous cannabinoids, leading to significant effects on mood and perception.

39:42

Potency of Cannabis Components and Natural Cannabinoids

Cannabis can be safe for certain populations recreationally, but dangerous for others.
THC and CBD bind to endogenous cannabinoid receptors with greater potency than natural cannabinoids.
This out-competition of natural cannabinoids can lead to dependence on cannabis for mood regulation.
Endogenous cannabinoids like anandamide and arachidonoyl-glycerol regulate neurotransmitter release.
Endogenous cannabinoids can strengthen or weaken connections between neurons, affecting mood and behavior.
CB1 receptors, mainly in the nervous system, are responsible for the effects of cannabis.
Cannabis components like THC and CBD strongly bind to CB1 receptors, outcompeting natural cannabinoids.
The potency of THC and CBD in binding to receptors can lead to various problems.
Understanding the potency difference between cannabis components and natural cannabinoids is crucial.
The effects of cannabis ingestion on the body and brain are significant and can lead to various outcomes.

53:26

"Cannabis Effects: Rapid, Diverse, and Varied"

Cannabis enters the bloodstream rapidly, reaching the brain and body within 30 seconds, containing THC and CBD.
Peak concentrations and effects of cannabis are reached within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, lasting 3 to 4 hours.
THC and CBD are lipophilic, able to pass through fatty tissues and remain detectable for up to 80 days.
Sativa varieties of cannabis elevate mood, alertness, and talkativeness, while indica varieties induce relaxation and sedation.
Sativa strains activate CB1 receptors in the prefrontal cortex, reducing stress and increasing focus.
THC and CBD bind to CB1 receptors in different brain areas, causing either heightened alertness or suppression of stress responses.
Some individuals may experience intense anxiety and paranoia from sativa strains, with no reliable predictors for individual reactions.
Customized cannabis strains are sought after to find varieties that work best for individuals in specific contexts.
Effects of cannabis can vary widely, with indica strains potentially affecting memory and aiding in sleep.
The cannabinoid system's effects can be diverse and even opposite, with different strains producing contrasting effects on focus, mood, and memory.

01:06:36

"Cannabis Effects: Brain, Body, Dosage, Strains"

Cannabis impacts the brain through CB1 receptors, leading to accelerations or brakes on biological mechanisms.
Effects of cannabis on the brain and body vary based on the strain ingested (sativa, indica, hybrid).
Predicting the effects of a specific strain on an individual is challenging.
Controlled dosing of THC and CBD in edibles is more straightforward than in smokeable forms.
Uncertainty exists in dosing cannabis from sources lacking clear THC information.
Studies categorize cannabis use into low, moderate, and high doses, frequent and infrequent use.
Predicting the effects of cannabis based on dosage alone is difficult.
Cannabis affects various brain areas, impacting memory, focus, and appetite.
CB1 receptors in the nervous system explain the pain relief effects of THC and CBD.
Studies often do not differentiate between sativa and indica strains, despite real-world distinctions in usage patterns.

01:20:17

"Dopamine's Role in Enhancing Creativity"

Creativity involves both divergent and convergent thinking processes.
These processes can be studied in laboratories using questionnaires and tasks with human subjects.
The relationship between neuro circuits, neurochemicals, and thinking processes has been extensively explored.
Dopamine, a neuromodulator, plays a crucial role in motivation and creative thinking.
Diseases like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, affecting dopamine levels, impact creativity.
High dopamine levels are associated with increased divergent thinking.
An optimal level of dopamine is crucial for enhancing divergent thinking.
Creativity involves transitioning from divergent to convergent thinking.
Cannabis can increase dopamine levels, impacting creativity through personality changes.
Cannabis users show enhanced creativity due to increased openness to new ideas and reduced anxiety.

01:34:03

Cannabis Impact on Speech and Creativity

Cannabis can enhance creativity by fostering openness to new ideas and reducing anxiety in some individuals.
Anxiety levels and response to cannabis can impact creativity, with heightened relaxation and reduced anxiety potentially leading to increased creativity.
Chronic cannabis use, defined as regular use of twice a week or more, can alter speech patterns over time.
Chronic cannabis use can affect speech by slowing speech, altering language use, and impacting motor circuitry involved in speech.
THC, not CBD, is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, influencing speech patterns.
A study titled "Adults with History of Recreational Cannabis Use Have Altered Speech Production" delves into the impact of cannabis on speech.
Cannabis users, regardless of strain preference, exhibit changes in speech patterns due to the drug's effects on movement-related brain centers.
Cannabis consumption can lead to reduced vocal effort and intensity, affecting enunciation and accentuation in speech.
Verbal timing is also altered by cannabis use, influencing pronunciation and syllable accentuation in speech.
Cannabis use can impact speech patterns, with chronic users often displaying distinct speech characteristics, such as altered laughter patterns and speech reflexes.

01:47:19

Cannabis and Sexual Desire: Complex Effects Explored

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is characterized by a lack of sexual fantasies, thoughts, or desire for sexual activity, affecting 6% to 9% of individuals.
Cannabis is being explored for its potential to increase sexual desire, with varying effects on different individuals.
Sexual desire involves complex processes beyond just the act of sex, including arousal, emotional states, and neurochemicals like dopamine and oxytocin.
Cannabis can impact sexual desire differently in individuals, with some experiencing increased arousal and others experiencing suppression.
A study in "Psycho-pharmacology" in 2017 examined how cannabis affects sexual arousal, finding that elevated prolactin levels can suppress sexual response.
Prolactin levels in response to cannabis intake determine whether an individual experiences increased or decreased sexual arousal.
Smoking cannabis can increase prolactin levels, which may affect sexual desire and function.
Edible forms of cannabis may not have the same prolactin-elevating effect as smoking, potentially impacting sexual arousal differently.
The impact of cannabis on testosterone levels is controversial, with studies showing conflicting results based on chronic or acute use and method of consumption.
Research on cannabis effects in humans is complex due to variations in consumption methods and individual responses, making definitive conclusions challenging.

02:01:06

Marijuana's Impact on Health and Development

Studying marijuana and cannabis effects is complex due to short-term memory impact, contrasting acute use studies with inexperienced users under THC influence.
Smoking marijuana increases prolactin in both genders, reducing dopamine and testosterone, with chronic use significantly lowering testosterone and increasing estrogen conversion.
Chronic marijuana use can lead to gynecomastia in males and increased breast size in females due to elevated estrogen levels.
Marijuana and cannabis can affect fertility by altering sperm motility and health, increasing estrogen and prolactin, potentially impacting breast cancer detection.
Cannabis can increase or decrease cortisol levels, affecting anxiety and hormonal balance, with THC inhibiting gonadotropin-releasing hormone, LH, FSH, testosterone, and sperm production.
Smoking and vaping cannabis or tobacco have severe negative health consequences on endothelial cells, impacting cognitive function, stroke risk, lung function, and reproductive health.
Endogenous cannabinoids and CB1 receptors play a crucial role in neural development from conception to adolescence, affecting brain wiring and development.
Shocking statistics reveal 15% of pregnant mothers in the US use cannabis, potentially risking the central role of the CB1 receptor in fetal brain development.

02:15:22

Risks of Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Youth

Pregnant women are strongly advised against using cannabis, including edibles and CBD, due to unknown effects on the developing fetus.
Medical professionals do not recommend cannabis use during pregnancy, as it can interfere with normal endocannabinoid function.
The prevalence of cannabis use among pregnant women is around 15%, with potential risks to the fetus.
Cannabis, THC, and CBD can cross the blood-brain and placental barriers, affecting both the mother and the developing baby.
Chronic cannabis use, twice a week or more, can lead to increased anxiety over time due to receptor habituation.
Depression can also worsen with chronic cannabis use, even in individuals who were not initially depressed.
Young individuals, particularly students and workers aged 16-24, are more likely to use cannabis regularly, leading to increased mental health risks.
Cannabis use during adolescence can predispose individuals to anxiety, depression, and psychosis later in life.
Starting cannabis use at a younger age, such as 12 or 14, significantly increases the risk of developing psychotic episodes in the future.
The negative health effects of cannabis, including mental health risks, should be carefully considered, especially in young populations.

02:29:52

Cannabis Use in Youth: Brain Development Risks

Nerve cells consist of a cell body containing DNA and neurotransmitters, with axons and white matter for fast electrical transmission.
Adolescent cannabis use accelerates thinning of the prefrontal cortex and gray matter, impacting normal brain development.
Cannabis use in young individuals between 14 and 25 leads to faster and more extreme cortical thinning in areas crucial for planning, emotional control, and organization.
The more cannabis is used by young people, the more impaired their neural circuits become, affecting cognitive processes.
Chronic cannabis use, especially in adolescence, is associated with a higher risk of mental health disorders like psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar-like episodes.
Heavy cannabis use increases the risk of psychosis later in life, with higher THC concentrations linked to a greater likelihood of developing mental health issues.
The more potent the THC concentration in cannabis, the higher the risk of developing psychosis, major depressive episodes, or anxiety disorders.
Young individuals aged 16 to 24 are twice as likely to use cannabis and are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues due to the perception of cannabis as safe and beneficial.
While cannabis has positive effects in certain medical contexts, its detrimental impact on brain development, especially in young individuals, is significant and should not be overlooked.
To mitigate the effects of cannabis use on brain function, quitting cannabis and focusing on behaviors that promote brain health, such as exercise, nutrition, and adequate sleep, are recommended.

02:44:07

"Cannabis Dangers & Podcast Support"

Cannabis use, whether through smoking, vaping, edibles, or other methods, poses significant dangers to the developing brain, particularly for fetuses, babies, adolescents, teens, and young adults. It can lead to increased anxiety and depression in the short term, as well as potentially trigger psychosis and other psychiatric disorders later in life.
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The Huberman Lab Podcast offers a premium channel for $10 a month or $100 for the year, providing access to monthly AMAs and supporting peer-reviewed research for mental, physical health, and performance protocols. Momentous supplements are recommended for enhancing sleep, focus, and hormone optimization, available at livemomentous.com/huberman. The Neural Network Newsletter offers monthly summaries and actionable tools, accessible at hubermanlab.com, with social media presence on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn under @hubermanlab.

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