Still, this isolation opened new opportunities for scientists to study how cannabis affects the human body.
Our bodies must have receptors for anything that impacts usfrom what we eat and drink to what we inhale.
to help influence the activity of the cell.
This discovery led to a revelation: Humans have a whole system of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid receptors.
Endocannabinoid receptors are especially abundant in the brain, saysDr.
Endocannabinoids and their receptors control the release of almost every neurotransmitter in the body.
Susan Ingram, PhD, is an associate professor of neurosurgery in the OHSU School of Medicine.
In the brain, they regulate cognitive function, motor function, mood, and memory.
CB1 is found mostly throughout the central nervous system, Dr. Ingram says.
Youre not feeling stoned every day, Dr. Hurd says.
THC and CBD compete with our natural endocannabinoids and therefore alter the way our neurotransmitters fire.
One of the most significant effects youll feel with THC is a change in dopamine.
When THC binds to the CB1 receptor, it causes a domino effect that causes the increase of dopamine.
Thats one of the ways in which it causes a high, Dr. Hurd says.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
However, theFDA has already approvedan epilepsy drug that has CBD as its active ingredient.
Susan Ingram, PhD, is an associate professor of neurosurgery in the OHSU School of Medicine.
We find that with inflammation, the CB1 receptor function goes down, Dr. Ingram says.
So I do wonder why its useful.
Perhaps people who have chronic anxiety have an endocannabinoid system that isnt properly regulating stress hormones.
And cannabis can help bring them back on track.
It definitely changes brain circuitry, Dr. Ingram says.
Dr. Ingram holds hope for the future of research as recreational marijuana becomes more legal.
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