There is a growing body of research showing that the human body produces chemicals called cannabinoids, and that they play a role in maintaining proper cellular function in the body. After all, cannabinoids are present in the human body at extremely high levels. They are naturally present in the human body due to the presence of the cannabis plant.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a group of receptors found throughout our bodies. They are found in our brain, eyes, gut, lungs, prostate, ovaries, skin, reproductive organs, and liver, among others. The ECS and the body’s endocannabinoid chemicals, or endocannabinoids, are involved in the regulation of our sleep, appetite, mood, pain, immune function, and our body’s ability to heal itself.
The above image shows how THC and anandamide are interrelated, and how they can be affected by each other. In the case of THC, anandamide stimulates the CB1 receptor, which is an important receptor in the brain that is involved with negative effects of THC, such as impairing memory and learning.. Read more about what receptors does thc bind to and let us know what you think.
As a youngster, I was known for being one of the top 10 GoldenEye: Source gamers on the planet. Within a year, I had spent over 1000 hours in the game and had even participated in tournaments with my clan. I grew up playing video games and built my own computer when I was 15, but this time I had something that gave me laser-like concentration like I’d never had before. What is my hidden weapon? A bong (really, a plastic waterfall I called “Tom Clancy”). It’s no surprise that I was diagnosed with ADHD a decade later.
Because stimulants work directly on receptor sites to enhance dopamine in a safe and regulated manner, they are the primary therapy for ADHD. ADHD brains that are resistant to stimulants or unable to take them owing to side effects or competing medical conditions cause problems. Enter cannabis.
Before we go into the science of cannabis and ADHD, let’s start with what my doctor informed me after a few years of looking for the mythical “Golden Pill”: ADHD is a dopamine deficit. The issue is that easy. Each brain finds out the best method to wring out dopamine in its own unique manner—living on the edge, skydiving, getting into a brawl with strangers online—but the solution is the same. Let’s get started.
Could phytocannabinoids be used in the same way as stimulants are?
Many people with undiagnosed ADHD use cannabis to self-medicate. Even celebrities like Seth Rogen have been open about their use of cannabis to treat ADHD. His father, Mark Rogan, said that cannabis was the one thing that “finally helped [Seth’s] cells relax.” Last March, the Pineapple Express actor (who rolled all of the joints shown on screen during the film and was dubbed “the greatest joint roller he’s ever met” by Snoop Dogg) celebrated the debut of his medical and recreational cannabis brand, Houseplant.
Phytocannabinoids may have a comparable impact to stimulants, which is one of the reasons why many ADHD brains depend on cannabis. In ADHD brains, the synthesis of fatty acid hydrolase (FAAH) is inadequate to break down excess anandamide. The end consequence is a dopamine deficit with elevated anandamide levels. “Running on fumes” is a popular phrase to describe this situation. Is it tongue-in-cheek? Maybe. Contradictory? Not in the least. Wait until severe tiredness associated with ADHD is more generally recognized before calling it “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.”
THC may act as a replacement for anandamide in the ADHD brain, helping to improve emotional control, memory, and cognition. CBD, on the other hand, has the ability to influence GABA action. GABA is a neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability and promotes dopamine synthesis when blocked. (1) CBD also activates adenosine receptors, which promotes the release of dopamine. CBD’s anticonvulsant effects are also due to its impact on GABA.
“Do you,” a wise man once remarked.
Finally, the anandamide-dopamine deficit link is only one of several broad strokes that make up the mosaic of how ADHD brains work. Otherwise, instead of trial and error, therapies would be more like a silver bullet.
I’ve given up on finding my Golden Pill and accepted the notion that the greatest therapy is multifaceted. Cannabis is one of the tools that enables my ADHD brain to function at its best. “I get up in the morning, make a cup of coffee, and roll a joint,” Seth Rogen says. That’s something we’re aware of.
A recent study has found that the endocannabinoid system plays a major role in regulating endocannabinoid tone, and that this tone may be responsible for the consumption of excess calories (known as “comfort eating”).. Read more about anandamide function and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are THC and anandamide similar and different?
THC is a cannabinoid that is found in cannabis. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is found in the brain and body.
Where does THC bind to receptors?
THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain.
How does THC affect CB1 receptors?
THC is a cannabinoid that binds to CB1 receptors. It has been shown to produce many effects, including the stimulation of appetite and pain relief.
Related Tags
This article broadly covered the following related topics:
- cannabinoid receptors
- why do we have cannabinoid receptors
- what receptors does thc bind to
- anandamide function
- anandamide
