By Luke Sumpter

Is weed bad for your brain? What part of the brain does weed affect? If you’ve ever wondered how cannabis impacts the brain, you’re about to find out. In this article, we take a look at how cannabinoids influence our cognitive organ, from both sides of the debate. We’ll show you the potential benefits as well as possible dangers.


How Cannabis Affects the Brain

Cannabis contains hundreds of different bioactive chemicals, including cannabinoids such as THC and CBD as well as terpenes and flavonoids. The human brain features 180 distinct regions[1], several different cell types (including 100 billion neurons), over 40 neurotransmitters, and countless receptors. As you can imagine, the relationship between this psychoactive plant and our biological computer is extremely complex. However, advances in botany, neuroscience, and physiology have allowed researchers to gain a solid, albeit early, understanding of how cannabis affects the brain.

A Primer on Brain Function

Brain Parts

The brain holds the title of the most important organ in the human body (although we wouldn’t last very long without a heart or pair of lungs either). The reductionists among us might see the brain as nothing more than a lump of fat filled with electrical signals and capillaries. However, scientists have called the brain the most complex[2] thing we’ve discovered in the universe. Ultimately, the brain controls and regulates everything that happens in the human body, including:

  • Thoughts and memory
  • Emotion
  • Touch, sight, hearing, taste, smell
  • Breathing
  • Temperature

An Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System

To understand how weed affects the brain, it’s important to become familiar with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Known as the universal regulator of the human body, this large signalling network shows up everywhere from the central nervous system and digestive system to the skeleton and skin. The ECS helps to keep all of these systems running smoothly by keeping them within their “goldilocks zone”—a state of homeostasis. The ECS consists of three parts:

  • Endocannabinoids: These signalling molecules are created on demand within cell membranes and bind to receptors on cell surfaces and within cells. The major endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG.
  • Cannabinoid receptors: These proteins are found on cell membranes and organelles (specialised structures within cells). Upon activation, they either spark or dampen chemical cascades within target cells.
  • Enzymes: These proteins autumn into two categories: anabolic and catabolic. Anabolic enzymes make endocannabinoids from precursor molecules, whereas catabolic enzymes break them down after they’ve fulfiled their role.

In the brain, the ECS helps to maintain homeostasis by governing the flow of neurotransmitters. Unlike serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, and many other neurochemicals that travel in an antegrade fashion (from a presynaptic to a postsynaptic neuron), endocannabinoids can travel both ways. By going backward across the synaptic cleft, endocannabinoids are able to modulate the release of neurotransmitters from presynaptic neurons.

Cannabinoid Receptor Sites

Pharmacodynamics: How Cannabinoids Move Through the Body

Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD produce their effects in several ways. They bind to cannabinoid receptors, serotonin receptors, and sites that make up the “expanded ECS”—a larger network known as the endocannabinoidome. However, how cannabinoids arrive at these receptors depends on how they are administered. The primary methods of consumption include:

  • Inhalation: Smoking and vaping introduce cannabinoids into the lungs, where they diffuse into the bloodstream through small sacs called alveoli. From here, they are whisked toward the brain and pass through the blood–brain barrier. Once inside, they bind to cannabinoid receptors on the surface of neurons and other cell types found in the brain. Specifically, THC activates CB1 receptors, which is what causes us to feel high.
  • Oral: Edible cannabis must first travel through the stomach and liver. This process converts THC into a metabolite called 11-hydroxy-THC. After processing, this molecule enters the systemic circulation and passes through the blood–brain barrier. This metabolite interacts with ECS receptors in a way that creates an even more potent psychoactive effect than THC.
  • Sublingual: This method of consumption involves placing extracts and oils under the tongue. Cannabinoids diffuse into the capillary bed in the floor of the mouth and immediately enter the systemic circulation.
  • Topical: Application of cannabinoids onto the skin activates ECS receptors found in our second-largest organ. Oils, lotions, creams, and balms only influence the ECS locally. Transdermal patches, however, deliver cannabinoids deeper and grant them access to the bloodstream.

Cannabis: Much More Than Just THC

As the principal psychoactive component of cannabis, THC gets a lot of attention. However, this molecule belongs to a large family of over 100 cannabis-derived cannabinoids. Moreover, this class of compounds exists alongside the hundreds of other bioactive secondary metabolites found in cannabis.

Among these, terpenes underpin the particular aroma and taste of each cultivar. These chemicals also interact with the ECS, and early research suggests that they might synergise with and amplify the effects of cannabinoids through a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

The Potential Applications of Cannabis for the Brain

Ongoing studies are attempting to determine if cannabis produces a positive or detrimental effect on the human brain in terms of mood, cognitive function, and mental illness. Many of these research efforts focus on neurological symptoms and diseases. Check out what the current body of research says about the effects of cannabis on epilepsy, pain, ageing, and other conditions below. Note that this list is far from exhaustive!

1. Epilepsy

Epileptic seizures are caused by sudden bursts of electrical activity within the brain.

CBD has made headlines in the last decade as accounts of parents administering the cannabinoid to children with treatment-resistant epilepsy have come to the fore.

Larger-scale human trials have also set out to analyze the effects of CBD (specifically the cannabis-based medicine (Epidiolex) on children with rare forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

2. Concussion

As a form of traumatic brain injury, concussions occur following a bump or jolt to the head. They are common amongst athletes that participate in contact sports but can happen to anybody after a car accident or fall. Concussions vary in severity. Mild concussions involve no loss of consciousness and minor symptoms that fade within 15 minutes, whereas severe concussions cause a loss of consciousness and are potentially life-threatening.

Researchers are currently looking for ways to minimise the damage associated with concussions to protect the brain health of athletes and the general population. Early studies[3] are examining if cannabis use shortly after concussion may help to lower the symptom burden. Other findings suggest that the ECS modulates the pain response[4] following concussion.

3. Appetite

Many cannabis users are familiar with the munchies—a surge in appetite caused by THC. Cells in the hypothalamus are responsible for controlling appetite, and the ECS also plays a role in feeding behaviour[5]. While overeating can lead to several poor health outcomes, poor appetite occurs as a symptom of numerous conditions, and as a side effect of conventional cancer treatment and cancer distress. Researchers continue to test THC’s viability[6] as an appetite-stimulating agent in people with cancer and other health conditions affecting feeding behaviour.

4. Mood & Anxiety

Given its position throughout the limbic system, an area of the brain involved in behaviour and emotion, the ECS helps to regulate emotions, mood, and stress. With that in mind, studies are currently assessing the influence of CBD on anxiety in humans. Researchers have thus far tested the cannabinoid in cases of generalised social anxiety disorder[7], and have sought to determine if it alters blood flow[8] to areas of the brain involved in anxiety.

5. Pain

Persistent pain affects approximately 23% of the population[9] of the United Kingdom alone. Numerous conditions give rise to this state, including forms of arthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and stomach ulcers. The ECS plays a significant role in pain signalling[10], and a host of ongoing studies[11] are pitting cannabis constituents against various models of pain.

6. Ageing

Age increases the risk of developing neurological diseases. Outside of these conditions, normal ageing also results in slower cognitive processing speed and a reduced ability to multitask. Research shows that the ECS plays an important role[12] in the progression of brain ageing, particularly in the hippocampus—the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory, which is vulnerable to neurodegeneration. Researchers are now testing the interaction[13] between cannabis and ageing in hopes of ascertaining both the potential positive and negative impact of its contents.

7. Alzheimer’s Disease

Is there a marijuana–Alzheimer’s link? Alzheimer’s disease impacts memory and cognitive function as proteins begin to build up around brain cells. Eventually, the disease destroys the brain to such a degree that it becomes fatal. Scientists are now assessing the possibility of utilising THC for Alzheimer’s disease. Thus far, studies[14] have begun to assess the cannabinoid’s potential to reduce buildup of beta-amyloid proteins.

8. Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers are also testing cannabinoids against different symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including motor symptoms[15]. Cannabinoids have spurred interest as potential therapeutic agents because the ECS occurs in the basal ganglia, a region of the brain responsible for motor control.

What Does Weed Actually Do to the Brain?

We’ve reviewed some of the cannabis plant’s potential for brain-related issues, but are the underlying mechanisms? Below, we take a closer look at the receptors and neurochemicals that cannabis constituents interact with.

Cannabinoid Receptors

Cannabinoid receptors are a major part of the ECS. The two primary receptors of the system are CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptor chiefly shows up in the brain and central nervous system. As mentioned, THC binds to this site as an agonist to produce the “high” associated with cannabis.

However, CB2 receptors are also expressed by certain cell types in the brain, and researchers are exploring this site as a potential target[16] for schizophrenia treatment.

Anandamide and FAAH

As well as targeting ECS receptors, cannabinoids also impact ECS enzymes. Early research shows that CBD inhibits an enzyme called FAAH. This protein breaks down the endocannabinoid anandamide—a molecule that plays an important role in mood and appetite. By inhibiting FAAH, CBD might temporarily elevate anandamide levels[17].

Serotonin

Away from the ECS, several cannabinoids also activate serotonin receptors. Much like the ECS, the serotonergic system also comprises signalling molecules, receptors, and enzymes. Overall, this network helps to regulate sleep, appetite, and cognitive function. Both CBD and THC have an affinity for serotonin receptors[18], and therefore may have an ability to modulate mood. 

GABA and Glutamate

GABA and glutamate are the yin and yang of neurotransmission. GABA works to inhibit neurological activity, whereas glutamate increases it. Excess levels of glutamate are implicated in obsessive-compulsive disorder, seizures, and anxiety. THC works to inhibit glutamate-releasing neurons[19], which can lead to a decreased sense of reward over time. What about CBD? This cannabinoid binds to GABA receptors. Researchers think this mechanism could show promise in the realm of seizures and anxiety.

The Negative Effects of Cannabis on Brain Health

We know some of the possible benefits of weed for the brain, and their mechanisms, but what about the downsides? What follows are some of the plant’s potential detrimental effects.

Cannabis Use Disorder

Strong advocates of cannabis will tell you that cannabis isn’t addictive. However, around 30% of people who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder[20] (CUD). The major signs of CUD include:

  • Craving cannabis
  • Failing to quit cannabis
  • Continuing use despite deteriorating personal relationships
  • Needing more cannabis to experience the same effects

CUD occurs because of how THC impacts the reward centre of the brain. The desirable sensations of being high motivate the brain to keep seeking out THC and repeating the same behaviour. However, the positive feeling associated with getting high gradually wanes as long-term THC exposure blunts dopamine levels and reduces CB1 receptor expression.

Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Cannabis and any potential links to psychosis and schizophrenia in at-risk populations are currently being studied. This ongoing investigation also includes any potential for THC to exacerbate symptoms in those already diagnosed. Neuroimaging studies[21] have also shown that THC exposure during adolescence can have a detrimental effect on brain morphology.

Memory Impairment

If you’ve ever smoked cannabis, you’ve probably experienced the short-term lapse in memory that often occurs while high. THC affects short-term memory by altering activity[22] in the hippocampus. Although only a minor annoyance for most people, short-term memory impairment can cause varying degrees of distress in sensitive individuals.

A Note on Responsible Cannabis Use

Not everyone experiences negative cognitive side effects from cannabis use. However, a small portion of users may face mental health challenges after heavy consumption. As a result, several organizations are working to encourage responsible cannabis use.

Royal Queen Seeds highlights the importance of mindful and moderate cannabis consumption, offering advice on how to use cannabis responsibly.

External Resources:
  1. Mapping the brain: scientists define 180 distinct regions, but what now? - Queensland Brain Institute - University of Queensland https://qbi.uq.edu.au
  2. Foreword - Discovering the Brain - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Cannabis, alcohol and cigarette use during the acute post-concussion period - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Understanding the endocannabinoid system as a modulator of the trigeminal pain response to concussion - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling in Central Regulation of Feeding Behavior: A Mini-Review - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Efficacy of medicinal cannabis for appetite-related symptoms in people with cancer: A systematic review - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  7. Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  8. Effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on regional cerebral blood flow - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. CKS is only available in the UK | NICE https://cks.nice.org.uk
  10. The role of the endocannabinoid system in pain - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  11. Cannabis and Pain: A Clinical Review - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  12. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0047637415300099
  13. Interaction of Cannabis Use and Aging: From Molecule to Mind - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  14. Cannabinoids remove plaque-forming Alzheimer’s proteins from brain cells - Salk Institute for Biological Studies https://www.salk.edu
  15. Pros and Cons of Marijuana in Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  16. Frontiers | Are CB2 Receptors a New Target for Schizophrenia Treatment? https://www.frontiersin.org
  17. Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  18. Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  19. Why Marijuana Displeases | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://nida.nih.gov
  20. Addiction | Health Effects | Marijuana | CDC https://www.cdc.gov
  21. The Association Between Cannabis Use and Schizophrenia: Causative or Curative? A Systematic Review - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  22. What are marijuana's long-term effects on the brain? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://nida.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: