By Luke Sumpter


If you’ve ever used cannabis, you’ll know just how profoundly it can influence the way we perceive the world around us. It only takes a few tokes for most people to begin detecting these changes. That song you’ve listened to hundreds of times suddenly has new depths, and a harmony you never paid much attention to before emerges to the fore. Cannabis also adds a sense of profundity to landscapes, sunsets, and forest settings, giving everything a shimmering, almost high-definition aesthetic (for some people, at least). Of course, we can’t speak of cannabis and the senses without touching upon taste. Not only does weed catalyse the munchies and frequent raids of the fridge, but it sends the taste buds into overdrive and makes the most mundane of snacks hit a whole lot differently.

So, how exactly does cannabis affect the human senses? Why does the herb influence the way we perceive sights, sounds, and tastes? Continue reading to learn the basics of the human senses, and the potential influence of the cannabis plant on each of them.

Importance of the Senses

Our senses allow us to experience the world around us; sense organs transmit signals from external sources and send them off through the nervous system into the brain. Here, our biological computer uses these signals to build a picture of our surroundings. Our senses help us to perform everyday tasks, from using a keyboard or stove top to driving and conversing with others. Fundamentally, our senses enable us to survive. Without them, we wouldn’t do a great job of detecting danger, procuring food, and reproducing.

Humans possess five primary senses in the form of taste, touch, hearing, sight, and smell. The sensory organs that correspond to each of these senses—e.g. our eyes enable us to see and our ears to hear—serve as vantage points into the outside world. Our brain sits bathed in cerebrospinal fluid safely in the cranium, and our sensory organs relay signals to our central nervous system and allow us to react and behave accordingly.

Each of our sensory organs possesses specialized cells that help to turn environmental signals into electrical information transmitted by the nervous system. For instance, as light enters the eyes and hits the retina, photoreceptors convert the light into electrical signals. When it comes to hearing, sound vibrates the cochlea and causes 25,000 nerve endings to transform the vibrations into electrical signals. Our skin also houses different cell types that detect different stimuli; mechanoreceptors respond to mechanical stimuli, thermoreceptors respond to temperature, and chemoreceptors to chemicals.

Our senses work independently or in concert to inform us of threats and sources of reward. Certain inputs, such as loud, sudden noises or foul tastes, trigger automatic responses that protect us from potential danger. However, inputs such as the warm touch of another, or tastes of sweetness, elicit feelings of pleasure.

How Cannabis Interacts With the Body

Compounds within cannabis interact with the body in an incredibly broad yet specific way. Through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are able to change cellular activity by binding directly to receptors or altering enzyme function. The ECS “oversees” essentially every other system in the human body, from the nervous system to the musculoskeletal system, and helps to keep these areas in a state of balance—known as homeostasis.

Endogenous cannabinoids created by the body (known as endocannabinoids) play the role of signalling molecules (neurotransmitters) within the ECS. However, external cannabinoids share a similar structure to such compounds, which enables them to work in a similar, even more profound, fashion.

Components of the ECS are particularly abundant in the central nervous system, where they help to control neurotransmitter flow, mood, appetite, and memory. As a ubiquitous part of our biological computer, the ECS also plays a role in regulating sensory processing[1] in areas including the olfactory and visual systems. Outside of the brain, the ECS is also embedded within our sensory organs. It shows up in the retina of the eyes, cochlear nucleus of the ear[2], and taste receptors of the tongue[3].

Given that the ECS plays an important role in the way we perceive the world, and that cannabinoids from the cannabis plant are able to modulate this system, it becomes ever-more intriguing to investigate the effects of cannabis and its constituents on specific senses, and the implications of such outcomes.

How Cannabis Affects the Senses

So, how exactly does cannabis influence our senses? And what happens on the physiological level to make this possible?

How Cannabis Affects the Senses

Taste

Most cannabis users would agree that the herb makes food taste better. It brings the flavors of sweet dishes to new heights and adds an edge to the most basic of snacks; even bread and butter proves moreish enough to satisfy the munchies when high. Sure, THC has a tendency to induce the munchies, but the enhanced taste doesn’t stem from hunger alone. Back in 2009, researchers from the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Japan found endocannabinoids to act directly on taste receptors in the tongue in a way that enhances sweet flavors[4]. Interestingly, the team found that the administration of endocannabinoids had no impact on the perception of other tastes, such as sour, salty, bitter, and umami.

Taste

Touch

As mechanoreceptors, Merkel cells play a key role when it comes to the sensation of touch. More specifically, these cells are essential to the sensation of light touch, and convert external stimuli into electrical signals that are then transmitted by neurons in the skin. Research remains scant on the relationship between the ECS, Merkel cells, and touch—but the system is certainly present within the skin.

Very few studies have examined how cannabinoids influence the sensation of touch. So far, we only have subjective data on the topic. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine designed a survey to collect data on how cannabis alters the sexual experience in both men and women. A total of 144 of the 199 participants (74%) reported that the herb increased their sensitivity to touch.

Touch

Hearing

Few cannabis users will deny that music sounds better when high. But have you ever experienced heightened hearing when stoned? The plant seems to help listeners pick up on small details in a track, and everything seems more vibrant and significant. However, musical enjoyment when smoking weed appears to depend, at least in part, on cannabinoid concentration. Researchers from University College in London found high-THC cannabis to dampen the effect of music in brain regions associated with reward and emotion. However, bringing CBD into the equation offset these effects—a testimony to the entourage effect.

Rather than changing the way we detect sound within the ear, cannabis likely augments the neurochemical changes that occur when we listen to music. Music that we like leads to an increase in dopamine[5]; so does smoking cannabis[6].

Hearing

Sight

The science surrounding the impact of cannabis on vision remains early and inconclusive, especially compared to taste. A case study performed back in 2004, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, suggests that cannabis consumption could help to improve night vision[7]. However, more scientifically robust[8] findings obtained by researchers at the University of Granada show that cannabis may significantly alter visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, three-dimensional vision, and the ability of the eyes to focus.

Sight

Smell

Have you ever noticed any difference in your sense of smell after smoking a joint or hitting a bong? The research remains inconclusive here too, and the results vary between animal and human subjects. Animal studies have shown that cannabis administration could boost odour detection[9] and subsequently increase food intake. However, human trials tell a different story. A study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology administered 20mg of oral THC to fifteen healthy volunteers. The researchers actually identified a reduction in olfactory[10] function following the dose.

Smell

Does Weed Heighten Your Senses?

Cannabis certainly appears to increase our appreciation of sweet foods and help us become more perceptive to the music that we love (when there’s enough CBD involved). However, the available science shows us that the herb might actually reduce both visual and olfactory acuity, at least in the short term. Plus, the research remains far too early to draw conclusions about the effects of cannabis on the sense of touch. Overall, cannabis won’t supercharge all of your senses. However, it can certainly help you enjoy all that your favorite foods and songs have to offer.

External Resources:
  1. Frontiers | Cannabinoids Regulate Sensory Processing in Early Olfactory and Visual Neural Circuits | Frontiers in Neural Circuits https://www.frontiersin.org
  2. The Endocannabinoid System in the Cochlear Nucleus and Its Implications for Tinnitus Treatment | SpringerLink https://link.springer.com
  3. Endocannabinoids act directly on tongue taste receptors https://www.sciencedaily.com
  4. https://www.sciencedaily.com
  5. Dopamine modulates the reward experiences elicited by music https://www.pnas.org
  6. The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the dopamine system - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  7. Cannabis improves night vision: a case study of dark adaptometry and scotopic sensitivity in kif smokers of the Rif mountains of northern Morocco - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  8. Smoking cannabis significantly impairs vision | EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org
  9. Cannabinoid-Related Olfactory Neuroscience in Mice and Humans | Chemical Senses | Oxford Academic https://academic.oup.com
  10. Effects of 20 mg oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the olfactory function of healthy volunteers - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.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: