If you’re reading this, you probably like cannabis. But, do you know why? Many people don’t quite understand how cannabis interacts with your body, and why you can have such a good experience with it. 

When you consume cannabis, whether by smoking, vaping, or ingesting edibles, its active compounds, known as cannabinoids, interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Stay with me, here! The ECS is a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that helps regulate various physiological functions, including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and memory.

When consumed, cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) bind to cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. THC primarily binds to CB1 receptors, found predominantly in the brain and central nervous system, leading to the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis, such as euphoria, relaxation, altered perception of time, and increased appetite. CBD, on the other hand, interacts with CB2 receptors, which are more abundant in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells, contributing to its potential therapeutic effects like pain relief, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and anti-anxiety properties.

In addition to interacting with cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoids like THC and CBD also influence neurotransmitter release, modulate ion channels, and affect gene expression, leading to a wide range of effects on the body and mind. These effects can vary depending on factors such as the dose consumed, the method of consumption, individual physiology, and the cannabinoid profile of the strain consumed. Overall, consuming cannabis can result in a complex interplay of effects, including relaxation, euphoria, altered perception, pain relief, and changes in mood and cognition.

…The more you know!