Living in this world and maintaining a stable mood can be quite a challenge. Work disputes can put anyone in a bad mood and are among the leading causes of stress. That’s why so many people turn to Cannabis to relieve themselves of negative feelings. But what’s in this wonder substance that makes people high?
People popularly assumed that the “high” feeling we get from Cannabis was from consuming tetrahydrocannabinol for a long time. THC would then stimulate the body to produce high amounts of dopamine.
Now, scientists have discovered that Cannabis does not stimulate dopamine production. Instead, it focuses on and works with transmitters known as Anandamide. This transmitter is mostly responsible for many people feeling uncontrollably happy and euphoric, which begs the question, “Is cannabis a true key to happiness?”
What Is Anandamide?
For you to understand how Cannabis affects Anandamide, you first have to understand what Anandamide is. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam discovered this highly beneficial chemical in 1992. It is a neurotransmitter that is one of the endocannabinoids that the body produces. Scientists have found that this transmitter produces happiness, peace, and other positive human emotions. It also plays a role in:
- Memory retention: Studies have shown that these neurotransmitters are involved in the retention of happy memories. These help the mind stay positive even in bad situations.
- Motivation: Anandamide highly contributes to your motivation levels by producing substances in the body that keep you motivated and sharp.
- Appetite: Sometimes, we can forget to eat because of how repetitive the practice is. Fortunately, along with other chemicals, Anandamide makes sure you don’t skip a meal due to forgetfulness.
Cannabis and Anandamide: The Connection That Makes You Feel Happier
1. They work on the same receptor.
When you introduce Cannabis to your body, it works with Anandamide on the same receptor. The main ingredient that works with Anandamide is THC. When Anandamide combines with THC, it stimulates the production of dopamine even further. This is one reason why so many people feel uncontrollable euphoria when they ingest marijuana and other CBD products.
Ingesting Cannabis excessively can increase Anandamide’s chance of activating its negative side-effects, overshadowing the effects of dopamine.
2. They both help to lift moods.
As mentioned earlier, Anandamide enormously stimulates dopamine production, which is a chemical that you should be quite familiar with. Dopamine is the chemical substance that gives you the “happy” feeling. Over time, ingesting Cannabis can gradually change your outlook on life to an unshakably positive one.
Anandamide also exhibits anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties. Presently, more than a quarter of the world’s population struggle from anxiety or a mood disorder. Many of these people struggling with anxiety and other mood disorders have reported that Cannabis and other CBD products have helped them cope and manage their condition. You can go for CBD edibles to help you chill and the ones that can help lift your mood.
3. They also make people feel anxious
Unfortunately, the combination of these substances in excess can make people feel even more anxious. FAAH is a molecule that the body naturally produces. This molecule is notoriously known for deactivating Anandamide. People have varying amounts of FAAH, which is a significant contributor to why people feel anxious while taking Cannabis. Because this molecule deactivates Anandamide, people with lower amounts of FAAH report that they feel more anxious while taking Cannabis.
They feel this way because an abundance of Anandamide triggers the biphasic effects of Cannabis. On the other hand, people with lower amounts of FAAH in their system feel less anxious when they ingest marijuana.
4. Anandamide inhibits the production and release of some other chemicals.
Scientists have discovered that this neurotransmitter prevents the formation of new memories. It does this by halting the production and release of glutamate and acetylcholine. Thus, the cortex and hippocampus temporarily can’t use these chemicals to make new memories.
When your brain can’t create new memories, it is left in a state of “no worries.” So, the next time you can’t remember anything after you ingest Cannabis, you have Anandamide to thank.
The Bottom Line
The combination of specific properties in Cannabis and the neurotransmitter can make you feel euphoric and upbeat. They help lift your mood, stop your brain from making embarrassing memories, and even help people cope with mental disorders. However, you should never take Cannabis in excess. Ingesting this wonder drug excessively can negatively affect you, defeating the reason why you’re taking Cannabis in the first place. Only take in adequate amounts, and you’ve got the key to happiness in your hands.
