Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC, stimulates dopamine, the neurotransmitter that allows us to experience or expect a reward. However, THC does this in a more nuanced way.
THC mainly binds with CB1 cannabinoid receptors, but here’s the twist; there are no CB1 receptors on dopamine neurons. So THC figured out an indirect way to increase your dopamine levels (which creates feelings of euphoria).
THC signals the CB1 receptors on the GABA neurons to stop. Inhibition of GABA will cause a natural spike in the dopamine neurons and this is how we get high.
This high’s complexity is inconsistent with other drugs that instead put a chokehold on the dopaminergic receptors and refuse to let go until that receptor is bled dry. This is a harmful high that fosters addictive lifestyles (MarijuanaBreak, 2020).
Now more than ever we have a true understanding of cannabis’ beneficial health properties. So exploring how cannabis best fits into your routine are exciting because of the added mind-alteration aspect of this complex THC molecule. And its ability to create euphoria.
About THC Dosing
Regarding dosing, it’s important to remember that every individual’s tolerance level is widely variable because of our differing biological and environmental factors.
If you want to know about CBD dosing for children click here
If you are new to cannabis medicine and decide to introduce it at a low and slow pace, you may not feel the more radical effects immediately. Yet, trust this important process of starting at doses that are “sub-therapeutic”.
During the first two weeks of cannabis treatments, you will “sensitize” your ECS as to how many receptors it is going to need which is why it’s often recommended that you “start low and go slow” (Sulak, 2015).
Realistically, many don’t listen to this advice, so finding the right formula for you is part of the experimentation process.
How much THC is Ideal? A Recent Study Provides a Benchmark
A recent study of forty-two cannabis smokers at the University of Chicago provides us a rough dosing guide. Study participants who smoked 7.5 mg of THC reportedly felt less stressed during a mock interview, and any stress they experienced dissipated faster.
Those who smoked 12.5 mg of THC reported feeling challenged and threatened throughout the interview (Parmet, 2017).
If you know the amount of grams of dried cannabis and the percentage of THC in that joint then you can figure out how many milligrams of THC you are about to ingest.
Here’s the math: if a marijuana joint contains one gram (1000 mg) of the plant bud that has a 15% THC content, it can be calculated that the entire joint would have 150 mg THC.
This math equation is not 100% foolproof. There are variables. It’s at least a good guidepost and smoking this joint will most likely cause feelings of paranoia.
Here are a few tips for those who experience paranoia during experimentation with cannabis: Enjoy the experience as much as you can because it will pass and facing your fears is useful.
Anecdotally, many have said ingesting lemon zest or chamomile tea helps reduce the feeling of being too high. Taking CBD is known to decrease THC-induced anxiety.
CBD Dosing Guide
Unless you have tolerance and are accustomed to cannabis, any strain with 30 to 40 mg of THC that doesn’t have very much CBD present is more likely to cause stress than relaxation.
More on “Biphasic Effects”
Cannabinoids, especially THC, but CBD too, can be biphasic. Meaning in the body they can have opposite effects. For example, symptoms such as anxiety can be relieved by a small dose of THC, but at higher doses THC exaggerates feelings of anxiety.
The important point here is that ingesting cannabis is often a bit of an exploratory process. Be not afraid, but don’t rush in blindly.
A Doctors Analysis of “Biphasic Effects”
“This interesting phenomenon, known as bidirectional effects, is related to the function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). In order for the ECS to be able to maintain cellular balance, it has the capacity to influence physiology in opposite directions. For example, if there is too much brain activity, cannabinoids can decrease it, but if there’s not enough, cannabinoids can increase activity. By overstimulating the ECS, patients can accidentally trigger or worsen the same symptoms cannabis would otherwise relieve when used correctly.” (Sulak, 2015).
Let’s explore the bidirectionality of THC-induced anxiety by introducing the second most prevalent cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, cannabidiol or CBD. Many cannabis educators and practitioners teach about the importance of balancing THC with CBD.
THC or CBD For Depression?
THC works to relieve stress and anxiety, especially in the amygdala, which has a lot of receptors for THC. This area of the brain regulates anxiety and the fight or flight response. As you start imbibing in THC, you will feel relaxed. However, the higher the dosage, the more likely it is to cause anxiety. Because you may accidentally trip that fight or flight response.
Our endocannabinoid system or ECS is constantly buffering the stress response. Because constant stress eventually leads to a physiological imbalance. Which in turn leads to disease states.
Constant stress also burns out ECS. If you are experiencing burnout related to a stressful lifestyle, this would be a good case scenario to supplement your ECS with a balanced CBD/THC ratio.
How Does Cannabis Help with Stress?
“Within the brain, CBD can mimic serotonin by binding and activating your body’s 5-HT1A serotonin receptors”. Which is most likely how CBD exerts anti-anxiety properties (Moore, 2020)
In addition, targeting the serotonin receptors (which CBD does) is also associated with improved cognition, decreased aggression, increased sociability, decreased impulsivity, inhibition of drug-seeking behavior, and facilitation of sex drive and arousal.
Many of you may be thinking, “Oh man, I wanna hit that receptor!”
Well, now you can with CBD! CBD is said to influence a wide variety of nervous system disorders. This has undoubtedly added to CBD’s mythological status as a cure-all.
Think about it though: improving the quality of life will typically lessen feelings of anxiety which then leads to more restorative sleep patterns and less negativity. This then leads to less depression which in turn improves mood and increases motivation.
Learn about how CBD can help with PTSD by clicking here
This cycle then leads each of us to seek out behaviors that help improve our overall quality of life. I call this an “upward spiral”.
Final Thoughts on CBD and THC
Overall, the cannabis renaissance is an exciting time for anyone curious about the potential health benefits associated with both the CBD and THC properties of the plant. The most important aspect for a new user to remember is to do their research, experiment at their own pace, and enjoy the journey.
After all, the ancient texts teach us cannabis euphoria is a sacred way to connect with nature, others, and the metaphysical world beyond materialism.
Citations:
Sulak, D. https://norml.org/library/item/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system Loriaux, A. (2018, October 4). Why Does Marijuanna Get You High? Retrieved on March 4, 2020, from https://www.labroots.com/trending/cannabis-sciences/12905/why-marijuana-gets-high MarijuanaBreak Staff. (2020, March 4). The Link Between Marijuana & Dopamine. Retrieved on March 4, 2020, from https://www.marijuanabreak.com/the-connection-between-marijuana-dopamine-finally-explained Sulak, D. (2018, August) Retrieved on March 4, 2020 from https://healer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Healer.WorkBook.Inhalation.4Day.pdf Parmet, S. (2017, June 2). Low-dose THC can relieve stress; more does just the opposite. Retrieved March 4, 2020, from https://today.uic.edu/low-dose-thc-can-relieve-stress-more-does-just-the-opposite Ramsey, L. (2017, July 29). The Reason You Get a ‘Runner’s High’ Is Not What You Think. Retrieved on March 4, 2020, from https://www.sciencealert.com/the-reason-you-get-a-runner-s-high-from-a-long-run-isn-t-what-you-think Raypole, C. (2019, May 17). A Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System. Retrieved on March 4, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system Sulak, D. 2015, (July 21) The Endocannabinoid System. Retrieved on March 4, 2020 from https://healer.com/the-endocannabinoid-system/ Sandoiu, A. (2019, April 26). Marijiana users less likely to be overweight, obese. Retrieved on March 4, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325050 Sulak, D. (2015, July 20). How Safe is Cannabis? Retrieved March 4, 2020, from https://healer.com/how-safe-is-cannabis/ UCLA Health. (2017, October 20). Human Endocannabinoid System. Retrieved March 4, 2020, from https://www.uclahealth.org/cannabis/human-endocannabinoid-system Moore, G. (2020, January 27) https://www.foriawellness.com/blogs/learn/discover-benefits-cbd
