How does weed work

Then they are released from that cell and travel backward to the presynaptic neuron, where they attach to cannabinoid receptors. So why is this important? Since cannabinoids act on presynaptic cells, they can control what happens next when these cells are activated. When a person smokes marijuana, THC overwhelms the EC system, quickly attaching to cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain and body.

This is the reason people who have used marijuana may not be able to drive safely see " Does marijuana use affect driving? Like most other drugs that people misuse, THC stimulates neurons in the reward system to release the signaling chemical dopamine at levels higher than typically observed in response to natural rewarding stimuli.

National Institutes of Health. Drug Topics. As mentioned earlier, federal prohibition has made research into the effects of cannabis largely observational, which can only detect correlation and not causation. Cannabis can cause digestive issues when taken orally. While THC has been shown to ease nausea and vomiting, in some people long-term heavy use can paradoxically cause nausea and vomiting.

This can be a benefit for people who need to gain weight or increase appetite, such as people with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Studies involving animals have shown that THC may adversely affect the immune system by suppressing it. This could theoretically make you more susceptible to infectious diseases. However, for people with autoimmune conditions who have an overactive immune system, this may be a benefit. Keep reading: What is medical cannabis?

When you smoke or consume marijuana, you can feel profound and immediate effects. But even once those effects are gone, marijuana metabolites remain…. Explore the connection between marijuana and erectile dysfunction ED. Learn about the effects of marijuana, including its effect on sexual health…. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. Uncontrollable or overly frequent marijuana consumption may indicate abuse or….

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Antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis C virus HCV can cause some unpleasant symptoms. Medicinal marijuana may be able to curb these side…. Neurotransmitters fill the gap, or synapse, between two neurons and bind to protein receptors, which allow various functions in the brain and body to be turned on and off.

Some neurons have thousands of receptors that are specific to particular neurotransmitters. Foreign chemicals, like THC, can mimic or block actions of neurotransmitters and interfere with normal functions. Short-term memory Coordination Learning Problem-solving. Cite This! Print Citation. Try Our Crossword Puzzle! What Is the Missing Number? Try Our Sudoku Puzzles! More Awesome Stuff.