SchoolTube Community
are you curious about the effects of edible marijuana on your brain and health? as marijuana becomes legalized in many parts of north america, more people are turning to edibles as a healthier alternative to smoking. but how does it work, and is eating pot actually better for you? let's dive into the science behind edible marijuana, thc, and its impact on your brain and health.
the science of edible marijuana
when you heat cannabis, you change the chemical makeup of compounds within it called cannabinoids. smoking heats it to around 800 degrees celsius, converting thc-a to delta 9 thc, which binds to receptors in your brain, making your imagination, thoughts, and perceptions magnify. this is why every thought can feel like a significant one. because it travels straight from your lungs into the bloodstream and to your brain, the drug works within minutes and lasts about two to three hours.
but when making edibles, the weed is heated to around 150 degrees celsius, burning less of the actual plant and minimizing carcinogens. thc is lipophilic, not water-soluble, so the activated thc must be dissolved into something fatty like oil. this process allows for a different experience than smoking, as the effects of edibles can last much longer and feel more intense.
the impact of thc on your brain
thc, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. when you consume thc, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in your brain, causing a range of effects. these effects can include altered perception, mood changes, and impaired cognitive function. while some people may enjoy the effects of thc, others may experience negative side effects, such as anxiety or paranoia.
the health benefits of edible marijuana
while marijuana has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, recent research has shed light on its potential health benefits. studies have shown that marijuana may help alleviate symptoms of conditions such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. additionally, some research suggests that marijuana may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which could help protect the brain from damage caused by conditions such as alzheimer's disease.
the risks of edible marijuana
while edible marijuana may offer some health benefits, it's important to be aware of the risks. consuming too much thc can lead to negative side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, and impaired cognitive function. additionally, edibles can be difficult to dose accurately, which can lead to accidental overconsumption. it's important to start with a low dose and wait at least an hour before consuming more.
conclusion
edible marijuana can offer a different experience than smoking, with longer-lasting and more intense effects. thc, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, binds to cannabinoid receptors in your brain, causing a range of effects. while marijuana may offer some health benefits, it's important to be aware of the risks and to consume it responsibly. whether you're a seasoned user or a first-timer, it's important to do your research and make informed decisions about your marijuana use.
references
- your brain on edible marijuana what happens when you quit marijuana
- why do you get the munchies?
- http://link.springer.com/article/10.2165%2f00003088-200342040-00003
- http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/178/2/101
- http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/can.2015.0012
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc3570572/
- http://www.livescience.com/53218-top-marijuana-scientific-findings-2015.html
- http://www.pnas.org/content/111/33/11915.full.pdf
You may also like