THC & Brain Effects
This part of the brain, responsible for memory formation, contains the highest density of CB1 receptors affected by THC.
What is the hippocampus?
Like alcohol, THC slows activity in this system, reducing alertness and reaction time.
What is the central nervous system?
This short-term effect, nicknamed "the munchies," causes users to feel intense hunger after THC use.
What is increased appetite?
Contrary to the belief that cannabis is non-addictive, this percentage of regular users develops Cannabis Use Disorder.
What is approximately 9% (1 in 10)?
The FDA approved this cannabis-derived medication in 2018 to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome.
What is Epidiolex (cannabidiol)?
THC mimics this naturally occurring neurotransmitter produced by the brain itself.
What is anandamide?
THC shares this depressant effect with alcohol and benzodiazepines.
What is sedation / slowed reaction time?
Long-term heavy cannabis use has been associated with this condition involving chronic nausea and vomiting.
What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?
While rarely fatal, consuming too much cannabis can cause this serious psychological condition, disproving the "you can't overdose" myth.
What is cannabis-induced psychosis?
THC is commonly prescribed to cancer patients to combat this side effect of chemotherapy.
What is nausea and vomiting?
THC disrupts communication in this brain region, leading to impaired coordination and altered time perception.
What is the cerebellum?
This vital sign typically decreases with most depressants but paradoxically increases shortly after THC use.
What is heart rate?
Studies suggest daily cannabis use starting before age 18 can lower this measurable score by up to 8 points.
What is IQ?
The claim that cannabis is "safe because it's natural" is challenged by the fact that burning it produces these harmful byproducts also found in tobacco.
What are carcinogens / tar / carbon monoxide?
This synthetic form of THC, approved by the FDA, is used to treat nausea and appetite loss in HIV/AIDS patients.
What is Dronabinol (Marinol)?
This neurotransmitter floods the brain's reward pathway when THC is consumed, producing euphoria.
What is dopamine?
Heavy THC use can suppress activity in this brain stem region, contributing to sedation at high doses.
What is the medulla oblongata?
This psychological short-term effect — intense fear or anxiety — is most common in new or high-dose users.
What is acute paranoia / cannabis-induced anxiety?
The misconception that cannabis has no withdrawal symptoms is false — name two real withdrawal symptoms.
What are irritability and insomnia (also: anxiety, decreased appetite, restlessness)?
THC reduces eye pressure caused by this condition, making it one of the earliest documented medical uses of cannabis.
What is glaucoma?
Regular THC use in adolescents has been linked to structural changes in this region responsible for decision-making.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
THC's depressant effects are mediated through this receptor system found throughout the CNS.
What is the endocannabinoid system (CB1/CB2)?
Long-term heavy use has been linked to this syndrome characterized by apathy and reduced motivation.
What is amotivational syndrome?
The belief that THC enhances creativity is largely a myth — studies show it actually impairs this cognitive function needed for true creative thought.
What is divergent thinking / executive function?
THC's pain-relieving properties are linked to its ability to block this type of signal in the nervous system.
What is nociceptive / pain signal transmission?