Polemica Cannabis e codice della strada: cosa succede quando fumiamo? Gli effetti della marijuana

Summary

This video explores the scientific effects of cannabis on the human body, explaining how the active compounds THC and CBD affect our system. THC, activated by heat, affects the brain by influencing neurotransmitter release, leading to cognitive and physical effects such as altered memory, coordination, and increased appetite. CBD, on the other hand, offers pain-relieving and anxiety-reducing benefits without psychotropic effects. The video also touches on potential risks, particularly for adolescents, and clarifies that cannabis use doesn’t lead to fatal overdoses, as it doesn’t affect cardiovascular or respiratory functions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cannabis in its raw form (uncooked flowers) does not produce psychoactive effects.
• 😀 Heat is necessary to activate THC (the main active compound), converting THCA into active THC.
• 😀 THC and CBD share the same molecular formula but have very different effects due to a small structural difference.
• 😀 THC is more psychoactive, affecting the brain, while CBD has more physical effects, such as pain modulation and muscle relaxation.
• 😀 One immediate physical effect of THC is red eyes, caused by blood vessel dilation, which increases blood flow to the eyes.
• 😀 THC can affect heart rate, causing tachycardia (increased heart rate) or bradycardia (slowed heart rate).
• 😀 THC triggers 'the munchies,' increasing appetite and enhancing the sense of taste and smell.
• 😀 THC can impair cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and coordination by interacting with CB1 receptors in the brain.
• 😀 CBD, having a slightly different molecular structure, has non-psychoactive effects and is often used for its pain-relieving and anxiety-reducing properties.
• 😀 Studies show that heavy, prolonged cannabis use, especially during adolescence, can negatively impact brain development, leading to issues with learning and memory up until the age of 21.
• 😀 The risk of psychosis is higher in adolescents with a family history of mental health issues who use cannabis.
• 😀 There are no recorded deaths from cannabis overdose, as THC does not affect the brain areas controlling vital functions like cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Q & A

What happens to our body when we consume cannabis from a scientific perspective?

When cannabis is consumed, the key active compound, THC, undergoes a transformation due to heat, which activates its psychoactive effects. CBD, another compound, does not have psychoactive effects but influences other bodily functions like pain modulation and muscle relaxation.

Why does eating raw cannabis flowers not produce any psychoactive effects?

Raw cannabis flowers contain THCA, which is not psychoactive. Only when cannabis is heated, like during smoking or cooking, does THCA convert into THC, which produces the psychoactive effects.

How does the molecular structure of THC differ from CBD, and why does this difference matter?

THC and CBD have the same molecular formula, C21H30O2, but they differ in their molecular structure. THC has a closed ring structure while CBD has an open one. This small difference is crucial because it affects how they interact with the body, with THC being more psychoactive.

What are the physical effects of THC on the body?

THC can cause red eyes due to vasodilation, increase or decrease heart rate (tachycardia or bradycardia), and stimulate appetite, leading to 'the munchies'. It also alters the sense of taste and smell.

How does THC affect the brain and cognition?

THC affects cognitive functions like learning, concentration, memory, and coordination. It can slow down thoughts and body movement, interfering with balance and reflexes.

What role does CBD play in the body compared to THC?

CBD does not affect the brain in the same way as THC. It has analgesic (pain-relieving) and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties and does not cause psychoactive effects. It is still under study to fully understand its mechanisms.

How do THC and CBD enter the bloodstream after consumption?

When cannabis is smoked or vaped, the THC and CBD enter the bloodstream through the lungs within seconds. From there, they are transported by the heart to the entire body, including the brain.

What is the blood-brain barrier, and how do THC and CBD interact with it?

The blood-brain barrier is a protective layer that prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. THC and CBD can cross this barrier easily due to their lipophilic (fat-soluble) nature, allowing them to affect the brain directly.

How does THC affect neurotransmitter release in the brain?

THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, altering the release of neurotransmitters. This leads to effects like changes in memory, learning, and motor coordination, depending on where in the brain the receptors are located.

Can cannabis cause lethal overdose?

No, cannabis cannot cause a fatal overdose. The cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, are not present in areas of the brain that control vital functions like heart rate and breathing, so cannabis cannot induce life-threatening conditions like heart failure.