The cannabinoids in marijuana give the substance a unique structure that allows it to interact with the human brain as if it were a natural, brain-borne chemical. While this may seem harmless enough, long-term use of cannabinoids can impair vital chemical processes and ultimately leave the brain dependent on the drug’s effects. Let’s take a look at the cannabinoids in marijuana and how they affect the brain.

The Endocannabinoid System

The brain has its own built-in system that uses cannabinoid-like chemicals to regulate essential mental and physical processes. This is known as the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids consist of different chemical compounds that bind to receptor sites throughout this system and exert various effects.

These cannabinoid receptor sites in the brain normally secrete naturally occurring endorphin chemicals in response to human experiences. When smoked, marijuana moves from the lungs directly into the bloodstream, where it carries cannabinoid compounds to the brain as well as throughout the body.  Cannabinoid compounds trigger these secretions automatically, which accounts for the immediate effects of the drug.

Effects on Brain Chemistry

The brain uses chemicals called neurotransmitters to communicate between different regions. These neurotransmitters also communicate messages to other parts of the body.

The cannabinoids in marijuana exert their greatest effects on acetylcholine levels in the brain. As one of the primary neurotransmitter chemicals, an imbalance in acetylcholine levels can disrupt any number of brain and bodily processes.

Changes in brain chemistry account for the drug’s effects on a person’s personality and behavior. These effects commonly take the form of:

• Memory loss
• Loss of coordination
• Impaired thought processes
• Giddiness
• Increase in appetite

Brain Regions Affected

The brain regions most affected by neurotransmitter chemical imbalances include:

• Cerebral cortex: Responsible for regulating sensory perceptions
• Cerebellum: Responsible for coordination and movement
• Hippocampus: Enables memories to be formed

As cannabinoid effects take hold, users start to experience altered sensory perceptions that affect their sense of sight, taste, touch, and smell. The stronger the drug effect, the less control users have over their bodily movements. With large doses of marijuana, short-term memory capacity declines considerably.

Long-Term Psychological Effects

With long-term use, the cannabinoids in marijuana can slowly deteriorate brain processes and structures to the point where a person has difficulty managing the affairs of everyday life. Brain chemical imbalances continue to worsen, causing any number of psychological problems to develop.

Long-term psychological effects from cannabinoid use include:

• Depression disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Violent behaviors
• Schizophrenia
• Suicidal tendencies

While the medicinal effects produced by certain cannabinoid compounds can be of great help as a medicinal treatment, the negative effects they have on brain function remain a cause for concern and caution. If you think someone you know may be addicted to marijuana, seek help at an accredited local treatment center. For information on how to overcome addiction and links to local Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings near you, check out our online directory.

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