Cannabis Emotions

With very few exceptions, Cannabis culture combats stress.  Culture encompasses shared beliefs and behaviors. Cannabis consumption is learned and the culture of consumption is transmitted through community healing a world of stress. 
- Dr. Jean Talleyrand, M.D.

While visiting a dispensary in San Francisco, CA …

“How do you want to feel?” asks the Cannabis dispensary employee.   “I don’t know,” responds the customer, “Can I really choose my feelings?”  

Emotions are instinctual responses to feelings and behavior.  At an early age, we learn to manage our emotions. As we mature, our understanding of the difference between feelings and emotions provides valuable insight.  Emotions are complex interpretations of feelings, shaped by personal experiences, thoughts, and social conditioning.  The neurologic component to managing emotions coordinates emotional responses through the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and surrounding brain tissue of the limbic system

Cannabis modulates emotions by changing the way neurons send signals through the limbic system.  The amygdala, often referred to as the brain’s emotional alarm, plays a crucial role in the processing of emotions, especially those related to fear and pleasure.   Endocannabinoids in the limbic system stimulate CB1 receptors, leading to joy or happiness.  A functioning ECS allows for appropriate emotional processing.  Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may lead to several mental health disorders including, depression, anxiety and PTSD. (Ibarro-Lecue et al, 2018)  

While being “high" can influence and intensify certain emotions, it is more accurately described as an altered state of consciousness and perception.  Being “high” primarily involves a range of feelings and sensations.  The “high” is attributed to the affinity of  THC for cannabinoid receptors in the brain, resulting in a combination of physiological and psychological effects.  THC also interacts with the brain’s dopamine reward system leading to motivation and reinforcement of behavior. Cultures have exhibited powerful reactions to the Cannabis “high”.   Over centuries, the “high” has been socially desired by intellectuals yet prohibited by the ruling class for fear that it might disrupt the social order.     
 
A small study conducted with a group of volunteers in the Netherlands compared brain analysis (functional MRI) after consuming Cannabis.  The participants used a VolcanoⓇ  to inhale a measured dose of Type I (THC dominant) Cannabis.  Eleven participants were presented with fearful, sad, and joyous pictures intended to conjure emotions after consuming Cannabis.  The brain analysis revealed normal responses to the sad and joyous pictures, but were significantly unresponsive to the fearful picture.  The study supports earlier animal studies suggesting THC attenuates normal fear responses and explains why Cannabis is used in fearful social circumstances, (e.g. soldiers during battle or with traumatic memories).  

THC may cause or reduce anxiety 
Cannabis dosage matters.  Research suggests that lower doses of THC reduce anxiety, whereas higher doses may cause anxiety or even panic.  A recent review of medical studies sought to understand whether there is a causal relationship between Cannabis use and Anxiety Disorder.  The authors identified five studies that reported no correlation between the two.  However, twenty studies reported a significant relationship.  Further analysis revealed that people with Anxiety Disorder likely have a predisposition to use Cannabis, as a form of self-medication, rather than Cannabis use causing an Anxiety Disorder.

CBD helps Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorders 
THC is not the only component of Cannabis to affect emotions.    A recent meta-analysis of eight scientific articles reviewed the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for mental health disorders.  Analysis of 316 study participants revealed a significant impact of CBD.  The studies concluded that CBD may be efficacious in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  However, the authors also noted insufficient evidence and  the need for further study.  CBD has therapeutic potential for a wide range of conditions from mental health disorders to neurologic disorders.  It is currently prescribed by physicians for pediatric seizures and has demonstrated potential for inflammation, chronic pain, and auto-immune disorders.

CBG reduces stress and anxiety 
​Cannabigerol (CBG) is classified as a minor cannabinoid because it’s found in lower amounts in community grown Cannabis plants.  CBGA is the precursor to CBG.  During the plant’s flowering cycle, enzymes convert most CBGA to major cannabinoids, THCA or CBDA,  leaving trace amounts at harvest..   Recently, CBG has grown in popularity.  Cannabis farmers are growing special plants for their higher amounts of CBG and processors are able to isolate CBG from the major cannabinoids.  A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study proposes acute effects of CBG on anxiety and stress..  The authors concluded that the 20 mg dose of CBG  generally decreases anxiety and stress, as well as improves verbal memory.

For decades Cannabis culture has remedied stress with Cannabis. Stress is an emotional component of many factors, from politics,to  sleep deprivation, to certain medical conditions. Cannabis modulates emotional stress and wellness through the ECS.  Products containing THC, CBD, and CBG have demonstrated therapeutic potential for several mental health disorders. However, inappropriate dosing may cause anxiety or panic, particularly among the Cannabis naive.  Choosing the right product may be beneficial, providing a safe and natural alternative to alcohol or prescription drugs.  

Healthy habits involve multiple treatment modalities.  There are many ways to manage stress. Choose the right diet, maintain regular exercise, supplement with Vitamin D, and, most importantly, find the right health care guidance.

Dr. Jean Talleyrand, M.D. is a Cannabist Specialist.  He is dedicated to helping patients find good medicine.  He is co-founder of The Consoritum, a Cannabis research organization, MediCann, a medical referral service for patients seeking Cannabis specialists, and DYC, a Cannabis product classification service.