In this episode, I discuss cannabis (aka marijuana), including the biological mechanisms underlying its effects on the mind and body, its known medical applications, its impact on libido, creativity, hunger, hormones and more. I also cover the known adverse health consequences of chronic and even acute (one-time) use and the factors that determine if cannabis is helpful or harmful. Additionally, I detail how the various strains of cannabis: sativa, indica and hybrid strains, can produce such divergent effects depending on the strain type, THC-to-CBD ratio, total dosage, and frequency of use. I review why cannabis can impact speech patterns and one’s propensity to develop anxiety/depression during and after use and, in some individuals, paranoia. As the legal landscape for cannabis is rapidly evolving, this episode should interest a wide audience, including former/current cannabis users, those in the medical, sports, law enforcement, and educational communities and, of course, children, teenagers, and parents.
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Timestamps
(00:00:00) Cannabis (Marijuana)
(00:04:46) New: Huberman Lab Premium
(00:07:03) Tool: Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR), Sleep & Anxiety
(00:10:08) Levels, Thesis, InsideTracker
(00:14:01) Momentous Supplements
(00:15:08) Cannabis Strains, Psychoactive Compounds: THC & CBD
(00:19:34) Sativa vs. Indica, Stimulant vs. Relaxation Effects
(00:25:55) Hybrid Cannabis Strains, Type 1, 2 & 3 Strains
(00:30:41) AG1 (Athletic Greens)
(00:31:56) Naturally Occurring Receptors: Nicotinic & Cannabinoid Receptors (CB1)
(00:40:35) THC, CBD vs. Endogenous Cannabinoids, Dependence
(00:43:14) Endogenous Cannabinoids, Cannabinoid Receptors & Nervous System Function
(00:53:07) Biological Effects of Cannabis
(00:56:29) Cannabis Sativa & Subjective Effects: Mood, Stress, Alertness, Paranoia
(01:04:58) Cannabis Indica & Subjective Effects, Memory, Dosage
(01:09:41) Brain Areas Affected by THC & CBD, Side Effects
(01:16:08) Creativity: Convergent vs. Divergent Thinking & Dopamine
(01:26:41) Does Cannabis Increase Creativity?
(01:35:08) Chronic Cannabis Use & Changes in Speech Patterns
(01:46:46) Cannabis & Libido, Dopamine & Prolactin
(01:56:55) Cannabis & Hormones: Prolactin, Testosterone, Estrogen & Fertility
(02:06:53) Smoking/Vaping Tobacco or Cannabis & Negative Health Consequences
(02:10:06) Avoiding Cannabis During Pregnancy/Breastfeeding, Fetal Neural Development
(02:18:13) Negative Health Consequences of Cannabis, Anxiety & Depression, Tolerance
(02:25:57) Cannabis Use & Adolescence/Young Adulthood, Predisposition to Psychosis
(02:34:36) Adolescent Cannabis Use: Brain Development & Mental Health Disorders
(02:41:44) Cannabis & Pain Management, Divergent Effects of Cannabis
(02:44:54) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Huberman Lab Premium, Momentous Supplements, Neural Network Newsletter, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
 Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac
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