Cannabis along with dopamine actually have a connection to one another, and it actually can influence the dopamine reactions, and so much more. Here’s what we know. 

First, let’s Go Over Dopamine 

Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter. For those of us who don’t know, within our brain, we’ve got a system that basically sends a bunch of messages and signals. When these happen, the electrical responses that happen actually create different messages, and these are the neurotransmitters. 

When these get activated, your neurotransmitters can help you feel pain, sensation, pleasure, and so much more. it’s also responsible even for functions we’re not paying attention to, such as breathing and blinking. There are tons of different neurotransmitters that are out there. for instance, you’ve got adrenaline, which helps with the fight or flight response. Now, dopamine is but one of many, and it’s considered the pleasure chemical, or one that makes you feel good. But it’s a bit deeper than that. 

Dopamine is basically responsible for pleasure but also motivation. Have you ever noticed that you feel motivated due to certain stimuli? Tha’ts probably due to dopamine, as it can help to stimulate the motivation within the body. along with this, it also boosts desire, drive, and curiosity, and it pushes towards seeking awards, so you’re mor inclined to really feel good. 

So because of this, the system of rewarding that you use for dopamine is a big part of why we do what we do. Do you ever feel rewarded for eating or doing something? Tha’ts dopamine, and it’s pretty much how you work to enjoy the foods that you have. 

How cannabinoids Fit In 

The cannabinoids that are in cannabis actually do influence this. You can thank your ECS for this one, which is a network within the body that’s responsible for homeostasis within the body. However, it can also impact dopamine and serotonin responses too. THC for example, is actually quite similar to the endocannabinoid anandamide, and this is responsible for the communication between the nerves. 

It binds directly, and it actually can help prevent this from binding, blocking it off, and also keeps these functioning in a normal manner. It’s also partially responsible for the psychoactive results in the body. However, r THC also binds directly to the CB1 receptors, and it influences your memory, mood, the way you feel things, even your concentration and perceptions. It actually can cause a dopamine spike within the brain, improving the reward system. It also causes what’s called euphoria in the brain too. 

While this is very interesting, it’s vital to also learn about this. This is because many of the neurons of dopamine actually don’t have the cannabinoid receptors within this. GABA, however, is impacted directly through this. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is actually one that modulates the body and its effects too. It reduces the inflammation within the body, and also offers vital neuroprotection. Because of this, it’s unable to bind to the same receptors, it actually influences the neuron communication instead within the body. 

This also does regulate some of the dopamine tha’ts within it, and it actually both increases along with decreases this. For example, those who have Parkinson’s actually are able to use this, and it helps with the dopamine responses.It can help with the treatment of this, but also is good as well for helping with psychosis as well. Because of these factors, this is something that does remain as a potential solution to the treatment of Parkinson’s, and also is a way to treat disorders that happen with mental health, and it’s cheaper than prescriptions.