A deep dive into the biology, health impact and classifications of cannabis

From researchers seeking scientific truths to poets weaving metaphorical tapestries and even conspiracy theorists crafting narratives fueled by speculation, cannabis draws intrigue across diverse fields. 

While some nations maintain restrictive policies, individuals around the world engage with the plant for various reasons, leading to both stigma and religious interpretations.

Beyond these polarized perspectives lies a nuanced reality. Cannabis encompasses diverse strains like sativa and indica, each offering unique properties. Further complexity arises from hybridized variants, often categorized as 1, 2, or 3. 

Additionally, distinct compounds like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),  interact with the body and brain in distinct ways, prompting ongoing debates about their potential benefits and risks. This exploration aims to dispel myths, uncover verifiable truths and delve into the potential health implications of this complex plant.

Geography and terminology

Cannabis sativa thrives in hot and dry areas with long periods of sunlight, predominantly found in regions such as Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia and certain sections of Western Asia, according to the health information provider Healthline.

Cannabis indica thrives in regions like China, India, Nepal, Thailand, Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of southern and western Africa, Healthline said. 

While traditionally classified as energetic and relaxing, this binary categorization is a simplification when it comes to sativa and indica strains, according to Healthline. The actual effects depend on many factors, including individual differences, growing conditions and the specific terpenes present. 

Most commercially available strains are hybrids, combining characteristics of both sativa and indica, leading to a wider spectrum of potential effects.

Historically, Sativa strains have been linked to lower levels of CBD and higher levels of THC in comparison to indica strains. Nevertheless, this oversimplified generalization is being progressively questioned by the emergence of "chemovars,” according to Healthline. 

Chemovars classify cannabis according to its chemical profile, which contains a broader spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes in addition to CBD and THC, Healthline said. This approach recognizes the possibility of varied outcomes within each strain, surpassing the often-linked notions of sativa and indica as solely providing a mind high and relaxation.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable transition in the cannabis industry, moving away from the traditional indica-sativa categorization of cannabis strains to the chemovars approach.  

The concept of chemovars provides a more accurate and unbiased framework that relies on the chemical composition of strains, hence facilitating a better understanding of each strain's specific impacts, according to the health information provider. 

Type I: High THC

Type II: THC/CBD combined

Type III: High CBD   

Understanding Cannabis: Beyond Sativa and Indica

Active Ingredients:

• THC: As the primary psychoactive compound, THC is responsible for the "high" feeling and euphoria associated with cannabis use. However, a study published by the National Library of Medicine suggests it may also contribute to adverse effects like anxiety and impaired memory. 
• CBD: Unlike THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. It's known for its potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, though further research is needed to solidify its therapeutic benefits, the same study said.

How it works:

According to a study published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cannabis works by acting on the endocannabinoid system.

• Endocannabinoid System: Cannabis interacts with this natural system, primarily through its cannabinoids binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors, the study said. Concentrations are relative depending on the CBD components. Most of the effects we know marijuana causes are due to its action on CB1.
• CB1 Receptor: Found mainly in the central nervous system, CB1 activation influences mood, memory and movement, according to the NIDA. It's also responsible for psychoactive effects. 
• CB2 Receptor: Primarily located in the immune system and peripheral organs, CB2 activation may play a role in pain management and inflammation, the study said.

According to another study published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), THC, the active compound in marijuana, quickly enters the brain and other tissues after ingestion due to its high-fat solubility. Depending on metabolism, its effects peak within 30 to 60 minutes and last for 3 to 4 hours. 

Smoking marijuana allows THC to rapidly enter the bloodstream and reach the brain and other organs, the study said. When consumed orally, THC is absorbed more slowly, taking effect after 30 minutes to 1 hour.

It's crucial to remember that individual responses to cannabis vary greatly. Factors like genetics, metabolism and prior experience influence the effects felt, the study said .

Benefits and medicinal use of cannabis 

According to the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, cannabis has numerous benefits and medicinal uses beyond its recreational effects. Its antioxidant properties, including CBD and THC, help neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease the journal said.

CBD has shown promise as a neuroprotective agent, protecting the brain from damage caused by conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and strokes. THC stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting brain health and cognitive function, the journal said.

According to a study on cannabinoids‘ anti-inflammatory characteristics by the National Library of Medicine, both THC and CBD possess anti-inflammatory properties, making cannabis a potential treatment for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. 

CBD has gained recognition for its ability to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with epilepsy, the study said. Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, has been approved by the FDA for certain types of epilepsy. 

According to a journal, Consciousness and Cognition, published by ScienceDirect, cannabis tends to increase creativity, not just by itself, but by increasing openness to trying different ideas without fear of failure and reducing anxiety. This increased openness and reduced anxiety can lead to a more relaxed state of mind, allowing individuals to think more freely and explore unconventional ideas. 

Moreover, cannabis has been found to enhance divergent thinking, which is the ability to generate multiple solutions or possibilities for a given problem or situation, the journal said.

According to the published Journal of Sexual Medicine, gender and individual variations in metabolism and sensitivity to cannabinoids can also have an impact on the effects of cannabis. Women may experience different effects from cannabis use, including more severe withdrawal symptoms and a higher risk of relapse when quitting. These gender-specific effects are influenced by hormonal differences, brain receptor variations and individual responses, the journal said. 

How does THC and CBD impact sex drive? 

There is an intricate relationship between cannabis and how it impacts sexual desire. However, it is important to note that the findings in this field are still inconclusive, highlighting the need for further exploration, according to the journal. 

One aspect to consider is the role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with sexual behaviors, a study by the National Library of Medicine said. THC has been found to stimulate dopamine release in the brain region known as the nucleus accumbens. This could potentially contribute to increased sexual motivation in individuals with low desire, however individual responses to cannabis vary significantly, the study said.

A study found on the online collection website for scholarly articles, SpringerLink, explored cannabis’s aphrodisiac effects. Intoxication boosts brain activation in response to visual erotica, potentially aiding hypoactive sexual desire disorder treatment, the study said. 

Cannabis can raise prolactin levels, a hormone linked to desire, which might dampen libido. Notably, participants in the study showed elevated prolactin during intoxication which decreased sexual desire. This suggests that cannabis selectively enhances the right nucleus accumbens response to erotic cues, especially in users with stable low peripheral prolactin, the study concluded. 

However, the relationship between prolactin response and desire requires further investigation, as individual differences play a significant role. 

Chronic cannabis use has been linked to decreased testosterone levels in men, a hormone that stimulates sexual function, the study said. However, the relationship between cannabis and testosterone is complex and influenced by factors like frequency, dosage, individual variability and duration of use. 

According to a research journal published by ScienceDirect, microdosing, a new trend, involves consuming low doses of cannabis to achieve subtle effects without impairment. However, research on the effects of microdosing on sexual desire is limited, and more rigorous scientific studies are needed to validate these claims. 

CBD has also been explored for its potential health benefits in sexual medicine, the research journal said. While some studies suggest that CBD may influence anxiety, stress and relaxation, caution is needed as its effects are context-dependent and individual responses vary.

According to the Journal of Sexual Medicine, a study on cannabis consumption impacting sexual health found that women who use cannabis were more likely to report sexually transmitted illnesses than men. Additionally, frequent cannabis use is associated with higher numbers of sexual partners for both men and women, delayed or premature ejaculation, and difficulty maintaining an erection. Excessive cannabis use can lead to an "inability to perform," the journal said.

Clinicians should ask patients about their cannabis use and address their sexual history to provide valuable insights for health promotion and education initiatives. 

 According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, male cannabis use has been associated with reduced fertility and decreased sperm counts. Cannabis use has been linked to altered sperm DNA methylation in humans and rats, with prenatal exposure to THC also causing neurobehavioral and neurochemical changes. 

Prenatal exposure to cannabis has been linked to adverse birth outcomes, neurodevelopmental delays, autism-like phenotypes, congenital birth defects and teratologies in children, the study said. The sperm epigenome is capable of intergenerational transmission of adverse health outcomes. It is unknown if the effects of exposure on the sperm epigenome are permanent or temporary, the study concluded.

Adverse effects

According to a study published on Drug And Alcohol Dependence, chronic use of recreational cannabis can impact speech and reduce verbal timing. The research indicates that regular cannabis users may exhibit changes in articulation and pronunciation, leading to a unique speech pattern. 

The study compared speech of cannabis users and non-users and later identified differences in timing, vocal effort and voice quality. The findings suggest that cannabis alters speech production subtly, particularly in vocal effort and intensity, highlighting the enduring effects of cannabis on speech patterns. 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over time, chronic cannabis use raises anxiety levels through G-protein-coupled receptors and the CB1 receptor system. Mental health disorders like social anxiety, depression and schizophrenia are associated with marijuana use. Depression also increases with time, with or without initial depression episodes before starting cannabis use. 

The CDC also found that chronic cannabis users who intake cannabis more than twice per week have been shown to have mental health disorders later in life, as well as four times the risk of bipolar disorders in life.

According to the Lancet psychiatry study published by the National Library of Medicine, cannabis potency, the concentration of Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has increased globally, potentially increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes for cannabis users. 

A systematic review of 4,171 articles by Lancet Psychiatry found that higher potency cannabis was associated with an increased risk of psychosis and cannabis use disorder (CUD). High-potency cannabis products contain high levels of THC. These products can lead to dependence or addiction due to their intense effects, the study said.

THC interacts with the brain's endocannabinoid system, affecting reward pathways, memory and motivation. Regular use can lead to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Psychological vulnerabilities, such as genetic factors or pre-existing mental health conditions, may exacerbate addiction, the study said. 

The efficient delivery method of smoking or vaping increases the likelihood of addiction. Social and cultural factors, such as availability and acceptance, also contribute to the risk of CUD, the study said. 

According to the CDC, smoking and vaping have severe negative consequences, regardless of the substance, whether it is cannabis or tobacco. Both smoking and vaping can lead to serious health issues such as lung damage, respiratory problems and an increased risk of developing cancer, the CDC said. Additionally, the addictive nature of both practices can have detrimental effects on one's overall well-being and quality of life.

Marijuana use has significant impacts on brain health, particularly in developing brains in babies, children and teenagers, the CDC said. CB1 and CB2 receptors are present throughout development. This is particularly important for neurodevelopment and wiring.

The CDC also mentioned that using cannabis during pregnancy has profound negative consequences for the fetuses developing brain. They competitively inhibit endogenous cannabinoids from working properly. It has an impact on problem-solving skills, attention and memory problems later on in the child’s life.

Dispelling Myths.

Some believe that secondhand marijuana smoke poses no harm. According to the CDC, the truth is that secondhand marijuana smoke contains numerous dangerous chemicals, similar to those found in secondhand tobacco smoke.   

Secondhand marijuana smoke contains toxic and cancer-causing chemicals, including THC, which can be passed to infants and children. Studies have found strong associations between having someone in the home who uses marijuana and the child having detectable levels of THC through secondhand smoke, the CDC said. 

People exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke can experience psychoactive effects, such as feeling high, the CDC concluded. 

These harmful substances, according to the CDC, can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to respiratory ailments like bronchitis and asthma. Furthermore, inhaling secondhand marijuana smoke can compromise blood vessel function, putting one at greater risk of heart disease, the CDC said. 

Exposure to secondhand cannabis smoke can have negative health effects on anyone, irrespective of their pre-existing conditions, the CDC said. It is a common misconception that only those with respiratory issues are affected. Vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women and older adults, are at even greater risk, the CDC said.

It is important to consult with healthcare professionals or experts in the field who can provide accurate information and guidance tailored to individual needs. Additionally, staying updated on the latest research and regulations surrounding cannabis can help make informed decisions regarding its use. 

By seeking professional advice, individuals can ensure that they are making informed decisions based on reliable and evidence-based information.