Amongst many other things, cannabis can cause a number of problems in the brain and gut axis. This article explores the different mechanisms that govern how cannabis affects substance use disorders and the gut microbiome. It also looks at the role of the Endocannabinoid system in cannabis effects.
Mechanisms by which cannabis alters substance use disorders
The mechanisms by which cannabis alters substance use disorders are still unknown, although the endocannabinoid system is receiving a lot of attention. It plays an important role in neuromodulation of drugs of abuse, modifying behavior and moderating mood.
In particular, researchers are investigating how the endocannabinoid metabolite delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) affects the amygdala, an area of the brain that controls anxiety and response to stress. These changes may explain why people who have used cannabis often experience withdrawal symptoms after they stop. However, more research is needed to identify the specific gene variants that increase the risk of dependence on marijuana.
A number of studies have shown that the endocannabinoid THC receptor CB1R is involved in the behavioral and neuromodulatory effects of cannabis. One study investigated the time course of changes in CB1R availability in cannabis-dependent subjects. Another looked at the differences in the levels of the metabolite CB1R between those who had never smoked cannabis and those who had a long-term history of chronic smoking.
Another study looked at the effect of THC on the amygdala, an eloquent part of the brain. They found that THC treatment induced anxiety, which increased the availability of CB1R. This was accompanied by changes in CB1R mRNA levels.
Finally, researchers at Yale Medicine, the clinical arm of Yale University, have conducted a large study to identify genes that contribute to the risk of cannabis dependence. They have also tested the effects of combining psychotherapies with cannabis. Although their results have been promising, more work needs to be done to fully understand the complex mechanisms by which cannabis alters substance use disorders.
In addition to the aforementioned CB1R and FAAH polymorphisms, researchers at Yale Medicine have been looking at the effects of a number of different therapies. These include motivational enhancement therapy, which is a four-session version of motivational interviewing, and motivational enhancement therapy combined with a quantitative assessment of consumption. Behavioral therapies are often used to treat patients with substance use disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that involves helping a patient change their thinking and behavioral patterns.
Endocannabinoid system
The effects of cannabis on the brain-gut axis are being studied to better understand this complex network. The endocannabinoid system is known to play an important role in gastrointestinal (GI) functions, such as feeding, appetite, nausea, and pain. However, there are many other important systems that contribute to the gut-brain axis. This network involves the central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis.
Increasing evidence shows that the endocannabinoid system may be a target for therapeutics. It may help maintain homeostasis and regulate body temperature. Moreover, it may be a new therapeutic pathway for GI disorders, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
CB1 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system, as well as in the CNS. Several studies suggest that the endocannabinoid receptors are involved in vagal neurotransmission, which controls a variety of physiological processes, including gastrointestinal motility. Using rodent models, researchers have shown that direct or indirect activation of CB1 inhibits visceral sensitivity.
CB1Rs are also present in the enteroendocrine cells. Recent research suggests that the endocannabinoid signaling in feeding is mediated by the vagus nerve. Therefore, if the effects of cannabis on the brain-gut axes are due to endocannabinoids, then this may account for the therapeutic efficacy of the drug.
Studies have shown that increasing levels of endocannabinoids in the gut have no corresponding increase in cannabinoid-like side effects. Additionally, it appears that endocannabinoids in the gut can be modulated by naturally produced endocannabinoids. In addition to acting on the GI tract, endocannabinoids also have a potential role in regulating body temperature.
Despite the recent discovery of the endocannabinoid pathway, there is a lack of understanding of the mechanisms by which the system acts. Further studies are needed to assess the effect of cannabinoids on the vagus nerve and on downstream pathways. These studies will help to provide a more complete picture of the interactions between the endocannabinoid and endocrine systems, and will advance our knowledge of the effects of cannabis on the brain-gut network.
Endocannabinoids are produced in the GI tract and are stored in membrane lipids. They act in a variety of ways, such as regulating body temperature and controlling appetite.
Gut microbiome
The effects of cannabis on the brain-gut axis are an emerging area of research. There is evidence of the ability of this axis to influence stress-related pathologies and disorders. In addition, the effects of cannabinoids on the gut microbiome and immune system offer a new therapeutic approach to treating these conditions.
The gut microbiome is comprised of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They are responsible for many functions, including synthesizing vitamins and proteins, breaking down toxic food, and maintaining a healthy intestinal barrier. They also play a critical role in regulating the inflammatory status of the host.
Recent studies have linked the presence of an imbalanced gut microbiome to depression and other mood disorders. However, the exact causes of these conditions remain unclear. Several factors are believed to play a role, including nutrition and environmental factors. Moreover, dysbiosis has been linked to obesity and metabolic diseases.
One theory to explain this link is that the presence of an unhealthy gut microbiome can lead to anxiety-like behavior. Specifically, gut bacteria can stimulate the release of corticosterone, a hormone associated with stress. This in turn, may increase the occurrence of depression and anxiety.
As a result, an imbalanced gut microbiome may be linked to a wide range of emotional and neurological disorders. Some studies suggest that the gut microbiome is a significant contributor to the development of cognitive impairment. Another study shows that the microbiome is an important regulator of emotional states. It is also possible that the neurotransmitters and receptors used by the gut and the brain are similar. Consequently, communication between the two can occur.
Cannabinoids are known to affect the brain-gut axis by acting on the endocannabinoid (eCB) system. This eCB system is an important component of the brain-gut axis and plays an important role in the response to stress. Stress can induce an “hypocannabinergic state,” a condition that is associated with decreased production of serum lipid precursors for eCB ligands.
In an animal model, administration of CBD and THC increased the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, reduced mucin degrading bacteria, and improved endocannabinoid signaling. Consequently, these substances helped ameliorate symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
Irritable bowel syndrome
If you have irritable bowel syndrome, you might want to consider taking medical cannabis. There is evidence that it can be helpful in reducing inflammation, easing symptoms and helping to relieve pain. However, you should discuss using it with your doctor before you begin.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a major player in the gut-brain axis. It controls a number of critical functions, including appetite, digestion, mood and crosstalk with other systems. A better understanding of the ECS could help researchers develop new treatment for gastrointestinal disorders.
Researchers have shown that chronic stress can cause changes in the ECS. These changes may link stress to visceral pain. Chronic exposure to alcohol can also contribute to gut inflammation. Both cannabis and alcohol can decrease gut inflammation, but these substances can have side effects.
Endocannabinoids can also help to regulate body temperature, which can improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. They also reduce nausea, which is a common symptom of chemotherapy. In addition, CBD has been found to reduce stomach acid and promote metabolism.
Research shows that patients with IBS who are treated with a low FODMAP diet report a significant improvement in their symptoms. In addition, a study shows that frequent users of cannabis are less likely to be obese than non-consumers. This is because frequent cannabis consumers have fewer bacteria associated with obesity.
Studies have shown that both THC and CBD can lower inflammation in the gut. However, more studies are needed to determine if cannabis can benefit people with IBS. Some reports show symptom improvement within a few weeks, while others say it can take up to eight or twelve weeks.
The brain-gut axis is a complex network of systems. Communication between the two is possible because they use the same receptors and neurotransmitters.
The endocannabinoid receptors are found in the brain, gut, and connective tissues. When a person has a disorder, such as fibromyalgia or a traumatic injury, clinical endocannabinoid deficiency can develop.
Understanding the role of the ECS in the gut-brain axis could improve knowledge of the complex system. Further, more research is needed to understand the benefits of cannabis for a variety of GI disorders.
