There are many aspects of the metabolism that are affected by the use of cannabis. These include the gastrointestinal system and the appetite, the endocrine system, the nervous system, the heart, and the brain. The effects of this drug on the body are also long-term.
THC
The impact of cannabis on the metabolism is not a well-understood phenomenon. It’s important to investigate this topic because it can affect the developing fetus.
Researchers have discovered that cannabis may be a key player in weight loss. One study found that smoking pot was associated with lower BMI and fat percentages.
Another report suggests that it may also be associated with a reduced appetite. However, more studies are needed to understand exactly how and why.
A recent clinical study looked at the effects of marijuana on appetite. Specifically, it compared the levels of ghrelin, acyl-ghrelin and GLP-1.
In addition to its appetite-suppressing effects, THC appears to boost metabolic rates. That’s why one study gave obese mice a dose of THC, which stopped their weight gain.
Another report found that a diet containing cannabinoids improved the gut biome. It also normalized the gut bacteria. This could explain how the active compounds in cannabis (THC, cannabidiol, and CBD) may affect the body.
Lastly, a clinical study is currently underway to model the metabolome of THC in human plasma. This will provide a foundation for simulations of its disposition during pregnancy.
Using this information, researchers are looking at how THC can affect the endocrine system. Cannabinoid receptors are involved in many bodily functions, and they are thought to regulate appetite, energy balance, and even obesity.
Studies are still underway to evaluate the impact of cannabis on other systems. There is evidence that a more modern strain of the plant may produce higher metabolic rates, but a precise explanation remains unclear.
Although these studies are promising, more research is needed. Until then, patients should be aware of the risks of using THC.
CB1 receptors
A growing body of scientific research has revealed the impact of cannabis on the metabolism. It appears that smoking cannabis has a bidirectional effect on metabolic functions.
While marijuana is known to be a sedative, it also has an endocannabinoid stimulating effect. This may explain its effects on appetite.
The endocannabinoid system controls many bodily functions including energy balance. As a result, it is important to monitor the effects of cannabis on various endocrine markers.
Ghrelin, a hormone that regulates appetite and insulin sensitivity, is one of the main targets of this study. Specifically, ghrelin inhibits the secretion of GLP-1, a peptide that stimulates insulin. In turn, GLP-1 has a regulated response to insulin, allowing the synthesis of glucose.
The ghrelin-induced activation of the dopamine system, a key pathway for reward processing, was also evaluated. Using a pharmacologically effective receptor blocker, the researchers found that ghrelin-induced activation was significantly attenuated in cannabis users.
Although the study was designed to explore the effects of cannabis on the endocrine system, it was not completely conclusive. For example, it did not account for gender differences. Additionally, there was a small sample size, and the effects were not fully accounted for.
However, it was observed that there was a direct correlation between BMI and the amount of pot consumed. In addition, smoking pot correlated with lower fat percentages and lower fasting insulin levels. Similarly, the ventilatory response to hypoxia and hypocapnic hypoxia was not affected.
Furthermore, the effects of the route of administration on the pharmacokinetics of THC were investigated. Using a brownie as an oral dose of cannabis, the researchers found that blood concentrations of several appetitive hormones were affected.
Gut biome
The effects of cannabis on the gut biome are an understudied area of research. Several studies have been conducted in pre-clinical models, but the results are not yet clear in humans.
The microbiome is a community of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. They play a critical role in host metabolism and immune responses. Various diseases and disorders, including obesity, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and anxiety, can be related to disrupted gut microbiome.
In 2010, scientists explored the interaction between the gut microbiota and endocannabinoid system. These two systems, also known as the endocannabinoid (eCB) system and the endocannabinoidome, interact via signaling pathways.
THC and other cannabinoids are studied for their effects on the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids influence the body’s ability to produce its own endocannabinoids, namely, anandamide and 2-AG. A deficiency of these endocannabinoids can lead to inflammation in the gut, making the individual more susceptible to disease.
Some medical interventions may also change the composition of the microbiome, such as antibiotics and prebiotics. Researchers are still uncertain which specific bacteria modulate the ECS. However, variations in Veillonellaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae have been linked to changes in eCBs.
Studies in mice have shown that cannabinoids can increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. But, it’s important to note that this effect is dependent on the mode of administration. Unlike inhaled cannabis, oral cannabis may have more robust effects on the gut microbiome.
Other studies have suggested that cannabis may be a beneficial treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis. However, more clinical studies are needed to determine if cannabinoid-gut-microbiota-based therapeutics can correct the underlying problems.
Appetitive/metabolic pathways
The impact of cannabis on the appetite and metabolic pathways is an important topic in health sciences. As the legalization of marijuana has increased, many people have been using the plant in various ways. Although the final effects cannot be accurately predicted, previous studies have suggested that cannabis use can have positive or negative effects on the body.
The endocannabinoid system is an important regulatory system that plays an important role in metabolism and food seeking. It also regulates the balance of energy, temperature, and pain sensation. In addition, it plays a key role in the processing of reward. Cannabinoid receptors are implicated in many aspects of the endocannabinoid system, including regulating appetite and appetite-stimulating hormones.
Some cannabis users report a reduction in food intake and weight gain following use of the drug. It has been shown that the activation of cannabinoid receptors can inhibit insulin secretion and promote the storage of energy in adipose tissues.
The hypothalamus is one of the primary hubs of regulating appetite. Specifically, the hypothalamus interacts with peripheral organs and controls homeostatic feeding and metabolic regulation.
GLP-1 is a metabolic peptide that is closely related to glucose and insulin metabolism. GLP-1 slows the gastric emptying process and reduces the food appetite.
While cannabis is known to influence the concentrations of some appetitive hormones, this study was the first to investigate the interaction between the cannabinoid THC and these hormones. Results showed that a single session of cannabis administration reduced the concentrations of GLP-1. However, the concentration of this peptide was not significantly different from the placebo group. This suggests that the effect of cannabis on GLP-1 is probably secondary to its suppressing effect on insulin.
Long-term effects
A study of the long-term effects of cannabis on metabolism suggests that the drug may lower obesity and insulin resistance. The study found that current marijuana users had lower fasting insulin levels and a 17 percent reduction in insulin resistance.
The study also found that regular cannabis use decreased waist circumference and fat percentages. Researchers are now looking at the potential of cannabis as a therapeutic treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It has been hypothesized that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in glucose metabolism, appetite and insulin secretion.
Another study found that THC inhibited weight gain in obese mice. However, the study was unable to determine whether the effect was due to the endocannabinoid receptors being overactive or an interaction with other physiological pathways.
A review of studies on the effects of cannabis on metabolism suggested that the underlying mechanism for suppressing fat levels remains unclear. One theory is that blocking the endocannabinoid CB1 receptors might reduce fat accumulation.
In addition to the effects on endocrine systems, other research has suggested that heavy use of the plant may contribute to gastrointestinal motility disorders. Studies have also shown that the substance can improve insomnia.
Some studies suggest that marijuana use increases the level of omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation and can lead to obesity. They are derived from processed food, and a high intake of these fatty acids can increase storage of fat in the body.
These findings are intriguing, because the standard American diet contains sugars and refined starches, which cause a high omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio. This imbalance can lead to reduced metabolic rates, increased hunger and increased appetite.
