Cannabis has been a subject of intrigue, debate, and extensive research. While some focus on its recreational use, others are keen on exploring its medicinal properties.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology takes a deep dive into the enigmatic experience of feeling “high” from cannabis and its correlation with symptom relief and side effects.
The Elusive Euphoria: Defining the “High” in Cannabis Consumption
The term “high” is often associated with cannabis consumption, but what does it really mean? The study points out that the scientific community has not yet pinned down a concrete definition.
Generally, being “high” is associated with a state of intoxication, characterized by altered sensory perceptions, mental impairment, and sometimes physical impairment.
However, many medical cannabis users describe it as a euphoric state, leading to relaxation and peacefulness. This duality makes it essential to understand the subjective experience of being high, especially when considering the medicinal applications of cannabis.
Interestingly, the study found that the term “high” is used pejoratively in scientific literature, often associated with the negative effects of cannabis intoxication. However, many medical cannabis patients report enjoying the hyper-sensory experience of feeling high, attributing it to a state of peacefulness and relaxation.
The Science Behind the Sensation: Interplay of THC, CBD, and the Nervous System
Cannabis contains phytocannabinoids, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the most prominent. The study highlights that THC is a primary determinant of the “high” sensation. It interacts with receptors in the central nervous system, affecting psychological functioning. However, the exact mechanisms remain a mystery.
On the other hand, CBD is often lauded for its therapeutic benefits but does not seem to be associated with feeling high. This raises questions about the optimal balance of THC and CBD for medicinal purposes, and how these compounds interact with receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
The study mentions that phytocannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with numerous receptors throughout the central nervous system, as well as receptors found in the peripheral immune system, including in white blood cells and the spleen.
The Highs and Lows: Balancing Symptom Relief with Side Effects
One of the most intriguing findings of the study is the association between feeling high and symptom relief. Patients who reported feeling high experienced greater relief from symptoms like chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. However, this relief comes at a cost. The likelihood of experiencing negative side effects increased. Interestingly, positive side effects were also more likely, suggesting that the euphoric state could potentially enhance the overall patient experience and medication compliance.
The study also points out that the experience of feeling high is not merely a proxy for consuming a higher THC product.
It suggests that feeling high is an independent predictor of symptom relief and side effect reporting even after controlling for plant phenotype, consumption mode, dose, and THC and CBD potencies.
The Path Forward
This groundbreaking study sheds light on the complex nature of cannabis-induced euphoria and its implications for medical use.
Understanding the “high” is not just about recreational consumption; it’s a crucial component in optimizing cannabis for therapeutic applications.
As research continues, it’s clear that the road to unraveling the mysteries of cannabis is as winding as the sensory experiences it induces. The balance between symptom relief and side effects is delicate, and understanding the role of the “high” experience is pivotal in harnessing the therapeutic potential of cannabis.
