The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.
The Effects of Cannabis (Marijuana) on the Brain & Body | Episode 92
In this episode, I discuss cannabis (aka marijuana), including the biological mechanisms underlying its effects on the mind and body, its known medical applications, its impact on libido, creativity, hunger, hormones and more. I also cover the known adverse health consequences of chronic and even acute (one-time) use and the factors that determine if cannabis is helpful or harmful. Additionally, I detail how the various strains of cannabis: sativa, indica and hybrid strains, can produce such divergent effects depending on the strain type, THC-to-CBD ratio, total dosage, and frequency of use. I review why cannabis can impact speech patterns and one’s propensity to develop anxiety/depression during and after use and, in some individuals, paranoia. As the legal landscape for cannabis is rapidly evolving, this episode should interest a wide audience, including former/current cannabis users, those in the medical, sports, law enforcement, and educational communities and, of course, children, teenagers, and parents.
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For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Cannabis (Marijuana)
(00:04:46) New: Huberman Lab Premium
(00:07:03) Tool: Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR), Sleep & Anxiety
(00:10:08) Levels, Thesis, InsideTracker
(00:14:01) Momentous Supplements
(00:15:08) Cannabis Strains, Psychoactive Compounds: THC & CBD
(00:19:34) Sativa vs. Indica, Stimulant vs. Relaxation Effects
(00:25:55) Hybrid Cannabis Strains, Type 1, 2 & 3 Strains
(00:30:41) AG1 (Athletic Greens)
(00:31:56) Naturally Occurring Receptors: Nicotinic & Cannabinoid Receptors (CB1)
(00:40:35) THC, CBD vs. Endogenous Cannabinoids, Dependence
(00:43:14) Endogenous Cannabinoids, Cannabinoid Receptors & Nervous System Function
(00:53:07) Biological Effects of Cannabis
(00:56:29) Cannabis Sativa & Subjective Effects: Mood, Stress, Alertness, Paranoia
(01:04:58) Cannabis Indica & Subjective Effects, Memory, Dosage
(01:09:41) Brain Areas Affected by THC & CBD, Side Effects
(01:16:08) Creativity: Convergent vs. Divergent Thinking & Dopamine
(01:26:41) Does Cannabis Increase Creativity?
(01:35:08) Chronic Cannabis Use & Changes in Speech Patterns
(01:46:46) Cannabis & Libido, Dopamine & Prolactin
(01:56:55) Cannabis & Hormones: Prolactin, Testosterone, Estrogen & Fertility
(02:06:53) Smoking/Vaping Tobacco or Cannabis & Negative Health Consequences
(02:10:06) Avoiding Cannabis During Pregnancy/Breastfeeding, Fetal Neural Development
(02:18:13) Negative Health Consequences of Cannabis, Anxiety & Depression, Tolerance
(02:25:57) Cannabis Use & Adolescence/Young Adulthood, Predisposition to Psychosis
(02:34:36) Adolescent Cannabis Use: Brain Development & Mental Health Disorders
(02:41:44) Cannabis & Pain Management, Divergent Effects of Cannabis
(02:44:54) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Huberman Lab Premium, Momentous Supplements, Neural Network Newsletter, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac