How THC interacts with our brain

When consumed, THC and CBD interact with the ECS and affect the body’s functions in different ways.
The human body naturally makes its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, which are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Endocannabinoids are made when needed and attach to cannabinoid receptors to do their job. These natural cannabinoids help keep the body’s internal environment stable, even when external conditions change.

THC and Its Effects

• Binding to CB1 Receptors:
  THC, one of the main cannabinoids in cannabis, primarily binds to CB1 receptors in the brain—areas that control memory, coordination, and pleasure. Its structure is similar to a natural endocannabinoid in the brain called anandamide. This similarity allows THC to fit into CB1 receptors just like anandamide does, activating them and affecting neurotransmitter release.
• Impact on Brain Communication and Addiction:
  When THC activates these receptors, it alters the brain’s normal neurotransmitter release, which can disrupt communication between brain cells. This activation of the brain’s reward system can lead to addiction, as the brain starts to associate THC use with pleasurable experiences. Over time, repeated use may result in tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

CBD’s Role

• In contrast, CBD doesn’t strongly bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, it influences the ECS indirectly and can even reduce some of THC’s effects, offering benefits like anxiety relief without producing a high.

Understanding how THC interacts with your brain—especially its similarity to anandamide—helps explain both its short-term effects and the potential long-term risks, such as addiction.