CANNABIS AND YOUR BODY: Can Genes affect our response to Cannabis?
By: Ayorinde Okikijesu Elizabeth
Tags: Cannabis, Cbd, Cannabis Medical, Weed

Do you ever wonder why many people respond differently to Cannabis?

If three people are offered Cannabis, these three people may behave differently. Many people believe it has to do with the individual’s mental strength; some believe it has a lot to do with age, while others think it can be linked with gender.

Cannabis, when taken, can make you feel sleepy, hyperactive, supercool, the experience changed conversation and view about certain topics. What is fascinating is how possible it is that Cannabis works differently in every individual. Let’s find out if genes affect our responses to Cannabis!

How does Cannabis work in the body?

Cannabis has its influence on many parts and processes in the body, most essentially in the brain. However, the most prominent are the CB1 and CB2 receptor areas. These two receptors are usually found in the brain and some specific locations in the body.

CB1 receptors are more prominent in the brain than CB2 receptors, and CB2 receptors are densely located in the immune and gastrointestinal systems. These two receptors are directly linked to play important contributions in pregnancy, hormone production, digestion, and cardiovascular health.

Generally, genes in humans are usually similar. Still, there is a possibility of having certain edits or alterations in the genes due to a few reasons such as exposure to radiation, infections, chemicals, etc. These genetic mutations may cause some things to happen, such as exposure to inherited illnesses, variation in responses to Cannabis, etc.

Cannabis and Genetic Mutations

Have you ever seen someone who seems not to get high or responds differently to Cannabis, unlike others? Many people think the reason for that is because he is experienced and into Cannabis for quite a long time. That’s one way to explain it! Another perception to explain this experience is the mutation of certain receptors in the brain and body.

CB1 receptors are recognized as the seat of Cannabis (THC). Some scientists found about 15 different types of CB1 genes in the human body due to mutations, which account for the different responses to Cannabis by each individual. That’s why you see two individuals taking the same quantity of Cannabis and displaying different intoxication levels.

The FAAH gene also plays a role in the variations in responses to Cannabis. This particular human gene is recognized as an enzyme useful for breaking down the molecules of cannabinoids in the body. According to some research, we have about 11 different mutations in the FAAH gene. These mutations are believed to have an impact on the individual’s response to Cannabis.

Cannabis and Liver

When Cannabis is taken orally, it goes directly into the body, passing through different areas from the digestive system to the liver and then into the blood. In the liver resides an important enzyme that is known to stimulate the CB1 receptor and trigger intoxication. However, the liver works differently in every individual, thereby influencing responses to Cannabis ingested orally.

Final Words

Most times, changes in the gene (gene mutation) usually occur from conception and not necessary due to exposure to radiation or chemicals. This article was written to educate you on how Cannabis works differently in the body of humans. With this text, you can explain why some individuals get intoxicated easily while others don’t.

#CBD #Mental health #Cannabis