Why marijuana affects people differently?

 Marijuana

Bhang or marijuana is a commonly used drug worldwide. According to the World Drug Report by the United Nations, the number of people who are using bhang or marijuana is high as two hundred and thirty-eight million. Therefore, this indicates that marijuana users are spread out globally. Based on the Report of the United Nation, about one hundred and thirty-five countries are engaging in the cultivation of marijuana. These countries cover about ninety-two percent of the world population.

The high number of bhang users is directly proportional to its effects. Recently, there are many cases related to marijuana users. The effects of bhang in the human body differ from one person to another. The different effects of marijuana in the body depend on its biochemistry in the body and cannabinoid genetics.  

Cannabinoids are the biologically active components in marijuana. So far two of these cannabinoids have been identified to have effects in the human body. They encompass cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The assessment of other cannabinoids is still going on. 

Biochemistry of marijuana in the body

The human body has two cannabinoid receptors (CB₁ and CB₂). CB₁ mainly affects the central nervous system. CB₂ mostly affects the immune system. The cannabinoid receptor activation mediates the psychoactive effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.  

Naturally, the human body has its cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. As a result, the endocannabinoid system is present in the body. Endocannabinoid system a group of receptors and their matching antagonists. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for controlling mood, appetite, temperature, fertility and reproduction, immune function, pain, and pleasure. 

Endocannabinoids are released in the human body with the help of eating foods containing fatty acids, For example, fish and nuts. The endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors to induce different effects in the body. On the other hand, THC and CBD bind to the same cannabinoid receptors to trigger distinctive effects observed in most marijuana users. 

Normally, the effects of THC are more pronounced than the effects of CBD. THC interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the body, resulting in different effects experienced on the body and mind. Cannabinoid receptors belong to GPCR (G-protein coupled receptors). G-proteins mediate the inhibition of the activities of adenylyl cyclase. The inhibition leads to a reduction of levels of cyclic AMP. THC stimulates cannabinoid receptors which activate potassium channels to open. 

The action reduces the period of neurotransmitter release and potential action. 2-G (2-arachidonyl glycerol), endocannabinoids and anandamide are the natural ligands responsible for the CB1 receptors. Normal functions of these ligands are responsible for memory, pain, mood, and hunger. Anandamide is generated when it is needed. Hence, it is not kept in the synaptic vesicles. FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase) is responsible for the inhibition of anandamide.  FAAH also acts as a deactivator of endocannabinoids by stimulating enzymatic hydrolysis.

 Endocannabinoids have longer influence as compared to THC. Endocannabinoids and THC take part in strengthening the impacts of opiates in the body. THC acts on areas that deal with memory. For instance, hippocampus, basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and cerebellum. Cannabinoid receptors are concentrated in the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and hippocampus. Binding of THC with the receptors in the hippocampus results in the relocation of recent events. THC also interferes with coordination which is regulated by the cerebellum. THC also interferes with motor movement, is controlled by the basal ganglia.

Cannabinoid genetics of individuals

Different people have unique cannabinoid genetics (endocannabinoid genetics). Some people have a genetic mutation in their endocannabinoids. They are known to have good endocannabinoids. They constitute about 20% of the world population. As a result of their condition, anandamide and endocannabinoid levels increased in their bodies. Therefore, consuming marijuana has little effects in their bodies.

Bottom line:

The effects of bhang in the body are based on marijuana biochemistry in the body and endocannabinoid genetics. The cannabinoid receptors are distributed differently in the body. Moreover, different individuals have a unique distribution of cannabinoid receptors. Some areas of the brain high concentration cannabinoid receptors than others. These areas are responsible for specific functions in the body. 

So, if you consume bhang which increases the levels of CBD and THC, the areas with a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors are likely to be affected. Additionally, if people with endocannabinoid genetic mutation consume marijuana, they are less affected than their counterparts.  These differences result in the individualistic effects of bhang in people.