How does marijuana affect your brain?

Marijuana is getting more and more popular every year. Public sentiment is shifting and states across the U.S. have begun legalizing pot for medical and recreational use. But what does marijuana do to your brain? How does weed work in your body? What are the possible risks and benefits of marijuana use? In this episode of Neuro Transmissions, Alie Astrocyte explains what we understand about the effects of cannabis – and what we still have yet to figure out. We’ll describe the endocannabinoid system, what causes the difference between sativa and indica strains, side effects, and what your brain on drugs really looks like.

Big thanks to all of the people at the start who contributed different slang words for cannabis. I was surprised by some common ones missing though, like bud, hash, reefer, dope, skunk, chronic…to name a few. Got some more? Leave ‘em in the comments below!

For more information on how harsh punishments for drug crimes has disproportionately affected certain groups of US Citizens, check out this link: http://www.drugpolicy.org/issues/race-and-drug-war

Sources:
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/dope/etc/cron.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425757/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3570572/
http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/marijuana-and-lung-health.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736954/
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/long-term-effects/
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/marijuana-use-disorder-common-often-untreated
http://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC4545387&blobtype=pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/factsheets/pregnancy.htm#12 https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576603/
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-gateway-drug

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***Credits***

Footage from “Up In Smoke” and “Reefer Madness” was used for nonprofit educational purposes and was intended to benefit the public by teaching scientific concepts through relatable content. Therefore, they fall under fair use.

The following videos and images were used for educational purposes:
https://cdn4.picryl.com/photo/2015/11/25/postcard-of-a-kentucky-hemp-field-640.jpg
http://www.cannabisculture.com/files/images/6/marijuanachildren.jpg
https://i0.wp.com/jeffreydachmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/CannabisAmericana_JLHopkins_B.jpg?ssl=1
https://assets.rbl.ms/9603822/980x.jpg
https://civilwartalk.com/attachments/hash-png.164461/
http://antiquecannabisbook.com/images/HashishCandy.gif
http://antiquecannabisbook.com/images/USP1900_B.jpg
https://lorenalopez715005.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/mexican-revolution-chicanos-horsemen-woman-casasola-660.jpg
https://images.mysafetysign.com/img/lg/S/food-may-contain-peanut-sign-s-6064.png
https://15minutehistory.org/files/2013/08/NAD-200401384925.jpg
https://indianapublicmedia.org/momentofindianahistory/files/2013/01/1910-mexican-crowdatdepot.jpg
https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2370/2071339831_b8629dfc35_o.jpg
http://antiquecannabisbook.com/chap04/Louisiana/MexicanWeedA.jpg
http://reefermadnessmuseum.org/chap04/NCarolina/StatesvilleRecord-A.jpg
http://www.electricemperor.com/eecdrom/HTML/EMP/04/04_149.GIF


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#neuroscience #marijuana #weed

50 Comments

  1. Leigh Hershkovich on October 28, 2020 at 8:45 pm

    I spy a copy of House of Leaves on the bookshelf!



  2. Athena Kline on October 28, 2020 at 8:46 pm

    One of my family members has tried to stop a dozens time but keeps going back can’t hold a regular job and it’s hurting his family can’t support them. Makes them unmotivated This video doesn’t seem to talk about that part



  3. Javier Rodriguez on October 28, 2020 at 8:46 pm

    Damn man FL gotta step there game up, legalized weed , all of it , not just medical 😒😒



  4. Edward Wright on October 28, 2020 at 8:46 pm

    Cannabis help in the production of certain chemicals so the body can heal itself.



  5. Brian Leabo on October 28, 2020 at 8:47 pm

    The government well legalized it when they can tax it. I have a friend that was into hard drugs meth . And the only way he was able to stay off was to start useing weed . It saved his life and marriage



  6. 1004수연샤니 on October 28, 2020 at 8:49 pm

    I am very concerned about how this is affecting those who are adolescents, especially those who have not reached the age of 25 and have been using it consecutively.



  7. StPeeper on October 28, 2020 at 8:49 pm

    – That is northern lights cannabis indica
    – No, it´s marijuana…



  8. Bmo SZN on October 28, 2020 at 8:49 pm

    All I know is I smoke weed I ain’t snorting crack



  9. ChroMeDoMe on October 28, 2020 at 8:49 pm

    I smoke EVERYDAY. Consume responsibly and use moderation? What’s that mean🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂



  10. I AM HER on October 28, 2020 at 8:50 pm

    I’m 16 have severe depprsion, ptsd, anxiety, adhd without marijuana i wouldent be able to mentally functioning lmao



  11. Rare Dzzz on October 28, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    What I hate the most is the fact , that once they let that stress go . (Kick that shit to the curb) mfkas wanna look down on others and not give a heads up



  12. petsaonline on October 28, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    Brainwashed idiots. This video is propaganda for cannabis.



  13. Silver Light Fox on October 28, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    I think that personally it’s not bad, as long as you are going to work, doing your job, and contributing to society in some way then people should not concern themselves with what you do on your own time



  14. KLombe on October 28, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    kind of werid you used John Oliver to say gateway drug when he was saying that it wasn’t a gateway drug



  15. Madison S on October 28, 2020 at 8:59 pm

    Ok but what is considered “a lot” of cannabis? Like if you smoke 1 blunt a day? A few bowl/ bong fills? Like 1 gram a day, or like 3 and up?



  16. TeeX on October 28, 2020 at 9:00 pm

    man i got so high last night everything was loading like and old computer



  17. Neuro Transmissions on October 28, 2020 at 9:03 pm

    Unfortunately, YouTube says this video is not suitable for advertisers (despite manual review). We get it. Cannabis is a controversial topic. However, we think that content like this is important and we will continue to make it, even when it isn’t considered ad-friendly. If you like what we do and are interested in supporting us in other ways, consider checking out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/neurotransmissions



  18. narendra shinde on October 28, 2020 at 9:05 pm

    One one part of this video I agreed with her and on another part also I agreed…she expressed positive side once and negative side of once.
    Iam stoned right now😭and writing this….
    Should I agree that marijuana is good or accept that is bad also.



  19. Mr.Caesar Chacon on October 28, 2020 at 9:07 pm

    I’m talking old school side effects way before 1978 are side effects and causes that the effects and all of that good stuff there



  20. Anthony Sacerdote on October 28, 2020 at 9:07 pm

    " we went to talk to some expert in the field." proceeds to show an assistant marketing director…..



  21. Steve on October 28, 2020 at 9:07 pm

    Cannabis actually reduces bronchitis if smoked or not



  22. cool dude on October 28, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    Starts talking about brain effects at 6.40



  23. a tasty pineapple on October 28, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    Lol. Weed f*cks with your brain, get over it. Stop promoting drugs.



  24. The Pumpkin King on October 28, 2020 at 9:10 pm

    1:02 "I didn’t know my brain on drugs was a healthy breakfast I should go and do some drugs!" – Jontron 2018



  25. alisson knell on October 28, 2020 at 9:12 pm

    LEGALICEN LA MARIGUANAA



  26. Gamer Guy on October 28, 2020 at 9:13 pm

    Cannabis is a hallucinogenic drug.
    That’s why it’s illegal.



  27. H20cozmic on October 28, 2020 at 9:13 pm

    alcohol = violence, death, car crashes, leads to heroin crack and cocaine.

    weed= chill vibe, munchies, makes new friends. and yet its still illegal



  28. 60 Second Gaming on October 28, 2020 at 9:17 pm

    Don’t get fool even artist and any public use this as side emotion



  29. Bekka adair on October 28, 2020 at 9:18 pm

    Marijuana is not actually the proper name and gives it a negative connotation. In these modern times when this plant is gaining legal status in more and more states and being recognized for its tremendous medicinal qualities, we refer to it by its proper name, Cannabis.



  30. Luis Avila on October 28, 2020 at 9:18 pm

    Oh my god that smile 😃



  31. Leigh Hershkovich on October 28, 2020 at 9:19 pm

    Such an articulate, well though-out, and well presented video. Thank you!



  32. Hj Brockway on October 28, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    The war on drugs started with Nixon, and Reagan is famous for running with it.



  33. Stazia Kibera on October 28, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    Sinister cause presents the serpent and the rainbow on YouTube



  34. Stillhave Commonsense on October 28, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    Weed is only a gateway drug because it is illegal. To get pot in most of the country is rarely of good quality, ergo possibly contaminated. But mostly, you have to find a drug dealer to get it and generally he will have other stuff to entice you."do I take the seedy compresso weed or the roxy???"



  35. Swain on October 28, 2020 at 9:22 pm

    very informative



  36. Lil Fungel on October 28, 2020 at 9:22 pm

    Where are my stoners at???



  37. Mukesh Sahu on October 28, 2020 at 9:24 pm

    Waste video. You should focus on topic instead of history



  38. ArnoldCS on October 28, 2020 at 9:24 pm

    When i smoked it 1st time i just felt super relaxed, dizzy and i was in a super good mood,mby they shuld make it legal everywhere🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️



  39. Bruno Miranda on October 28, 2020 at 9:25 pm

    I already knew this but I forgot.



  40. Mike Tuttle on October 28, 2020 at 9:26 pm

    The devil’s lettuce I love it every day



  41. Philip Dressler on October 28, 2020 at 9:30 pm

    They were trying to say weed was only supposed to be for American women to bust men and other NORMAL women and bust white men out of the medical cannabis industry



  42. TK Stoddart on October 28, 2020 at 9:30 pm

    It’s only illegal in Republican states.



  43. Ryan Martinez on October 28, 2020 at 9:30 pm

    I feel like a stick of butter resting on a big ol’ plate of flapjacks.



  44. Scott LeVesque on October 28, 2020 at 9:31 pm

    sorry but everyone knows Nixon Started the war on drugs.



  45. Eagan Heath on October 28, 2020 at 9:32 pm

    Appreciate the video. In terms of bias, it would have benefited from an expert who doesn’t sell the substance.



  46. Youravaradgedwight12 Follow me on twitch on October 28, 2020 at 9:33 pm

    Fun fact 99% of people watching are over 18 if you are like if not then why are you watching this i wanna know?



  47. ChroMeDoMe on October 28, 2020 at 9:37 pm

    People don’t die from weed but plenty do from alcohol. Why is alcohole still legal and weed is having such a hard time becoming fully legalized? Makes no damn sense. Politicians and lawmakers need to pull their heads out their asses and see the motherf*cking light



  48. EpicMotorcycleJourney on October 28, 2020 at 9:38 pm

    IDK why marijuana is illegal lol but I prefer alcohol more than weed. weed is weak…



  49. Kotonarimasu on October 28, 2020 at 9:39 pm

    Weed was around in the 1800s? Hasheesh Houses? Rockstar how could u miss this opportunity



  50. Danil Yefremov on October 28, 2020 at 9:39 pm

    That unsolved rubix cube really bothers me