WHAT IS THC and CBD? How does it effect our bodies?

Since I wrote about how I’ve used weed during my pregnancy and why. I received a few messages and comments from moms who were telling me about their experience with cannabis either before or after having their children. Some moms feel really bad for partaking in an occasional joint or two to calm their nerves when the baby is sleep. Or while you hide in the bathroom for a few minutes (no worries we’ve all been there).

I think its time we really talk about it, because you only fear what you don’t know.

**Sparks joint

Now lets get into it . . .

So What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a not just one plant. Its a group of plants with psychoactive properties. There are 3 types of Cannabis plants: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis.

Once these beautiful flowers come to fruition they are harvested, dried, and then we’re left with what we know as marijuana AKA ganja, weed, pot, the magic dragon, or brown cigarettes lol one of the most common “drugs” in the world.

Cannabis is made up of over 120 components, known as cannabinoids. Scientists still aren’t sure what each cannabinoid does, but they have a solid understanding of CBD and THC, each of them with their own effects and uses.

CBD aka cannabidol is non- psychoactive, meaning it wont get you high. It’s used to reduce inflammation and ease pain. It also helps with depression, mental disorders, inflammatory bowl disease, nausea, migraines, seizures, and anxiety.

*It’s full medical benefits are still being researched.

THC aka tetra-hydro-canna-binol is psychoactive, meaning this is what’s responsible for your high. It helps with pain, muscle spasticity, glaucoma, insomnia, low appetite, nausea, and anxiety.

Each of these compound are chemically similar to the body’s endocannabinoid system. But they have different effects.

When we smoke or partake in any form of cannabis the neurotransmitters in your brain which are responsible for relaying messages like pain, stress, and sleep etc. to cells are affected.

What is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?

This system is a complex cell signaling system, discovered in 1990 when scientists were researching THC. It’s made up of 3 components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.

So far scientist have found out that this system plays a role in: appetite, digestion, metabolism, chronic pain, inflammation, other immune system responses, regulating sleep, mood, appetite, learning, memory, motor control, cardio vascular system, bone remodeling and growth, liver function, stress, skin nerve function, reproduction and fertility.

This system is active in our bodies without the use of cannabis. Its what kicks in to help your body return to normal function if something is thrown off.

Endocannabinoids are molecules made by your body, similar to cannabinoids but again they’re produced by your body. These cannabinoids help keep internal functions running smoothly. Your body produces them as needed.

Receptors are found throughout the body. Endocannabinoids bind to them in order for our ECS to take action. There are 2 types of receptors CB1 (Central nervous system) and CB2 (peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells).

Depending on what your body needs endocannabinoids will target certain receptors in the body.

Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids after they’ve carried out their function.

What are the side effects of cannabis?

Short term

CBD doesn’t seem to have any effects and our bodies can tolerate large doses. Studies suggest that side effects with CBD can occur as a result of other drugs used with CBD.

THC on the other hand can cause temporary side effects, like: increased heart rate, coordination problems, dry mouth, red eyes, slower reaction times, and memory loss. This is apart of the psychoactive properties.

Long term

Experts still haven’t fully uncovered the long term effects of cannabis because of the conflicting evidence on the topic. Most studies have only been tested on animals. Long term studies in humans are needed to fully understand lasting effects.

*** this is why blogs like mine or testimonials from people like myself are important. Because like any other research you have a hypothesis, you then test that hypothesis, and compare research before coming to a conclusion.

While I am here advocating for us mothers and parents to take time out for self care it is important to know that facts about this drug and do what YOU think is best for YOU. I don’t want my opinions or views to be pushed onto anyone so this is why I wanted to present the facts!

Now that you know more about cannabis and it’s effects do you still feel that this method is a good method for self care?

For me this solidifies my usage. It’s been scientifically proven to help with anxiety, stress, depression, pain, and so much more as explained above. I love this magical plant, it serves me well and helps me daily in managing myself and taking care of my family.

Tell me, how has weed impacted your life?

Now that you know more about it are you going to continue medicating?

Did I teach you something you didn’t know before?

I want your feedback! Comment down below or email me at pnicolebusiness@gmail.com

Love Always,

Stoned Black Mom

Nicole