Pot, Hot Flashes, And You: Exploring The Link

Does Smoking Pot Increase Hot Flashes?

There is some evidence to suggest that smoking pot can influence body heat and therefore increase hot flashes, but the research is limited. While most studies show that cannabis is unlikely to cause a significant change in body temperature unless consumed in very high doses, it is known to have a strong effect on the hypothalamus' regulatory functions, which control body temperature.

The human body makes its own cannabinoids, which are responsible for regulating multiple body functions, including body temperature. The marijuana plant contains two cannabinoids that are thought to have a role in managing menopause symptoms: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis that can cause a high, while CBD is extracted from hemp flowers and does not have psychoactive properties.

According to a 2017 study, one of the primary effects of THC in lab animals is lower body temperature. In general, high doses of cannabinoids can lower body temperatures, and there is some research that suggests it is possible to become tolerant to the heat loss effects of THC in female rats. However, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects on humans.

While there is limited scientific research on the direct link between cannabis and hot flashes, observational and anecdotal data suggest that cannabis can be effective in decreasing the frequency and severity of hot flashes. The THC in cannabis mimics the endocannabinoid that helps regulate body temperature, and this effect is dose-dependent. Large amounts of THC can cause a drop in internal temperature, while small amounts can cause a rise.

Additionally, quitting smoking cigarettes has been shown to decrease the risk, severity, and frequency of hot flashes in perimenopausal women.

THC and CBD are two cannabinoids extracted from the marijuana plant that can help manage menopause symptoms

THC and CBD are two cannabinoids extracted from the marijuana plant. They can help manage menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood shifts.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical derived from the cannabis plant. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the plant. Unlike THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not produce a euphoric high. However, it is still psychoactive, meaning it can influence a person's mood without impairing them.

The endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in menopause, can be influenced by cannabis and CBD. This system is made up of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and throughout the body, which are involved in the functioning of the immune system, fertility and reproduction, and temperature regulation. By influencing the function of the endocannabinoid system, CBD may help treat conditions related to menopause.

While there is currently no scientific evidence supporting the use of CBD for menopause, some people may find it effective for managing their symptoms. CBD has been found to help with chronic pain, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation in people with specific health issues. It may also help with depression and anxiety, which are more common around menopause due to changing hormones and other symptoms.

THC, on the other hand, is the cannabinoid that produces the euphoric high associated with marijuana use. It is also psychoactive and can have more significant effects on mood and cognition. While it has not been specifically studied for menopause symptom relief, it is possible that its effects on the endocannabinoid system could provide some benefits.

In summary, while more research is needed, THC and CBD show potential as alternative treatments for managing menopause symptoms. They may help with hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood shifts, and other issues related to menopause. However, it is important to note that the safety and long-term effects of using these cannabinoids for menopause have not been thoroughly studied.

THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis and can help regulate body temperature

THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, has been shown to have an effect on body temperature. In general, high doses of THC can lower body temperature, with lab animals showing consistent decreases in temperature following exposure to THC. A 2008 study from Brain Research tested how THC affected locomotor (body movements), brain, muscle and skin responses in rats. The animals were given three widely varying doses and then their responses to stimuli, including a tail pinch and social interaction, were compared to control subjects. After socializing and getting pinched, the control rats showed an increase in brain and muscle temperature. The rats given THC at any dose showed lowered brain and muscle temperature, though clinical hypothermia was seen only following the largest dose.

The hypothermia that results from THC is produced by certain cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system. The effects of cannabinoids on body temperature are considered “relatively straightforward”. Researchers surgically implanted transmitters measuring body temperature or blood pressure into groups of rats. Then they injected THC and synthetic cannabinoids into the rats, and then monitored them for three hours. After about 30 minutes, both THC and the synthetic cannabinoids resulted in decreases in body temperature. This was dependent on the dose they were given. Although they didn’t reach their lowest point until about 90 minutes.

THC has been shown to decrease oxygen consumption without evident effects on vascular tone. Therefore, metabolic inhibition with diminished heat production, but not increased heat loss, appears to be the primary mechanism underlying body hypothermia.

CBD does not alter body temperature and can help with pain, inflammation, and sleep

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that has been used as medicine throughout history. Unlike THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not produce a euphoric "high" and does not alter body temperature. Results from a 2011 review published in Current Drug Safety suggest that CBD is non-toxic and does not affect heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, or psychological functions. Furthermore, a 2017 study found that CBD treatment for up to two weeks had no effect on body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, glucose, or other levels.

CBD has been shown to help with pain, inflammation, and sleep. A 2015 study published in Neurotherapeutics found that CBD influences the body to use its own endocannabinoids more effectively, which can reduce pain perception and improve mood. Additionally, CBD may limit inflammation in the brain and nervous system, which may benefit people experiencing insomnia and certain immune system responses. A 2016 study in the European Journal of Pain found that applying a topical gel containing CBD to rats with arthritis for four days resulted in a significant drop in inflammation and signs of pain without additional side effects.

While CBD is a promising option for pain relief, research has not yet proven it safe and effective, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD for treating pain. More evidence is needed to determine the therapeutic potential of CBD and to establish safe and effective dosages.

Smoking or vaping cannabis has an immediate effect but may harm the respiratory tract

Smoking or vaping cannabis has an immediate effect on the user, but it may also harm the respiratory tract. Inhaling cannabis is advantageous if you want to feel the effects immediately, but it can be harmful to your respiratory tract. It is also not an activity that can be done discreetly. The onset of action is within minutes, with peak levels reached in about 15 to 30 minutes, and the total duration lasting about two or more hours.

The human body makes its own cannabinoids, and the human endocannabinoid system is a complex, nerve-signaling system that regulates multiple body functions, including metabolism, pain, mood, learning, memory, sleep, stress, bone health, and cardiovascular health. Hormones, especially estrogen, play a critical role in the endocannabinoid system, and some experts propose that the disruption of this system when estrogen is low is responsible for menopause symptoms—and they say it’s also why using cannabis can decrease hot flashes.

The marijuana plant contains two cannabinoids that have potential roles in managing menopause symptoms: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis that brings on the high. It mimics some aspects of the natural endocannabinoid in our bodies, which helps regulate body temperature, and is therefore thought to be the key to reducing hot flashes.

CBD is extracted from hemp flowers and contains trace amounts of THC, but it does not have psychoactive properties, so it will not get you high. Although it may not reduce hot flashes specifically, it does decrease pain and inflammation and can help you get a good night’s sleep. The anti-inflammatory properties of both cannabinoids may also help with bone loss and cardiovascular disease.

Edibles, like gummies or cookies, have a delayed effect and are not psychoactive unless they contain THC

Edibles are cannabis-based food products that come in many forms, from gummies to brownies. They can contain either one or both of marijuana's active ingredients: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Edibles that contain THC have a stronger effect on the brain and are thus psychoactive, while those that only contain CBD are not psychoactive and do not cause a "high".

When consuming an edible, it typically takes longer to feel the effects compared to smoking or vaping cannabis. This is because edibles go through your digestive system and liver before moving to your bloodstream and eventually your brain. The onset time can range from 30 to 120 minutes, and it can take up to four hours to feel the full effect. The duration of the effects can last from six to twelve hours, and sometimes even longer.

The time it takes for edibles to kick in and the duration of their effects depend on various factors, such as the dosage, type of edible, individual metabolism, and what you've eaten that day. For example, edibles that are absorbed in the mouth, like lozenges, tend to have a faster onset than those that are eaten. Additionally, consuming an edible on an empty stomach can lead to a quicker onset.

It's important to note that edibles with THC can have a more intense "high" compared to smoking or vaping. As such, it's recommended to start with a low dose, especially if you're new to cannabis edibles, and to wait at least an hour or two before consuming more. This is because edibles have a delayed effect, and taking too much too soon can lead to unpleasant side effects.

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