Does Smoking Pot Make You Sexy?

Smoking pot can make you feel hot, but it's more likely to make you feel cold. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, lowers body temperature, in a phenomenon known as THC-induced hypothermia. However, some people report feeling warm after smoking pot, and research suggests that low doses of cannabinoids might cause hyperthermia, or a temporary increase in body temperature.

Cannabis can lower body temperature

Cannabis can indeed lower body temperature. This phenomenon is called THC-induced hypothermia. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant.

THC-induced hypothermia is not as scary as it sounds. It just means that after smoking a bowl, you might feel a little chilly. This is because THC has a similar effect to wasabi, mustard, or hot chili peppers when it comes to temperature. When you consume something spicy or hot, your body senses the heat and ignites a cascade of chemical reactions that tell your body it needs to cool down. This reaction is thought to be mediated by a particular cell receptor called the TRPA-1 receptor, which is essential in mediating pain, inflammation, and temperature regulation.

Research has shown that cannabinoid receptors may have a powerful influence over temperature regulation. Cannabinoid receptors are part of a much larger endocannabinoid system (ECS). While much of the research on the subject has been conducted on rodents rather than humans, the hypothermic effects of THC were noted in scientific research in the 1970s and 80s.

It's important to note that the effects of cannabis on body temperature are usually mild and pass quickly, as long as it is not used in extremely high doses. Significant effects on body temperature are unlikely to stem from lower doses of THC.

High doses of cannabinoids can cause hypothermia

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. It stimulates the part of the brain that responds to pleasure, like food and sex, and unleashes a chemical called dopamine, which gives a euphoric, relaxed feeling. However, THC also has the effect of lowering body temperature. This phenomenon is called THC-induced hypothermia.

The TRPA-1 receptor, a cell receptor, is believed to play a role in this process. It is involved in mediating pain, inflammation, and temperature regulation. When activated by compounds in cannabis, it triggers a cool-down reaction. This is similar to the effect of consuming spicy or hot foods, which can help cool the body down.

Research suggests that cannabinoid receptors, which are activated by THC and other compounds in cannabis, have a powerful influence over temperature regulation. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Low doses of cannabinoids may cause hyperthermia, or a temporary increase in body temperature. However, in high doses, they have the opposite effect, leading to a decrease in body temperature.

While the majority of research on the subject has been conducted on rodents rather than humans, the hypothermic effects of THC were observed in scientific research as early as the 1970s. Additional research in the 1980s, also on rodents, further confirmed the connection between cannabis and lowered body temperature.

It is important to note that the effects of cannabis can vary depending on factors such as potency, method of consumption, and individual physiology. While THC-induced hypothermia is generally not considered dangerous, it can cause discomfort or inconvenience.

THC affects cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system

THC, the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, affects the cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system. These cannabinoid receptors are G-protein coupled receptors and are primarily located in the presynaptic and axonal compartments of the central nervous system. The CB1 receptor is the most prominent subtype in the central nervous system and is highly expressed in the neocortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. The CB1 receptor is coupled to pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive Gi/o type G proteins which leads to a rapid decrease in levels of cAMP by inhibiting adenylate cyclase activity. The CB1 receptor also exhibits constitutive activity indicative of G protein activation in the absence of agonists. The CB1 receptor binds the main active ingredient of Cannabis sativa (marijuana), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and mediates most of the central nervous system effects of Δ9-THC.

CBD does not alter body temperature

While cannabis products with varying degrees of THC can affect your body temperature, CBD 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, the gastrointestinal tract, or psychological functions. Furthermore, a 2017 study found that CBD treatment for up to two weeks had no effect on blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, glucose, and other levels.

CBD, a non-psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, has been used as medicine throughout history. It is important to note that CBD and THC have crucial differences in their effects on body temperature. While CBD may help reduce fevers, it does not directly affect body temperature. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated that in the presence of a bacterial infection, CBD did not impact the fever.

CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation, protect against fever-induced brain damage, and allow patients to rest, which can be beneficial for fighting off infections. However, it is important to note that regardless of the fever's cause, CBD has not been shown to directly impact the fever itself.

Marijuana affects the hypothalamus' regulatory functions

Marijuana affects the hypothalamus regulatory functions by acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is the body's primary neuroendocrine system for stress response. It is activated in response to acute stress and substance abuse, causing the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus, which in turn promotes the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary gland, ultimately resulting in cortisol secretion from the adrenal cortex.

Studies have shown that acute administration of marijuana or its main psychoactive compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), generally leads to increased cortisol levels. However, frequent and dependent users exhibit blunted cortisol reactivity and recovery, indicating possible HPA axis dysregulation due to heavy marijuana use. The HPA axis dysregulation may also be a risk marker for heavy marijuana use rather than a consequence.

The effects of marijuana on basal cortisol levels, which exhibit diurnal variation, are mixed. Some studies found no difference in basal cortisol levels between frequent marijuana users and non-users, while others reported increased basal cortisol levels in chronic users.

Additionally, marijuana use has been associated with a blunted cortisol awakening response (CAR). CAR refers to the increase in cortisol levels during the morning, peaking 30 minutes after awakening, and is considered a reliable marker for individual differences in HPA axis activity. A study found that children who started using marijuana during early adolescence exhibited blunted cortisol levels 30 minutes after awakening compared to those who initiated use later.

Overall, the available research suggests that marijuana use may dysregulate the normal functioning of the HPA axis, potentially contributing to HPA axis hypoactivation over time. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of marijuana use on the HPA axis and its potential impact on stress responsivity and other physiological functions regulated by the hypothalamus.

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