{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/mood/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3757-markdown","title":"Why Does Weed Get You \"High\" and Make You Feel Good?","slug":"why-does-weed-get-you-high-and-make-you-feel-good","content":"Sometimes feeling good is as simple as smoking some weed or eating your favorite edible. When you feel the euphoria from getting high, you may ponder deep existential questions or laugh louder than usual during your favorite Netflix show. THC may energize you, depending on the strain, and you end up cleaning your house until it shines like a new penny. Or, maybe it makes you more creative, and you spend hours painting your next masterpiece. The bottom line is, you feel good.\n\nYou might wonder how weed works its magic allowing you to feel peaceful, sublime, and even happy. The thing is, we've wondered the same thing. Below we unravel the weed mystery and give you a scientific download.\n\n### From Mouth to Mind: The Fast Track to Feeling Good\n\nWe used to believe that the feel-good high associated with marijuana was caused by a flood of dopamine released by the ingestion of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Researchers and scientists are now more inclined to credit the interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). \n\nWe now know that THC may actually work on the same receptors as our bodies' naturally occurring, pleasure-inducing endocannabinoid, anandamide. It's this interaction that is one of the reasons we may feel happy after ingesting cannabis.\n\nBut let's take a step back. First, when it comes to weed and feeling good, not only does it depend on what you take (a strain high in THC, for example) but how. If you smoke or inhale cannabis, it goes from your lungs to the bloodstream very quickly. \n\nWithin 20 minutes, your circulatory system delivers THC molecules to every tissue in the body, including the brain, where it can alter neural chemistry. (While marijuana has many cannabinoids, THC is the one most associated with psychoactive effects).\n\nOn the other hand, edibles take a more leisurely trip through the liver, where enzymes turn THC into a different compound that takes longer to exert its mind-bending effects. Edibles may take longer to work, but their effects may also last longer than smoking or vaping. One study reveals that oral ingestion of THC requires 30 to 90 minutes for effects to begin and reach their peak after two to three hours.\n\n![shutterstock_410648107-min.jpg](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/shutterstock_410648107_min_d9f1de360a.jpg)\n\nWeed can make watching your favorite Netflix show an absolute blast.\n\n### Tapping into the Endocannabinoid System\n\nWhen smoking or vaping, THC molecules pierce the blood-brain barrier and fit snugly into receptors. These typically handle compounds called endocannabinoids, which your body produces itself. These receptors are part of the ECS, whose functions include, among others, stress, food intake, metabolism, pain, and pleasure.\n\nThe ECS controls the release of every neurotransmitter in the brain — these are molecules that the brain cells, or neurons, use to communicate with one another. One neuron sends a message to the next by releasing neurotransmitters, such as [dopamine]( https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-dopamine) or serotonin, into a gap that separates one neuron from the next called the synapse.\n\nWhen THC enters the brain, the molecules spread into the synapses, where they activate CB1 receptors. It decreases the likelihood that the presynaptic neurons it affects will temporarily stop sending the usual neurotransmitters. In effect, THC comes into the ECS like a mighty wave, flooding it with feel-good signals the postsynaptic neurons didn't send — giving you a high and better outlook on life. We like that!\n\n### Not Everyone Feels Good With Weed\n\nNot everyone's experience ingesting cannabis is the same. While many people have good and pleasurable experiences, others, perhaps because of differences in their ECS, may wind up [feeling anxious, afraid, or panicked](https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/marijuana-use-and-its-effects#1). In high doses THC can make you paranoid and lose touch with reality.\n\nTHC can also cloud your perception and may give you poor judgment or lower mobility response time. The effects depend on how strong the marijuana was, how you've consumed it, and how much you've used in the past. There's a chance it can:\n\n- Heighten your senses\n- Distort your sense of time\n- Play havoc with your motor skills\n- Lower your inhibitions\n- Increase your depression\n\n### But Cannabis May Help With Depression and Anxiety\n\nThere's evidence to suggest that medical marijuana can help with many conditions, including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and treating nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. Other potential benefits include help with:\n\n- Involuntary movements associated with movement disorders\n- Sleep disorders\n- HIV-related weight loss\n- Spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis\n\nSo the positive emotions and euphoria can help with feelings of anxiety and may help with depression as well, though this is not as well documented by research to date. But some evidence does show that medical marijuana can help stabilize the ECS, bringing back normal function and helping to improve depression.\n\nSome studies show that stress can suppress the brain's production of endocannabinoids, causing depressed behavior. Using cannabis can restore normal levels and functions, improving the symptoms of depression. \n\n### Get Your Medical Marijuana Card\n\nIf you live in a state where medical weed is legal, then you'll need to obtain a medical marijuana card so you can buy products from a legal dispensary.\n\nDepending on where you live, HelloMD can help you talk to a licensed practitioner and [get your medical marijuana card](https://hellomd.com/get-started) in a process that is fast, easy and cost effective.\n\nSometimes the best high you can get is improving your health with the aid of an increasingly proven medical treatment. \n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/14b42/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.jpg","srcSet":"/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/f836f/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.jpg 200w,\n/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/2244e/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.jpg 400w,\n/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/14b42/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.jpg 800w,\n/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/47498/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.jpg 1200w,\n/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/0e329/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.jpg 1600w,\n/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/545e0/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.jpg 7360w","srcWebp":"/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/58556/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/61e93/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.webp 200w,\n/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/1f5c5/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.webp 400w,\n/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/58556/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.webp 800w,\n/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/99238/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.webp 1200w,\n/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/7c22d/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.webp 1600w,\n/static/723d286d0fe04b9ba474c79d24e59ede/2565d/7454eb618f50f8ea48898b9396830f05.webp 7360w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2128-markdown","title":"Why Does Cannabis Make You Feel Good?","slug":"why-does-cannabis-make-you-feel-good","content":"It was long believed that the “high” associated with cannabis was caused by a flood of dopamine released by the consumption of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This theory has been largely discredited, though it's still believed that cannabinoid receptors in the body are closely linked to the body's reward system. Cannabis, when compared to drugs like amphetamines and cocaine, only produces a moderate amount of dopamine. THC does, however, work on the same receptors as our bodies’ naturally occurring, pleasure-inducing endocannabinoid, anandamide. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Cannabis's Connection to Anandamide, the Feel-Good Molecule\r\n\r\nAnandamide is a neurotransmitter that's believed to be the true cause of the euphoria related to cannabis. Anandamide, which is one of the body's natural endocannabinoids, is known to produce joy and happiness. It also plays a role in memory, motivation, pain, appetite and fertility. It's the binding of anandamide with the CB1 receptor that produces the “feel good” effect that is similar to that associated with cannabis usage. \r\n\r\nMeanwhile, a study published in 2014 in the journal *Transitional Medicine* found that [anandamide can even affect the growth of breast cancer cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4140423/). The study found that anandamide inhibits pro-angiogenic factors, which provides its anti-tumor efficacy. Anandamide, which is very fragile, also has anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties. \r\n\r\nTHC in cannabis works on the same receptors that anandamide does, allowing it to stimulate happy and euphoric feelings in a similar way. THC works to supplement the body's internally produced anandamide. This is why it can help boost people's moods. Cannabis, however, doesn't always have joy-producing effects on people. Some folks may experience negative effects from using cannabis—this effect is also linked to anandamide. \r\n\r\n### Why Do Some Folks Feel Anxious After Using Cannabis?\r\n\r\nFAAH, also known as fatty acid amide hydrolase, is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that deactivates anandamide. People are genetically predisposed to produce more or less FAAH, which changes the levels of anandamide in their body.\r\n\r\nFolks with less FAAH, who naturally have more anandamide, tend to have more anxiety-producing effects from cannabis. This is because their increased levels of anandamide quicken the biphasic effects of cannabis. Since they already have higher levels of anandamide binding to their CB1 receptors, they can easily be overwhelmed by smaller levels of THC, which binds to the same receptors. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [WHEN MARIJUANA MAKES YOU FEEL ANXIOUS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59a6d4c3d651df274bd05e93/when-marijuana-makes-you-feel-anxious)\r\n\r\n### Anandamide, Chocolate and the Runner's High\r\n\r\nCannabis isn't the only thing that can stimulate anandamide and boost your mood. Chocolate, which contains theobromine, is believed to cause the brain to produce more anandamide. Theobromine is a relaxant that is related to caffeine that is believed to stimulate anandamide production in the body. Chocolate also contains molecules that slow the breakdown of anandamide. The stimulation of anandamide is believed to be one of the main reasons why chocolate is one of the most commonly craved foods. Other foods, including truffles, parsley, tea and celery, also contain anandamide or stimulate its production. Exercise also can produce anandamide. The “runner's high” associated with working out is actually related to increased anandamide production, rather than just by a flood of endorphins as previously thought.\r\n\r\n_____________________________________________________________________\r\n\r\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/ee604/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.png","srcSet":"/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/69585/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.png 200w,\n/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/497c6/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.png 400w,\n/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/ee604/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.png 800w,\n/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/4c5c8/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.png 1004w","srcWebp":"/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/58556/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/61e93/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.webp 200w,\n/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/1f5c5/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.webp 400w,\n/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/58556/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.webp 800w,\n/static/c46e122669688ba957a90882975cbc15/eddbc/359519734b2b62762faf609ec7fdd8da.webp 1004w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5529,"name":"Mood","slug":"mood","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}