Marijuana and serotonin: What’s the connection?

Cannabis use is linked to pleasant and relaxing sensations, offering enjoyable moments. Indeed, several studies were carried out about marijuana and serotonin. The purpose is to understand the whys and wherefores of their interaction and ability to treat conditions such as depression or anxiety. This is due to the way the endocannabinoid system and this molecule are connected; subject that will be discussed below.

What is serotonin?

Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, is a neurotransmitter that belongs to the family of monoamines, which includes dopamine. This molecule, derived from tryptophan, is related to mood, sleep cycles, digestion, healing, appetite and memory.

It focuses on the brain, in areas such as the hypothalamus or midbrain; as well as in intestinal tissue or blood platelets. Although it is known for its effects in the brain, actually more than 90% is located in the gastrointestinal tract, regulating these functions.

Link between serotonin and depression

Serotonin, also known as the happy hormone, helps to regulate the state of mind, helping to transmit messages through the body’s nerve cells. This is why, in many cases, serotonin influences obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety or depression. Furthermore, it influences appetite, pain, libido, the vascular system, the regulation of hormones such as melatonin, the formation and maintenance of the bone system or cognitive perception.

Low serotonin levels can lead to conditions such as depression or anxiety:

• Depression. Characterised by generating feelings of apathy, lethargy or meaninglessness by weakening people’s ability to act.
• Anxiety. It occurs when you activate the nervous system excessively, suffering stress, fear or worry.

The treatment of this type of pathology is based on antidepressants’ intake that block the capture of serotonin or inhibit the enzymes responsible for destroying serotonin. In this way, the levels in the brain are increased. However, this type of treatment can cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation or blurred vision. Moreover, in some cases they result ineffective or even counterproductive if used on a long-term basis.

How to increase serotonin levels?

There are many everyday practices that can improve the production of this substance. Here are some of them:

• Diet: include foods with tryptophans such as pasta, rice, eggs, chicken, dairy products, cereals, vegetables, banana or turkey.
• Exercise: especially cardiovascular, such as running.
• Sun: the amount of light received determines moods and vitality.

What is the relationship between marijuana and serotonin ?

A lot of research has shown the relationship between the endocannabinoid system and the serotonin system, which are closely related and influence each other. Both maintain the balance between the body’s functions. In particular, the endocannabinoid system appears to be connected to the neurotransmitters monoamine, dopamine or serotonin, which would explain the effects of CBD and THC.

The latest research shows a possible serotonin metabolising activity of THC, the main component of cannabis. Thus, depending on the amount of THC, the amount of serotonin can be increased or decreased. When cannabinoids enter the body, they interact with CB1 receptors, expressed in GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons, which regulate their activation.

Marijuana and depression

Terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene and limonene are also present and have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects; although it is not known how they are bound in the body. Similarly, cannabinoids such as CBD, which have anxiolytic properties, help reduce stress, which is the main cause of depression.

Other research suggests that cannabis use complements the use of low-dose antidepressants, serving more as a complement than a substitute for them.

Both the endocannabinoids produced by the body and the phytocannabinoids present in cannabis, increase the activation of these neurons. Depending on the dose, a study conducted by McGill University, reveals that it is possible to obtain the opposite effect. The results showed that at low doses it increases serotonin levels, but at high doses it increases the activation of the neurons.

In other words, excessive use of cannabis can have the opposite effect. This is because individuals become overly sensitised to the release of serotonin, needing more and more of it.

Briefly, marijuana and serotonin interact with each other and can generate relaxing and pleasurable sensations. However, it is important to controll doses and always consult a specialist to avoid creating the opposite effect.