Your brain on Marijuana

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Did you have any misconceptions about cannabis? If so, what were they?

[@jennimorgan394]

Brief Brain Snacks No misconceptions here. I have smoked since 1971. The amount and frequency has varied. The most interesting experience I can share is that in my youth, college, however you wish to class it, the cannabis experience was very much the classic gigglefest, blended with occasional bouts of sophomoric profundities, mild paranoia when the phone rang and the very classic, dumb as a doornail episodes. My social group was wise enough to see the drug as just as impairing as alcohol in spatial and motor skills, so we were never stupid enough to try to drive, etc. One needs to recognize our social responsibilities, even with intoxication. As an older adult, say from when I was passing my forties until now, The pot experience has changed dramatically. No more of the above, at all. Now, it is just sweet sweet somnolesence. Ahhh... sweet dream. And without the use of ambien or other popular new drugs foisted on an unexpecting public to entertain them with feats as prized as driving while sleeping and the like. Sarcasm noted, yes? And, the amount of pot it takes to accomplish sleep is greatly reduced as well. Maybe no more than 2-5 hits will do the trick whereas a youth, I could blast away all night If I chose to waste that much. Yes, this is all anecdotal. But, then when the anecdotes persist over decades and for millions, there just may be a truth to be told. Great vid, Amanda. As usual. I love that name. Should have picked it out for myself. Hey! There’s another topic for you, brain differentiation in transgender populations.

[@markcaesar4443]

I always thought marijuana had some sort of effect on the intellect but not too much. If it has no real effect on the mature brains' intellect then that was a misconception. I also thought it caused cancer as much as tobacco, that's quite obviously wrong. I was never sure whether it was a gateway drug, I thought it probably was. Basically, I thought it was bad for you to quite an extent but the evidence is against that. Now the question is why is it still illegal here in Australia and in many parts of the world?

[@willmack3308]

I used to think it would keep me from doing anything. Like lethargy in smokeable form. But at my height of consumption, I was working about 50 hours a week between two jobs, and still found time to exercise and practice my musical instruments. I thinking it was mainly due to my anxiety and depression being managed with it. Once I felt like a whole person, it was easy to get things done.

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

The continued prohibition of the drug is not super surprising. Alcohol (beer) companies want it to remain illegal since they believe it’ll cut into their profits. There’s some support to their concern as to where it’s been legalized in the us beer sales have decreased. That may be a novelty effect, though. Another reason has to do with race-based policing (in the US). I don’t know if that second point applies to Australia too.

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Thanks, & I find it fascinating how the effects have changed over time for you, but both aren’t in bad ways. Just different. I have transgender on my list of episodes I want to do in the future. If I can get more subscribers and support on Patreon I can make more content. Get to some of these things I have on my list. 🤞

[@wellingtonsmith4998]

a "gateway drug" do you mean like caffeine, ETOH and nicotine? then yes. Before taking cocaine or meth people may start by taking some of these legal drugs first. if you mean cannabis = meth addiction, then no. one does not lead to the other.

[@markcaesar4443]

Despite learning that moderate use is not as harmful, if harmful at all, I still choose to abstain from its' use. I found in my younger years that I didn't have an off switch for marijuana, if I was having a little bit I was going all the way, there was no such thing as moderation for me. As far as intoxicating substances go, I think alcohol is a far worse "problem" than marijuana. In fact, the only real issue I could see with marijuana use is driving whilst intoxicated.

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Best practices for the self. ⬆️

[@afabfemboymusic]

Thats me and alcohol tbh

[@willmack3308]

I know this is purely anecdotal but about seven years ago when I was smoking cannabis about 3-4 times a week, I was on no antidepressants or anxiety medication, I was running regularly because my knee inflammation was no longer an issue, and I rarely touched alcohol, because the high from cannabis was so much better than the buzzed feeling from drinking. So I guess you can say that I was using it both medicinally and recreationally. Definitely not a gateway drug. I know that I can only speak from my own experience, but I never had any urge to do anything else. Maybe better quality cannabis, but that's it. And while it may be habit forming, it's definitely not addictive. I haven't smoked cannabis in seven years but I can't say the same about drinking coffee or soda... Thanks for such an informative and realistic view of a plant that has made me consider moving to Colorado several times!😂😂😂

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

You’re welcome. Second, the point on habit formation versus addiction is a point I didn’t even mention, so thanks for adding. Usually, substances leading to addiction can cause severe health issues during the withdrawal period. There’s been no reports of serious withdrawal symptoms such as those experienced in cases of opioid addiction. No reports of death via withdrawal or overdose. Overall, it appears that cannabis is a much safer drug than those readily available for use.

[@Beesativity]

The only thing cannabis is a gateway to are panic attacks lol. I'm loving the new look of the channel by the way!

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Thank you! Glad you like it! One of the side effects that are well documented is anxiety in some people.

[@PaulRacicot]

Good video. Glad the pronunciation stumble was left in.

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Paul Racicot thanks!

[@courtneysenglish2308]

Girl, you are amazing!

[@HashtagHeathen]

I know it's mostly illegal here in the United States, but hasn't Israel been studying it for decades?? Just curious!! I deal with chronic illness that comes with chronic pain as a side effect... They've had me on opioids for the last 13 years & my next surgeon wants me completely off of them before even doing a consult... Anywho, long story, short: I'm going through major physical withdrawal from that... Makes me wonder if I'd be dealing with as much crap if they had tried medical marijuana for the pain... I'm all for legalizing it, I don't think it's a gateway drug at all & I think there are true benefits to using it above other pain-relieving options!!! Thanks for another great video, Amanda!!! 🖤🖤🖤 ~Casey

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Its complicated. In short, yes. Some research has been conducted for a long time. Long answer is the US is (was) a research and scientific power house. When the Us isn’t consuming a piece of science, the global community isn’t either. You can imagine how setback researchers are in this topic on a global scale due to prohibition in the US.

[@HashtagHeathen]

@@BriefBrainSnacks Ah, that makes a LOT of sense, thank you!!! Hopefully we can get it studied more, I know that I, for one, am curious as to what the research says!!

[@HaloHeathen]

Oh, there soooo much more! Like THCa, and how CBD counter acts the psychoactive effects of the THC. So much to still learn!

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Halo ت HᄐA ᅮᅢᄐ N absolutely. I didn’t have the time to get into things like the entourage effect but there are a lot of things to to talk about on this topic!

[@HaloHeathen]

@@BriefBrainSnacks hope you didn't think that was a complaint? It wasn't! Just was saying there's still alot to learn! Thank for doing your part to educate!

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Not at all. We were agreeing with you. ✌️❤️🧠

[@afabfemboymusic]

I smoke weed every day like a god damn pimp

[@jakesmith1942]

great video!

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Thank you!

[@willmack3308]

Only 17 likes? How do you not have like 10k subscribers yet???? Your videos are like neuroscience cliffs notes. People pay good money for the info that you are GIVING AWAY!!! Maybe you should do a video on the science behind people taking good info for granted!

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

That’s why I encourage people to become members on my Patreon Page. I want to keep this information free for everyone. The channel will build, these things take time and there’s been a lot of learning on my end. Making titles, clickable thumbnails, and trying to keep people’s attention for the majority of the video. I’ll find the formula, once I do, I think I’ll see more channel growth. Haven’t been doing this for even a year, yet. So, I’m excited to see what’s next for the channel. Thanks for being along for the ride!

[@willmack3308]

@@BriefBrainSnacks I really believe you are doing great work here. And I'm not just talking; I'm putting my money where my mouth is. I'll be seeing you on your patreon page!!

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

I look forward to having you. There are a few regular commenters there and I try to keep the posts interesting.

[@JohnProsserVideo]

Here for the jokes from BBS

[@premchaithanya.m6678]

Please don't stop what you do.....

[@jakesmith1942]

i think its highly addictive

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

I didn’t talk about addiction in this particular video, but the research indicates that there’s little addictive properties which are usually defined as causing severe withdrawal symptoms. Much of the withdrawal symptoms I noted are akin to withdrawal symptoms caused by caffeine withdrawals. It certainly is no opioid!

[@conradkorbol]

I think it’s habit forming just because it decreases pain or anxiety. It’s really tempting to seemingly abuse it. I know it’s probably hard to abuse it or it may not be possible. But I have seen several people throw up or seemingly become less productive This is all anecdotal and I have no evidence for it but habit forming and addictive are medically different.

[@cindyjames1326]

@@BriefBrainSnacks I used marijuana as often as I could as a teenager in the seventies. There was also quite a bit of alcohol, uppers, downers, blotter acid, mushrooms, etc for a few of my later teenage years. I also have a caffeine habit, and am an emotional eater. Cigarettes were hard as heck to quit. Finally cold turkey after 35 years. I had to rewire my brain to do it. alcohol, was not so hard for me, but I was only a daily user for about 6 months. I have used marijuana occasionally throughout the years, but in the last three or four years, I have become a daily user. I gives me great pleasure and it's difficult not to gravitate toward it. I am bothered by short-term memory issues. I don't think it's good for me to consume it every day. I agree that there are no physical indications when suddenly taken away. I have gone without for a couple weeks on vacation and hardly thought about it. I'd pretty much put it in the same category as emotional eating for me, it seems so harmless and gives so much pleasure, it's hard not to give in just one more time. It's no wonder that smoking weed and snacking go hand in hand. The obesity epidemic is tied to harmless snacking and fast-food comfort food. Who would have thought that in the sixties? I'm not sure what epidemic may eventually spring from daily prolonged use of weed as a 'comfort pill'.

[@elove8]

Few things are hit and miss.

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Dad's Downtime don’t worry. Along with my own research, a professional from the industry who teaches people about cannabis and how to properly grow reviewed the video. Thanks for watching!

[@meghansmith7884]

Marijuana isn't a drug mkay hahaha Bt i am paranoid most of the time hahaha. Cocaine first and the catnips, catnips doesn't need to another drugs soo yeah ahahha. Love ur hair Brain person ahhaha...Meow