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in the brain
Cannabis has two powerful active ingredient - THC and CBD (cannabidiol).
Both substances are classed as cannabinoids - they produce psychoactive
effects by binding with special receptors which are extraordinarily
abundant all over the brain and body. Your brain makes its own cannabinoid
- anandamide - which is thought to be involved in pain sensations,
memory regulation and the immune system. (3)
The ratio of these two substances determine the character
and strength of the effect. Like fine wines, different strains of
cannabis can have their own flavour and complexity, plus their own
distinct high.
a note on eating cannabis
If you take it orally, you could be in for quite
a ride. The liver metabolises THC into 11-OH-*9-THC, a compound
three times more psychoactive. Oral cannabis is a powerful, almost
psychedelic experience, very uncomfortable if you're not expecting
it. The effects are slower to come on (1 to 2 hours) and last considerably
longer (around 4 hours)
after effects
Cannabis can leave you feeling a little groggy and forgetful but
little else. Depending on how much you've smoked and its character
and strength, these effects can linger for hours or days.

1. Harder S, Rietbrock S (1997) Concentration-effect relationship of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiol and prediction of psychotropic effects after smoking marijuana. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 35(4):155-9
2. UK Independent Drug Monitoring Unit, “Cardiovascular Effects Of Cannabis”
3. MARIJUANA and MEDICINE:
Assessing The Science Base, pg 43
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