Huberman Lab Podcast: Cannabis Discussion with Dr. Matthew Hill

Introduction

Host: Andrew Huberman, Professor at Stanford School of Medicine
Guest: Dr. Matthew Hill, Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy at the University of Calgary
Focus: Cannabis effects on stress, feeding, behavior, and development
Background: The episode follows up on a previous solo podcast by Huberman about cannabis and its various effects and potential harms.
Unique Origin: Dr. Hill's criticisms on social media about Huberman's points on cannabis leading to psychosis prompted the podcast.
Format: An up-to-date discussion on biological and clinical data relating to cannabis, THC vs. CBD, indica vs. sativa, cannabis and hunger, memory, anxiety, and treatment.

Plant Description: Cannabis is a plant with a rich history used for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes globally.
Active Compounds: Cannabinoids, primarily THC (Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
Terpenes: Responsible for cannabis smell and flavor, potentially influencing effects.

High THC Effects: Euphoria, altered perception, potential dissociative states.
Anxiety: Some strains cause anxiety, others may reduce it.
Time Perception: Altered time perception is common but not fully understood.
Focus and Memory: Mixed findings, but acute use may impair short-term memory without long-term effects.

Receptors: CB1 (primarily in the brain) and CB2 (mainly in immune cells).
Endocannabinoids: Anandamide and 2-AG, regulating neurotransmitter release and maintaining homeostasis.
THC Binding: Mimics endocannabinoids but exhibits a unique effect due to how it activates the CB1 receptor.
Feedback Mechanism: An endocannabinoid system reverses signaling from neurons to stabilize brain activity.
Systems Impact: Present in various brain regions and influencing multiple functions, including feeding behavior and reward perception.

Munchies: THC’s effect on stimulating appetite by affecting feeding circuits in the hypothalamus and the reward system.
Mechanisms: THC acts on CB1 receptors in the brain, influencing hunger and food-seeking behavior.

Inhalation: Rapid onset (2-5 minutes), self-titration, high blood THC levels.
Edibles: Delayed onset (30-90 minutes), longer-lasting effect, lower peak blood THC levels but issues with dosage control.
CBD: Non-psychoactive, acts through different mechanisms, including the potential modulation of neurotransmitter systems.

Endocannabinoid vs. THC Effects: THC doesn’t just amplify endocannabinoid effects but complicates them.
Psychosis and Cannabis: Acute episodes can occur, especially in vulnerable individuals (e.g., family history of schizophrenia).
Long-term Risks: Difficult to establish solid causality, but a strong predisposition link exists.
Paranoia: High doses may lead to paranoia; set and setting are significant factors.

Strains: No definitive chemical profile distinguishes sativa from indica; most effects might be expectancy-driven.
Placebo Effect: The perceived differences between strains may largely result from psychological expectations.

Epilepsy: CBD shown to help in certain types of pediatric epilepsy (e.g., Dravet syndrome).
Anxiety and PTSD: Some support for reducing anxiety and enhancing sleep, particularly in PTSD patients by modulating nightmares.
Chronic Pain: THC helps manage background noise of pain, possibly improving sleep and quality of life.

Smoking: Lung damage, though not as strong a link to lung cancer as tobacco.
Cardiovascular Effects: Mixed evidence; potential for increased risks in certain conditions.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: Chronic high usage may lead to paradoxical vomiting resolved in unusual ways, such as hot showers.
Tolerance and Dependence: Possible tolerance in frequent users, but high-potency effects need cautious monitoring.

Correct Information: Importance of informed sources like trained bud tenders in dispensaries.
Self-Titration: Users should carefully manage dosages, especially with high-potency and edible products to avoid overdosing.

Long-term Studies: Needed to clarify many aspects of cannabis use and effects further.
Harm Reduction: Emphasis on limiting adverse effects, safe use practices, and understanding individual differences.

Collaboration and Education: Highlighted the value of scientific discourse and correction of misconceptions in public understanding.
Further Research: Importance of ongoing studies in understanding both beneficial and harmful effects of cannabis.
Thanks: Acknowledgement of the constructive nature of the collaboration between Huberman and Hill.