The Huberman Lab Podcast: Discussion with Dr. Matthew Hill on Cannabis

Overview

Host: Andrew Huberman, Ph.D. (Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine)
Guest: Dr. Matthew Hill (Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy at the University of Calgary)
Topics: Biological effects of cannabis, THC vs. CBD, cannabis and psychosis, medical applications of cannabis, risks associated with cannabis use.

Dr. Hill's lab studies cannabis effects on stress, feeding, and behavior at different developmental stages.
Origin: Dr. Hill responded critically to a previous Huberman Lab podcast episode on cannabis via social media.
Purpose: Update discussion on cannabis' biological effects and current research findings.
Episode is not a debate but aims to provide an updated discussion.

Cannabis: Plant with a rich history used for medicinal, spiritual, and recreational purposes.
Contains various molecules called cannabinoids (e.g., THC, CBD, etc.) and tpin (e.g., lemoning, pinene).
THC (Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive component.
CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive but can affect anxiety and mood.

Described as Euphoria, altered perception, introspection, and altered time perception.
Onset of the High: Typically felt within 2-5 minutes when smoked; can last significantly longer when ingested as an edible (up to 6 hours).

THC acts primarily on CB1 receptors, which regulate neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitation/inhibition to maintain homeostasis.
CBD does not bind to CB1 receptors but affects other mechanisms like adenosine uptake, which may provide sedative effects.
THC vs. endoc canaboids: THC is high Affinity but partial Agonist; disrupts endogenous homeostasis by acting broadly and non-specifically.

Medical Uses: THC helps with pain management, appetite stimulation for cancer patients, reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma, and anti-nausea effects. CBD is effective for certain pediatric epilepsy cases.
Anxiety and Sleep: THC might reduce anxiety at low doses but can increase it at high doses. CBD's claimed benefits in low doses are mostly Placebo; effective doses in epilepsy cases are significantly higher.

Psychosis: Debate on whether THC causes lasting psychosis such as schizophrenia. Possible link but not causation; potentially accelerates onset in genetically predisposed individuals.
Addiction: Cannabis use disorder can develop, characterized by dependency and lifestyle disruption. Higher in regular users (approx. 30% in weekly users).
Physical Health: Smoking can cause lung damage; varying cardiovascular effects; cyclical vomiting syndrome.
Driving: Cannabis impairs motor skills and reaction time—similar public health considerations as alcohol.
Long-term Effects: Unclear, but potential cognitive impacts on memory and hormonal fluctuations are subject to ongoing debate and research.
Other Considerations: Differences in reactions and tolerability among individuals; high potency cannabis (concentrates) pose higher risks.

Strains (Indacier vs. Sativa): Plant shape-based Botanical terms; subjective effects likely due to expectancy bias rather than inherent chemical differences.
CBD Craze: Marketed heavily but low dose products likely have placebo effects; clinical efficacy seen in high doses (e.g., 1500-2000 mg for epilepsy).
Policy and Use Trends: Varied by region. Legalization generally seen to lead to stable or reduced youth cannabis use but increases in adult and elderly use.

Clarified misconceptions from previous episodes about cannabis and THC effects, especially around psychosis and strain differences.
Emphasized the importance of well-designed, blinded clinical trials to understand cannabis' true effects and potential medical benefits.
Acknowledged the complexity of cannabis' effects and ongoing need for research to inform public health decisions.

Thanked Dr. Hill for sharing his expertise and research findings.
Encouraged continued exploration and discussion within the scientific community to advance understanding of cannabis.

Mentioned studies: Prof. Hill's research, cannabinoid receptor studies, THC & CBD pharmacology research, epidemiological data on cannabis use, genetic studies on schizophrenia.
Suggested further reading and continuous education on cannabis-related health impacts.