A new clip breaks down a potential side effect linked to long-term cannabis use
A new simulation has shown how cannabis interacts with the brain to create the familiar feeling of being high, while also laying out some of the medical issues that can develop with long-term use. The clip breaks things down in a clear way and helps explain why certain risks become more serious over time.
Cannabis has been tied to a range of harmful side effects when someone uses it often. These include conditions such as psychosis and a higher chance of developing mental health struggles like depression and anxiety. The way cannabis affects the brain can build up over years, which is why experts continue to warn about frequent use.
Using cannabis occasionally is generally seen as less dangerous than drugs like cocaine or ecstasy. Substances such as those are often cut with other chemicals, which adds another layer of risk. Even so, the simulation explains that cannabis is not as harmless as some people assume, especially when it becomes a regular habit.
Regular cannabis use can lead to health problems that slowly develop, and one of those issues has recently gained more attention. This side effect has raised concern among doctors because it affects people who may not expect it at all.
The condition is called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). It can cause ongoing nausea and other symptoms that are difficult for people to manage without medical help.
Emergency medicine specialist Dr. Chris Buresh explained the situation, saying: “Some people say they’ve used cannabis without a problem for decades. Or they smoke pot because they think it treats their nausea.”
Some strains of cannabis are much stronger than others, and smoking it can cause many health issues in the long term
“It seems like there’s a threshold when people can become vulnerable to this condition, and that threshold is different for everyone.”
“Even using in small amounts can make these people start throwing up.”
To help people understand how cannabis may play a role in these issues, Carleton University posted a detailed video to YouTube.
The clip breaks down what happens inside the brain when someone uses cannabis and how those changes can lead to mental health problems over time.
It offers a clearer picture of why long-term use has been linked to serious side effects.
The video explains that it all connects back to the endocannabinoid system, which is not the easiest phrase to say. This system interacts with the active chemicals in cannabis, and those interactions can create a range of effects in the brain.
Our endocannabinoid system plays a role in mood, memory, and how we respond to stress. Because of that, it makes sense that prolonged cannabis use can lead to issues such as panic attacks, depression, and memory problems. When the system becomes overloaded, the brain begins to process information differently, which can cause these symptoms to appear.
These changes take time to develop, and the simulation highlights how small shifts in brain chemistry add up and create conditions that can be difficult to reverse.
The endocannabinoid system works through a set of main signaling molecules called endocannabinoids. These molecules attach to special receptors throughout the brain, and this process helps regulate important functions in our daily lives.
Our bodies actually produce their own endocannabinoids, which shows how important this system is to our natural balance. When someone uses cannabis, THC — one of the drug’s active ingredients — binds to the same receptors. This causes the brain to release dopamine, which many people recognize as a chemical tied to pleasure and reward.
Because THC pushes dopamine levels much higher than normal, it creates the sense of euphoria that users recognize as being high. The simulation makes it clear that this dopamine spike is one of the main reasons cannabis has such a powerful effect.
The clip illustrated how cannabis use can affect the brainYouTube/Carleton University
However, the video also noted research suggesting that frequent cannabis use may cause the body to produce fewer of its own endocannabinoids. When this natural production drops, it can change how a person reacts to stress or handles everyday emotions.
“This means that heavy and frequent use of cannabis can change our nervous system, and over time we feel more anxious or depressed,” the video explained.
In addition to that, the heightened dopamine levels linked to cannabis use have also been connected to psychosis in some studies. This adds another reason why experts continue to warn about the long-term risks of frequent use, especially for younger people whose brains are still developing.
