Recent health news highlights a concerning trend: individuals who combine smoking tobacco with cannabis may be inadvertently altering their brain chemistry, potentially diminishing their capacity for pleasure and increasing risks for mental health issues. Emerging research suggests this prevalent lifestyle choice could be draining a key “bliss molecule” in the brain, offering new insights into why quitting cannabis can be particularly challenging for those who also use tobacco.
Understanding the Brain’s Bliss System
The human brain possesses a sophisticated internal system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system plays a crucial role in regulating a wide array of physiological and cognitive functions, including mood, memory, appetite, pain sensation, and stress response. At the heart of this system are endocannabinoids – natural compounds produced by the body, the most well-known of which is anandamide. Anandamide is often referred to as the “bliss molecule” due to its significant involvement in feelings of well-being and pleasure. This molecule is regulated by an enzyme called fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down anandamide. The ECS is intrinsically linked to the brain’s reward pathways, working alongside neurotransmitters like dopamine to influence motivation and pleasure.
The Dual Impact: Cannabis and Tobacco on the ECS
Both cannabis and tobacco, when used independently, can influence the endocannabinoid system. Cannabis, primarily through its active compound THC, interacts with cannabinoid receptors (CB1) in the brain. This interaction can alter the natural balance of endocannabinoids, including anandamide, and stimulate dopamine release, contributing to the ‘high’ and sense of pleasure associated with its use. Similarly, nicotine from tobacco also affects brain chemistry, particularly by stimulating dopamine release, a neurotransmitter fundamental to reward and pleasure. Studies have indicated that chronic use of either substance can disrupt the ECS.
New Research: The Combined Effect on Anandamide
A preliminary study, published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports and conducted by researchers at McGill University, has provided the first human evidence using advanced Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging to explore the molecular impact of co-using cannabis and tobacco. The findings revealed a distinct difference in brain chemistry between individuals who used only cannabis and those who used both cannabis and tobacco. Specifically, the co-users exhibited significantly higher levels of FAAH, the enzyme responsible for breaking down anandamide. This elevated FAAH activity means anandamide is degraded more rapidly, leading to a reduction in its availability and activity in the brain.
Implications for Health and Well-being
This depletion of the “bliss molecule” may explain many of the observed negative outcomes associated with combining cannabis and tobacco. Researchers suggest that lower anandamide levels are linked to increased anxiety, depression, and a greater propensity for relapse when attempting to quit. For individuals who use both substances, this imbalance can translate into more severe mental health challenges and a harder battle against addiction, including cannabis use disorder. Beyond these neurochemical changes, the combination of smoking tobacco and cannabis carries substantial general health risks, including lung damage, exposure to harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide and tar, and increased dependence on both substances.
The Growing Trend of Co-Use
The practice of mixing or using cannabis and tobacco concurrently is a prevalent lifestyle choice. Co-use, simultaneous use, or mixing tobacco with cannabis is common, particularly in the form of blunts or spliffs. With the increasing legalization and acceptance of cannabis, this trend is a growing public health concern. Some individuals may not even realize they are consuming tobacco when using pre-mixed products. This growing prevalence underscores the importance of understanding the unique risks associated with this combined substance use.
Conclusion
The latest research offers a compelling biological explanation for the heightened risks faced by individuals who smoke tobacco with cannabis. By potentially draining the brain’s natural “bliss molecule,” anandamide, this combined use may disrupt mood regulation, exacerbate mental health issues, and complicate efforts to quit. As this news continues to emerge, public health awareness campaigns and further scientific investigation are crucial to help individuals make informed decisions about their lifestyle and substance use. Identifying these neurochemical pathways also opens doors for developing more targeted and effective treatments for cannabis use disorder, particularly for those who also use tobacco.
