Cannabis and Coping: A Mixed Relationship
Explicit content warning
03/03/25 • 71 min
In this episode Preston and Margaret explore the endocannabinoid system, cannabis, and its impact on mental health. They break down the science behind CB1 and CB2 receptors, explain why marijuana affects people so differently, and discuss the complex relationship between THC, CBD, and dopamine. Along the way, they tackle myths about cannabis use, addiction, and medical marijuana, shedding light on what we actually know—and what remains a mystery due to historical barriers to research.
Takeaways:
The Endocannabinoid System is Vast and Mysterious: CB1 and CB2 receptors exist throughout the body, influencing pain, pleasure, nausea, and more—but the full scope of their role remains unclear.
Marijuana’s Effects Depend on the User: Some people experience relaxation and appetite stimulation, while others develop anxiety, paranoia, or even worsening nausea with chronic use.
The THC-to-CBD Ratio Matters: Over time, cannabis strains have been bred to increase THC potency, which may contribute to heightened psychiatric risks, including psychosis.
Cannabis Can Have Severe Side Effects: Long-term use can lead to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)—a condition causing severe nausea and vomiting—and may increase the risk of cannabis-induced psychosis in predisposed individuals.
Medical Cannabis Outpaced the Research: While cannabis is now widely used for medical purposes, much of its effectiveness is anecdotal, and research on its long-term mental health impacts is still catching up.
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Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
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Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode Preston and Margaret explore the endocannabinoid system, cannabis, and its impact on mental health. They break down the science behind CB1 and CB2 receptors, explain why marijuana affects people so differently, and discuss the complex relationship between THC, CBD, and dopamine. Along the way, they tackle myths about cannabis use, addiction, and medical marijuana, shedding light on what we actually know—and what remains a mystery due to historical barriers to research.
Takeaways:
The Endocannabinoid System is Vast and Mysterious: CB1 and CB2 receptors exist throughout the body, influencing pain, pleasure, nausea, and more—but the full scope of their role remains unclear.
Marijuana’s Effects Depend on the User: Some people experience relaxation and appetite stimulation, while others develop anxiety, paranoia, or even worsening nausea with chronic use.
The THC-to-CBD Ratio Matters: Over time, cannabis strains have been bred to increase THC potency, which may contribute to heightened psychiatric risks, including psychosis.
Cannabis Can Have Severe Side Effects: Long-term use can lead to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)—a condition causing severe nausea and vomiting—and may increase the risk of cannabis-induced psychosis in predisposed individuals.
Medical Cannabis Outpaced the Research: While cannabis is now widely used for medical purposes, much of its effectiveness is anecdotal, and research on its long-term mental health impacts is still catching up.
—
Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
—
Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode
Motivational Interviewing
In this episode Preston and Margaret are joined by Dr. David Roberts to explore the fascinating world of motivational interviewing (MI)—a counseling technique designed to help patients navigate ambivalence and commit to meaningful change. Dr. Roberts shares insights from his years of experience training psychiatrists and therapists, breaking down MI into practical techniques that anyone can use to foster deeper, more effective conversations. We even do a fake therapy session with our producer Aron Korney!
Takeaways:
Motivational Interviewing Bridges Ambivalence: MI helps people resolve mixed feelings about change by guiding them to articulate their own reasons for making a shift.
Change Talk Sparks Action: Encouraging patients to express their desire, ability, reasons, and need for change strengthens their motivation to take action.
Reflections Deepen Understanding: Simple and complex reflections help mirror a patient’s thoughts and feelings, making them feel heard while subtly guiding them toward insight.
Pacing Matters: Being too directive can lead to resistance, while being too passive may feel ineffective—MI teaches a balanced approach that fosters real conversations.
Practice Makes Progress: MI is a learnable skill that improves with intentional practice, making difficult conversations about change smoother and more effective over time.
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Want more Dr. David Roberts:
https://providers.uthscsa.edu/providers/david-l-roberts-1255650917/
Want more Aron Korney:
Human Values Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/human-values/id1622760459
Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
—
Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next Episode
Genetic Counseling (How to Approach the Unknown)
In this episode we sit down with genetic counselor Julia Castro to demystify the world of genetic testing and counseling. They explore how genetic information can help (or sometimes confuse) patients, why more testing isn't always better, and the ethical dilemmas of knowing too much about your future health.
Takeaways:
Genetic Counseling is More Than Just Testing: It’s about helping patients navigate uncertainty, understand their risks, and make informed decisions about their health and their families.
More Testing Isn’t Always Better: Sometimes broad genetic screening raises more questions than answers, creating unnecessary anxiety without clear clinical benefits.
Genetics in Psychiatry is Evolving: While tests like pharmacogenetics panels claim to predict medication responses, their real-world usefulness is still debated in psychiatry.
Knowing Your Genetic Risks Can Be Empowering—But Also Overwhelming: Predictive genetic testing for diseases like Alzheimer’s or Huntington’s can help some people plan for the future, but for others, it may cause unnecessary distress.
The Future of Genetics in Medicine is Expanding Fast: As research grows, neurology, psychiatry, and genetic counseling will continue to overlap, helping doctors and patients make more personalized healthcare decisions.
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Want more Dr. Julia Castro:
Instagram: @julia_mariec
Watch on YouTube: @itspresro
Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc.
—
Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content
Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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