By Steve Blechman

 Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a brain chemical that helps send signals between nerve cells. It has vital roles influencing divergent functions within the human body that range from mental acuity, psychological well-being and overall vitality. Increasing dopamine has been shown to increase energy, focus, memory, alertness, attention, confidence, mood, motivation, libido, weight control and creativity. New research indicates that smoking too many joints could cause lasting cognitive impairment.

 The latest research has found a connection between excessive cannabis use and decreased dopamine levels in the brain, which could lead to impaired memory, attention and problem-solving abilities. A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry found evidence of a “compromised dopamine system” in heavy pot smokers, with significantly lower dopamine levels for those heavily dependent on cannabis.

 “In light of the more widespread acceptance and use of marijuana, especially among young people, we believe it is important to look more closely at the potentially addictive effects of cannabis on key regions of the brain,” said Anissa Abi-Dargham, M.D., a professor at Columbia University Medical Center and an author of the paper.

 Researchers looked at adults between the ages of 21 and 40 who were severely dependent on cannabis, and a group of healthy control subjects. Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to examine the level of dopamine released in the striatum of heavy pot smokers. The striatum is a region of the brain that is involved in working memory, impulse behavior and attention. Compared to the controls, the cannabis users had significantly lower dopamine release in the striatum, including areas involved in associative and sensorimotor learning. “Long term, heavy cannabis use may impair the dopaminergic system, which could have a variety of negative effects on learning and behavior,” Abi-Dargham said.

 The neurotransmitter dopamine has many vital roles influencing divergent functions within the human body that range from mental acuity, psychological well-being and overall vitality. Previous studies have shown that addiction to other potentially abusive drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, have similar effects on dopamine release— but evidence linking cannabis to lower dopamine release has been lacking until now.

 Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most abundant cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. With THC containing approximately 12% to 25% and CBD 1.4%. The research has shown that CBD has calming and anti-anxiety effects by activating the adenosine receptors. CBD may have no effect on dopamine or lowering dopamine. People who use THC regularly lower their dopamine levels. CBD is an adenosine activator and it also doesn’t include the psyche-inducing effects of THC.

 According to Business Insider, July 30, 2018, “nine states and Washington, DC, have legalized marijuana for recreational use for adults over the age of 21. Medical marijuana is legal in another 30 states after voters in Oklahoma approved a ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana in June.”

 The article also stated, “Legal marijuana sales exploded to $9.7 billion in North America in 2017, according to a report from Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics. That represents a 33% increase over 2016, shattering previous expectations about how quickly the marijuana industry could grow in the face of federal prohibition. By 2022, Arcview expects global spending on legal cannabis to hit $32 billion by 2022, representing a 22% growth rate over the four-year period.”

 Research has shown that the amino acid L-tyrosine is a dopamine precursor and improves creative thinking. In research, subjects who were given 2,000 milligrams of L-tyrosine (the same amount in Dopa-Rush™) showed an enhanced capacity to perform convergent thinking – indicating that 2,000 milligrams of L-tyrosine likely improve creative thinking, as convergent thinking indicates a greater capacity for creative thinking.

 One solution to boost dopamine levels, besides going easier on the weed, is the breakthrough product Dopa Rush™ from Advanced Molecular Labs (AML). Dopa Rush™ is the most potent dopamine-maximizing supplement on the market. Dopa Rush™ is a dopamine MAXIMIZER that uses a scientifically backed formula to increase mental alertness, focus, clarity and energy. No crash, no jitters— just enhanced mood, creativity and motivation. Dopa Rush™ is designed for students, athletes and motivated professionals for a mental edge in the office, in class or even in the gym.

 For more information on Dopa Rush™ go to www.advancedmolecularlabs.com

References:

Business Insider, July 30, 2018 Melia Robinson and Jeremy Berke Jul. 20, 2018 https://www.businessinsider.com/where-can-you-can-legally-smoke-weed-2018-1

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Van de Giessen E, Weinstein JJ, Cassidy CM, et al. Deficits in striatal dopamine release in cannabis dependence. Molecular psychiatry. 2017;22(1):68-75. doi:10.1038/mp.2016.21.

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