THC and CBD bind to our naturally created cannabinoid receptors with much greater potency and effect than our endogenous cannabinoids, causing biological effects on mood, perception, the immune system, hunger, and more. Even if we never go near the cannabis plant, we have natural chemicals that park in these receptors, leading to biological effects.
Nicotinic receptors are a type of acetylcholine receptor found in the brain and body that are activated by the chemical nicotine, leading to changes in cell behavior and increased activity.
Nicotine, because it can pass through the blood-brain barrier has rapid effects on the brain, particularly on the mesolimbic reward pathway or the dopamine reward pathway, which can trigger the release of certain neurochemicals from the ventral tegmental area and impinge on nucleus accumbens to increase dopamine levels.
The effects of nicotine on the body is highly dependent on the autonomic nervous system. It increases the activity of the sympathetic arm of the system while reducing blood flow, but when the body is in a state of rest, it's counterintuitive to have a heightened physical readiness.
Nicotine addiction can be relieved by using nicotine-like substances as there are nicotinic receptors in our brain and body that play important roles in normal brain function, and can even act as a gateway for directed rewiring of the brain. Nicotine primarily exerts its effects by binding to these receptors in the brain.
This episode briefly explains the impact of cocaine on the human brain's dopamine system and why it is one of the most harmful drugs people can use. Additionally, it highlights the parallels between the delivery routes for cocaine and nicotine, which can help us better understand drug pharmacokinetics and dopamine.