What do Hugs and Weed Have in Common?

Researchers at the University of California have discovered the link between the »love« or »hug« hormone (scientific name oxytocin) and the effect of marijuana on human behaviour that improves interpersonal bonding. This new study offers an insight on social interactions and how oxytocin could make these interactions more satisfying and enjoyable by boosting the body’s own cannabinoid receptors.

Oxytocin triggers the release of the chemical called the “bliss molecule” (anandamide) which helps to activate brain receptors that increase happiness and motivation. Anandamide is a natural occurring chemical in the human body, part of the endocannabinoid system that links up to the same brain cell receptors as does marijuana’s THC, with similar results.

Previous studies have shown that endocannabinoids are tangled in the regulation of neuronal signalling from the nucleus accumbens, a region of the brain where the reactions of oxytocin on social reward is detected.

The study shows that social contact increases the production of anandamide in the region of nucleus accumbens, which triggers the body’s cannabinoid system to fortify the joy of socialisation. When these cannabinoid receptors were blocked with drugs, the reinforcement subsided.

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No wonder repubs are so against it.