It’s Impossible to Overdose and Die By Consuming Cannabis

ECS Breakdown

The way cannabis interacts in our body is through a new (well, not new, it’s 600 million years old, it has always existed, but it’s a newly discovered and recognized) organ system endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system aims to establish homeostasis, which balances all biological, psychological, and physiological functions in your body to establish good human health. 

The endocannabinoid system can be found throughout the entire body and in every organ system. It is a system of receptors throughout the body, but are heavily concentrated in the immune and nervous system of our bodies. 

There are 2 main receptors of the endocannabinoid system; the CB1 receptor and the CB2 receptors. 

• CB1 receptor: mainly expressed in the brain and central nervous system. The only cannabinoid in cannabis that can robustly activate this Receptor is the phytocannabinoid, THC. 
• CB2 receptor: more widespread in tissues of the immune system, peripheral nervous system, digestive system, and have been located in key regions of the brain.

Thank you, CB1 receptors

We can thank our CB1 receptors for the ability to not overdose on cannabis. While CB1 receptors are heavily concentrated in the brain, one region of the brain that does not express many CB1 receptors is in the brain stem.

The brainstem is responsible for respiration and circulation, regulating functions such as heart rate and breathing.

Since there is a lack of cannabinoid receptors in the brain stem, it makes consuming cannabis impossible to cause respiratory depression and death.

Opioid overdoses occur due to the drug’s ability to interact with the brain stem responsible for heartbeat and breathing. When opioid levels are too high in your body, it forces your heart rate and breathing to slow down to dangerous levels that can result in death. 

With all that being said, I think it’s safe to say cannabis is the most harmless drug on the planet. Even water can kill us, but this beautiful plant works with our bodies, not against them. 

So light up folks and happy smoking!