How Cannabinoid Use Affects the Activity and Absorption of the Body’s Hormones
If you’ve ever suddenly craved something sweet or salty, you’re already familiar with the effects that organic compounds called hormones can have on your body and behavior. In humans and other animals, a wide variety of hormones and enzymes regulate everything from growth and libido to mood, memory, sleep cycles, and even body temperature. Hormones are responsible for all these and many other vital functions. Interestingly, cannabinoids—compounds found in cannabis—also have a significant impact on these bodily systems, closely interacting with the mechanisms that control hormone release and absorption. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how cannabinoids interact with different receptors in the human body, thereby triggering various physical and neurological responses.
The Endocannabinoid and Endocrine Systems
The main mechanism responsible for producing all the hormonal compounds necessary for human growth, development, recovery, and daily functioning is the endocrine system. This system includes many organs located throughout the body, which differ between males and females. The endocrine organs include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pancreas, pineal gland, thyroid, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, and the ovaries or testes.
“For normal functioning and development, the human body needs to consistently produce and balance about 50 different hormones,” says Dr. Patricia Frye, head of the “Community of Specialists in Medical Cannabis Therapy.” “Some hormones act as precursors, stimulating the production of other key hormones, while others are essential for the functioning of various organs, from the heart to brain tissue. Disruptions in their production can lead to a range of diseases and conditions, including potentially fatal outcomes or disability.”
The endocrine system is closely linked to the body’s endocannabinoid receptor system, which is connected to the nerve endings of the central and peripheral nervous systems that permeate all body tissues. From the earliest stages of development, this receptor system helps modulate and balance all biological systems by regulating the release and absorption of various hormones.
“Numerous experiments have confirmed that the endocannabinoid system is closely intertwined with neural activity and hormone release mechanisms. Without the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors, no hormonal or neural reactions occur in the body. Studies also show that suppressed activity in this system—such as reduced production of endogenous regulatory compounds—can cause chronic hormonal imbalances, leading to various physiological and psychological disorders,” Dr. Frye notes. “However, we still don’t fully understand how this receptor system works or its feedback relationship with the endocrine system. Future animal studies may help us better understand these interactions. Still, private studies on both animals and human volunteers show that phytocannabinoids can significantly affect hormone release, and thus influence a range of psychological and physiological responses.”
Cannabinoids and Appetite: How Cannabis Compounds Affect Metabolism and Hunger Hormones
Anyone who’s used cannabis is familiar with the intense hunger that often follows a smoking session. This reaction is due to cannabinoids—especially THC—stimulating the production of hormones that regulate hunger, satiety, and various metabolic processes during digestion.
Ghrelin
Ghrelin, often called the “hunger hormone,” triggers appetite and activates metabolic processes in anticipation of incoming nutrients. A 2020 study in Nature found that cannabis use stimulates ghrelin production, which explains the classic “munchies.” Interestingly, when cannabis is consumed orally (in edibles), it triggers even higher ghrelin production than smoking or vaping.
Leptin
Leptin is another hormone affected by cannabinoids. It’s produced in fat tissue and signals the hypothalamus to regulate energy use and appetite. “Leptin helps control fat storage and keeps body weight within a normal range,” says Dr. Frye. Studies show that cannabis users generally have lower leptin levels than non-users. “This may be because cannabinoids suppress leptin production, slowing fat metabolism and reducing hunger signals. As a result, cannabis users may be leaner on average, since cannabinoids decrease the need for food by suppressing appetite.”
Insulin and Glucose
Research also shows that cannabinoids can stimulate the production of insulin and glucose, two hormones essential for energy metabolism. When insulin levels in the blood reach a certain point, glucose can enter cells and provide energy. Diabetes is directly related to dysfunction in insulin and glucose production and absorption, leading to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
For example, a 2020 study found that after consuming THC-containing cannabis in any form, participants’ insulin levels stabilized at an optimal level, while the control group (who ate regular edibles) experienced a significant insulin spike. Dr. Frye also notes that CBD has a noticeable effect on glucose absorption: “Although this effect isn’t well-studied, in my practice, I’ve seen that CBD lowers the effective dose of glucose-lowering medications. This may be due to CBD’s impact on glucose metabolism or its anti-inflammatory and sedative effects.”
The Impact of Cannabinoids on Libido and Related Hormones
Besides increasing appetite for food, cannabis is often said to boost sexual desire. However, some experts and users report the opposite effect, with cannabis suppressing sexual arousal both psychologically and physically. Scientists and doctors remain divided on how cannabis affects libido and reproductive cell activity.
Both CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in high concentrations in organs responsible for producing sex hormones, such as the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries/testes. These receptors are often paired with cells that synthesize testosterone and estrogen—the primary male and female sex hormones.
“In addition to affecting sex hormone production in both men and women, moderate to high doses of THC and other cannabinoids also increase oxytocin, the ‘love hormone,’ which can enhance intimacy,” says Dr. Frye. “Oxytocin also plays a key role in childbirth, regulating uterine contractions and blood clotting.”
Regarding fertility, Dr. Frye notes that some studies have found cannabinoids can negatively affect sperm count and activity. “A 2015 clinical trial found that short-term cannabis use reduced sperm count by about 29% compared to controls. However, other studies, such as a 2019 paper, found that regular cannabis users had higher sperm concentrations than non-users. More research with larger sample sizes is needed to clarify these effects.”
Chronic, high-dose cannabis use may also cause impotence, even though occasional use can boost sexual desire. “While moderate THC and CBD use may enhance male libido, high doses can cause overstimulation or strong sedation, suppressing all signs of sexual arousal,” Frye says.
In women, cannabinoids can suppress the release of hormones necessary for conception, even at low doses. THC and CBD disrupt the production of gonadotropin, which in turn suppresses estrogen and progesterone—key hormones for pregnancy. The strength of this effect varies by individual sensitivity, but cannabinoids also affect estradiol, another hormone critical for conception.
“Because these effects can occur even at very low doses, I strongly recommend that couples trying to conceive avoid cannabis use. Both partners should abstain, as cannabinoids can suppress both male and female reproductive cells,” advises Dr. Frye.
On the other hand, some studies suggest that cannabis may have a stronger and more positive effect on female libido than male. One study found that among nearly 400 survey participants, about 68% reported increased sensitivity to positive sexual stimuli after using cannabis, 60% reported increased libido, and 52.8% reported improved frequency and quality of orgasms.
Cannabis Use and Stress Regulation: Cannabinoids and Cortisol Production
Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone, released in high concentrations in response to perceived threats. While this system was vital for our ancestors’ survival, it doesn’t distinguish between real and imagined dangers, leading to widespread stress-related illnesses today, such as anxiety, aggression, and chronic depression. THC, being a stimulating and psychoactive cannabinoid, increases cortisol production, while CBD suppresses it by speeding up its metabolism.
It’s important to note that THC has a pronounced biphasic (dual) effect on cortisol production. Studies show that in people who are new to cannabis or haven’t used it in a long time, THC causes a sharp spike in cortisol, raising blood pressure and sometimes causing nervousness or paranoia. The stronger the THC concentration, the stronger the effect. In regular users, however, cannabinoids trigger a larger release of serotonin and endorphins, and the body becomes less sensitive to cortisol spikes, reducing stress effects. In other words, for regular users, THC mainly has a sedative effect, replacing its earlier stimulating impact.
Cortisol doesn’t just cause stress and anxiety—it also stimulates the body to action, acting as a biochemical alarm clock. High levels are released upon waking and during physical activity or psychological motivation, then decrease throughout the day to help the body relax and prepare for sleep. Stimulating cortisol production through cannabis use, and the body’s reduced sensitivity to it from chronic use, can cause deep lethargy, suppressing both physical activity and, to some extent, mental processes, leading to drowsiness and distraction.
“My main advice for those considering cannabis for self-medication is to start slow. Always begin with the lowest active dose when trying new strains or products. This helps avoid problems from cannabinoid overdose or negative reactions due to genetic or hormonal differences,” says Dr. Frye. “Even though large doses of cannabinoids aren’t dangerous to health or life, hormone absorption issues can be very unpleasant.”
“Unfortunately, we still don’t have a precise way to predict how cannabinoids will affect an individual’s health. We can only try different cannabinoid-based medicines and minimize negative reactions. However, future research on the relationship between cannabis compounds and hormones, as well as advances in cannabinoid synthesis, may soon allow us to develop specialized cannabis extracts that can effectively balance hormones without causing discomfort or side effects,” she adds.
Original author: Emma Stone