Modern understanding of cannabis increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many cannabis presentations.
The Nervous System in Cannabis
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to cannabis:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type cannabis
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by cannabis
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type cannabis
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Cannabis
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Cannabis
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving cannabis
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in cannabis