Ayahuasca & Marijuana
Ayahuasca works through the interaction of its primary compounds, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmala alkaloids, which include harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine. DMT is a powerful psychedelic found in the leaves of plants like Psychotria viridis, but when ingested orally, it is usually broken down by an enzyme in the gut called monoamine oxidase (MAO) before it can reach the brain. The role of Banisteriopsis caapi, the vine used in the brew, is to provide harmala alkaloids, which are natural MAO inhibitors. These inhibitors temporarily block the action of MAO, allowing DMT to remain active in the body long enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and produce its psychoactive effects.
Once DMT reaches the brain, it primarily acts on serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. Activation of this receptor is thought to be responsible for the visual hallucinations, altered perception of time and space, and profound psychological experiences often reported by users. Additionally, DMT’s interaction with other serotonin receptor subtypes, such as 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C, contributes to its effects on mood, emotion, and cognition. Harmala alkaloids themselves also have psychoactive properties. They are thought to influence the overall experience by modulating serotonin levels, altering neural oscillations, and inducing introspection or dream-like states. These compounds may also prolong and intensify the effects of DMT.
At a neurobiological level, Ayahuasca has been shown to influence brain activity in regions like the default mode network, which is associated with self-referential thought and the sense of ego. This disruption of ordinary brain network activity is believed to contribute to the "ego dissolution" often described by users, where a sense of interconnectedness and transcendence replaces normal self-boundaries. Furthermore, Ayahuasca increases the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in neuroplasticity, which may explain its potential therapeutic effects on conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The brew also triggers the release of cortisol and other stress-related hormones, which might play a role in its emotional catharsis.
Marijuana, or cannabis, primarily works through its active compounds called cannabinoids, the most notable of which are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" that users experience, while CBD, though non-psychoactive, is thought to modulate some of THC’s effects and has potential therapeutic benefits on its own. These cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a complex signaling system made up of receptors, endogenous cannabinoids, and enzymes.
The endocannabinoid system consists mainly of two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are predominantly found in the brain and central nervous system, and they mediate many of the psychological and physiological effects of marijuana, such as euphoria, altered perception, and memory impairment. THC binds to CB1 receptors, triggering a cascade of events that result in the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which contributes to feelings of pleasure and reward. The activation of CB1 receptors can also influence areas of the brain involved in motor coordination, attention, and memory, which is why marijuana can impair cognitive function, short-term memory, and motor skills while under its influence.
CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are primarily found in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. These receptors are not as involved in the direct psychoactive effects of marijuana but play a role in modulating inflammation, immune function, and pain perception. CBD, though it does not bind directly to CB1 or CB2 receptors, interacts with these receptors in a way that can influence their function, and it has been suggested that CBD may counteract some of the more anxiety-inducing effects of THC.
The effects of marijuana also stem from how cannabinoids interact with other neurotransmitter systems in the brain. For example, THC can increase the release of serotonin and GABA, which are involved in mood regulation and anxiety. THC’s effect on dopamine pathways, along with its impact on glutamate and other signaling molecules, is thought to underlie its ability to alter sensory perception, enhance or distort emotional experiences, and induce the state of relaxation or euphoria associated with its use. The onset of these effects is typically rapid when marijuana is smoked or vaporized, as cannabinoids quickly pass into the bloodstream and reach the brain. When ingested, the onset is slower, but the effects can last longer.
Additionally, marijuana can have varying effects depending on its strain, the levels of THC and CBD, and the method of consumption. Strains with higher THC content tend to be more psychoactive and can lead to stronger intoxicating effects, while strains with higher CBD content are less likely to produce a strong high and may have more calming or anti-inflammatory effects.
The combination of ayahuasca and marijuana could produce a complex and unpredictable interaction due to the overlapping and distinct mechanisms of action of their active compounds.
One potential interaction is the amplification of the subjective intensity of the ayahuasca experience. THC can enhance sensory perception, heighten emotional sensitivity, and alter the perception of time and space. These effects could synergize with the DMT-induced visions and introspection from ayahuasca, potentially leading to deeper immersion in the altered state of consciousness. The heightened sensory awareness from THC might intensify visual and auditory hallucinations, making the ayahuasca journey feel more vivid and overwhelming. At the same time, THC’s ability to enhance emotional processing might deepen the introspective and cathartic aspects of ayahuasca, potentially making the experience more emotionally challenging.
The presence of CBD, depending on the strain of marijuana, could also influence the combined experience. CBD has anxiolytic and grounding properties, which might mitigate some of the anxiety or fear that can arise during an intense ayahuasca journey.
At a neurochemical level, both ayahuasca and marijuana influence serotonin signaling, albeit through different mechanisms. These overlapping effects could lead to a significant alteration in mood and emotional tone, potentially amplifying feelings of euphoria, awe, or emotional release, but also increasing the likelihood of destabilizing emotional responses if the experience becomes overwhelming.
Physiologically, MAO inhibition could slow the breakdown of THC and other active cannabinoids, prolonging and intensifying their effects. This might lead to a prolonged state of altered consciousness with unpredictable dynamics, as the pharmacokinetics of both substances become interwoven.
The potential risks of combining ayahuasca and marijuana should not be overlooked. Both substances can induce significant alterations in mental and physical states, including increased heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, and psychological distress. When combined, these effects could be amplified, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions such as anxiety, paranoia, or emotional dysregulation. Additionally, marijuana’s ability to impair memory and focus might interfere with the integration of insights gained from the ayahuasca experience, potentially diminishing its benefits.
It's important to note that both substances can independently cause acute episodes of anxiety or psychosis, especially in susceptible individuals.
Ultimately, the combination of ayahuasca and marijuana is likely to produce a highly individualized and variable experience, influenced by factors such as the dose of each substance, the individual’s tolerance and sensitivity, their psychological state, and the setting in which the substances are consumed.
Considering the above, we recommend treating this combination with great caution.
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