The Five Best Supplements for Cannabis Users

Let’s face it, cannabis has many health benefits and makes us feel great. However, it can deplete us of certain nutrients we need. The fact is that anything we take to make us feel euphoric comes with a price. And while the price for using cannabis is considerably less than other stuff, it’s still there.

Chronic THC use significantly affects two types of neurotransmitters in your brain. Studies have shown THC to boost acetylcholine and dopamine significantly. This means that by using cannabis often, you may be over-agonizing (overusing) these neurotransmitters.

Not to fear! There are remedies. Today’s supplement market offers many compounds to aid in a myriad of brain functions. For example, nootropics and supplements that help neurotransmission are widely available and very popular.

Let’s examine how THC affects acetylcholine and dopamine. Plus, we will take a look at five of the best supplements you can take to help these chemicals remain at optimum levels.

Cannabis and Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, found in your brain and nervous system. It plays an important role in movement, mood, cognition, memory, and even sleep. It is one of the most critical neurotransmitters as it is responsible for relaying signals from the brain to the muscles and other organs.

One study has found that THC “caused a significant elevation of ACh in all five brain areas” in mice. Even more profound was a 2022 study explaining that “abnormal hyperactivity of AChE and BChE can lead to cholinergic deficiency, which is associated with several neurological disorders including cognitive decline and memory impairments.” This study went on to show that “cannabinoids showed moderate inhibitory effects on the activities of AChE.”

Simply put, there is evidence that cannabis use can cause low levels of acetylcholine. Here are two powerful supplements that can help:

• Citicoline – Also known as CDP-Choline, citicoline works by supplying raw materials for the synthesis of acetylcholine. Additionally, citicoline may act as a neuroprotective agent by helping to reduce neuronal death.
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine – ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine) is a type of amino acid that helps to increase the production of acetylcholine.

Cannabis and Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in the regulation of movement, motivation, attention, mood, and euphoria. It is released in response to rewarding stimuli, such as food or drugs, and is associated with the sense of pleasure. It also helps regulate emotions and the formation of memories. Low levels of dopamine can lead to decreased motivation, poor concentration, and lack of pleasure. This is why dopamine is sometimes called “the motivation molecule.”

A 2015 systematic review explained that “recent studies are suggesting that chronic cannabis use blunts dopamine synthesis and dopamine release capacity.” So here again, there is evidence that cannabis use can cause low dopamine levels. However, here are two powerful supplements that can help:

L-Tyrosine – Taken as a supplement, L-Tyrosine converts to dopamine. It also helps in boosting norepinephrine levels, which can help with mood.

Uridine – The naturally-occurring nucleotide, uridine, is known to upregulate the production and release of dopamine. This makes it one of the most powerful supplements for cannabis users. Uridine doesn’t only boost dopamine levels; it helps to repair the receptors that receive it.

Polygala Tenuifolia

We gave Polygala Tenuifolia its own section because it can help both acetylcholine and dopamine levels simultaneously. And that’s not all. It can also boost synaptic transmission and promote brain-derived nerve growth factor. This natural herb is a powerhouse of healthy brain function. Plus, it doesn’t just boost acetylcholine but upregulates it. This means it helps to repair the receptors that receive acetylcholine signals. Polygala is truly a fitting name for this poly-beneficial supplement,

What To Know Before Buying Supplements

When it comes to buying supplements, quality matters, and it matters a lot. Unfortunately, the supplement industry thrives on packaging and marketing, which results in thousands of low-quality products on the market. If the ingredients aren’t well-sourced, they won’t be as effective. So how can you tell if a supplement is good or not? Here are a few things to look out for:

Don’t buy proprietary blends – when looking at a supplement, always check out the fact label. Make sure that each ingredient is listed with its dosages. If the manufacturer doesn’t disclose how much of an ingredient is in the product, how can you know what you are taking? Transparency also shows that the company is upfront and honest.

Don’t go cheap – low-priced supplements usually mean low quality. Sourcing is everything when it comes to ingredients. And the fact is that many ingredients are costly. This is one area where you truly “get what you pay for.”

Third-party testing – Lab testing is vital for something that you are going to put into your body. Good supplements are always lab tested by a third party. When choosing the best supplement for you, make sure there is a certificate of analysis sent with it or available to view online. You may have to email the vendor, but it’s worth the effort.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting any supplement, dietary, or exercise program.