Kava and cannabis are two psychoactive plants gaining traction across the country. While kava has been enjoyed for centuries by the indigenous peoples of Hawaii and other Pacific islands, on the mainland, it's gaining property as an balanced herbal supplement for mood, body, and sleep support. Cannabis, on the other hand, is going through a renaissance with easing perceptions among the public and the hemp industry, which has increased access to legal THC to more Americans than at any point in recent history.
But how do these plants "work," and why might you choose one? In this blog post, we'll answer these questions and more.
Let's look at the fundamentals of Kava and Cannabis & look at their psychoactive properties.
Smoking, eating, or vaping cannabis each comes with varying effects. Your experience includes levels of cannabidiol (CBD), terpenes, and minor cannabinoids.
BUT, what makes a cannabis product psychoactive is the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the fun chemical.
There are many forms of THC, such as Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10, some have called it Bud-Lite THC.
Whether it is Bud-Lite or Bud proper it all has similar feelings.
THC can deliver its effects because its shape closely mimics anandamide. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid, a messenger used in the human body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). We have these in our brain and gut.
The ECS regulates the following in its wide network:
- Pain management
- Sleep
- Emotional Processing
- Appetite
THC's binds to the CB1 receptors of the ECS primarily located in the central nervous system...and the gut.
The "munchies" people get is because you have this chill chemical stimulate hunger in the stomach, causing you to eat your entire fridge.
Don't forget about dessert.
Although people do use THC for sleep,
research has shown that sleeping while using cannabis results in poor quality sleep
The Dr. Huberman on the Huberman Podcast has packaged this information in an easy way to understand. See it Here
How Does Kava Work?
Kava can deliver its relaxing effects because of compounds known as "kavalactones." In total, there are 18 known kavalactones;
Only , six "major kavalactones" make up the euphoric feeling:
- Dihydrokavain
- Dihydromethysticin
- Desmethoxyyangonin
- Kavain
- Methysticin
- Yangonin
A few kavalactones will deliver their effects because they turn "on" the GABA-A receptors in the brain.
But what is GABA? No, not the kids GABA GABA show.
GABA stands for "gamma-aminobutyric acid." It's a neurotransmitter that plays red light / green light with your brain, stopping or slowing down signals in the central nervous system.
Researchers say GABA receptors stimulate parasympathetic signals in the brain, giving you the cool, calm, collective sensation kava is famous for.
Yangonin is a special kavalactone.
This special little snowflake happens to connect to the CB1 receptor, although a much more controlled experience (your leftovers are safe for now).
By the way, long-distance running, the "Runners High" is thought to be due to activation of CB1 receptors.
Kava is used as a social lubricant in native areas such as Fiji, New Zealand, Australia.
Pharmaceutical are able to study Kava much more due to its legal status.
It is currently being studied to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) potentially.
It also has research around these benefits:
-Anti-Anxiety
-Anti-Inflammation
-Antioxidants
-Sleep Support
-Muscle Relaxation
-Mood Elevation
(you can see a product example here)
Should You Go With Kava, THC, or Both?
Deciding between kava or THC will come down to one simple question: Do you just want to take relax and still be productive, or are you on full fun mode. There's no right or wrong answer to this question. It comes down to the experience and feeling that you're looking for. For example, some of us might enjoy THC here and there but may find it too stimulating when trying to break the ice and socialize. Kava gives you a "Controlled" elevated mood, calms nerves, and much milder than cannabis.
On the other hand, you may prefer to go with THC if you're going to a concert or seeing a movie. THC is known to help people appreciate their enjoyment of any experience. You could go with kava, but it is nowhere near as intense.
This is just general assumptions after chopping up the population in groups. We have all heard the story about the edible that didn't hit, only to consume more and then find yourself stuck in another dimension.
Others may want to be more holistic and have a reasonable experience. The truth is that when it comes to any psychoactive plant compound, it's about discovering firsthand what these bring to you and where you see them fitting in your life.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis and kava are remarkable plants let people relax at varying levels. THC, the active compound in cannabis, works by modulating the system in your body that plays a role in sleep, appetite, emotional regulation, and pain management.
Kava works by using the Dopamine center, GABA, and CB1 receptors for controlled effects. Pick which one helps you win the most and enjoy responsibly .
"The difference between medicine and poison is dosage"
NOTE: If you interested in trying a balanced KAVA blend check out our product HERE
FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.