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Similar to alcohol, cannabis elicits a psychological and physical change to the body. The two substances are consumed into the human body and affect different body responses. Interestingly, the chemical compounds found in cannabis that are introduced into the body are actually received on a cellular level by the endocanna-binoid system and can regulate cell activity and function, eventually affecting cell com-munication (controlling the water temperature).
Unfortunately, the body does not have any proper kind of cellular alcohol receptors or integrated responses. Ethanol alcohol is introduced into the body as a disruptive toxin, thus causing the effect of becoming drunk and state of intoxication. The chemical pro-perties of alcohol inhibit and slow regular cell function in the brain, causing a significant decrease in cellular activity. If the cells cannot effectively convey signals with each other, the results are observed as decreased physical motor function, speech, and thought processing. Alcohol is chemically broken down into the bloodstream and is cycled throughout the body, reducing the effectiveness of any cell tissue contacted. When continuously increa-sing the volume of alcohol consumed, the brain becomes less able to change the temperature. Eventually, the water becomes too cold and the brain cannot send any more messages -- a physical state observed as a temporary loss of consciousness or, blacking out.
Higher Education
Academic Corner
Alcohol's Affect on the Brain
Brain Drain
Did you know that scientists have found changes in brain cells as little as six minutes after the consumption of alcohol? These changes can create permanent damage, especially in the teen brain. Because your brain isn’t fully formed, staying away from alcohol can help protect your developing brain.