Dr. Pepper Hernandez’s: How Cannabis Affects the Mind & Body - A Holistic Look at Neurochemistry and Wellness

Cannabis has been used as a healing plant for centuries, and today, science is finally catching up to what ancient traditions have always known: this plant is powerful medicine. But what happens in your mind and body when you use cannabis? And how does it change depending on how you take it?

As a naturopath and holistic health practitioner, I see cannabis as more than just a “remedy.” I see it as a partner—one that helps the body come back into balance, supports healing, and connects us more deeply to ourselves.

Your Body’s Natural Cannabis System

Inside your body is something called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. Think of it as your body's own healing network. It helps regulate things like your mood, pain, sleep, immune response, appetite, and more.

Cannabis works by interacting with this system. Compounds like THC, CBD, CBG, and others “plug in” to ECS receptors and help bring things back into balance—whether that’s calming the mind, easing pain, or supporting deep sleep.

Inhaling Cannabis: Quick Relief for Mind and Mood

When you smoke or vape cannabis, it kicks in fast, usually within minutes. THC quickly reaches your brain and boosts feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. That’s why people often feel relaxed, uplifted, or even giggly.

From a holistic angle, this quick response can be great for calming the nervous system, shifting out of a stress response, or helping release emotional tension. Think of it as a reset button—but with intention and respect.

Eating or Dropping It Under the Tongue: Slow, Deep Healing

When you eat cannabis (like in edibles or capsules) or take it under the tongue (like with tinctures or oils), it takes longer to kick in—anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours—but the effects last much longer.

This method gives your body a more whole-system effect. CBD-rich products especially shine here, helping calm inflammation, soothe the gut, balance the immune system, and ease anxiety. It’s perfect for long-term support, chronic issues, or deep emotional healing.

Topical Use: Local Relief and Loving Connection

Cannabis can also be applied to the skin through salves, creams, or oils. You won’t get high from it, but you will get relief—especially for sore muscles, inflammation, or joint pain.

Topicals are beautiful for bodywork and massage too. I’ve seen clients melt into deeper relaxation when cannabis-infused oils are used in sessions. It also helps bring gentle awareness to parts of the body that feel disconnected or neglected.

The Energetic Side: Tuning in to the Plant’s Vibe

Every cannabis cultivar has itn energy and personality, thanks to its terpenes—the aromatic oils also found in herbs like lavender and rosemary. Different terpene profiles can influence your experience:

• Linalool (like in lavender): calming, good for stress and sleep

• Pinene (like in pine): uplifting and great for focus

• Myrcene (earthy and musky): deeply relaxing, body-soothing

  
  

When we choose cannabis with awareness, not just for the THC content, but for how it makes us fee, —we create a deeper connection with the plant and with ourselves.

Cannabis as a Conscious Wellness Ally

Cannabis isn’t just about altering your mood. It’s about tuning in—to your body, your emotions, your needs. When used intentionally and respectfully, it can help unlock deep healing and bring you back to a place of balance.

Whether you're using it to ease anxiety, soothe pain, sleep better, or reconnect with your body, cannabis can be a powerful ally on your wellness journey. Just like any plant medicine, it works best when you listen, start slow, and choose quality over quantity.