Are humans born to smoke cannabis? Yes, according to Allyn Howlett, a researcher at the St. Louis University Medical School, who in 1988 discovered a brain receptor for the chemical THC. And yes again according to author Michael Pollan who, in his popular book The Botany of Desire, explains how the human brain has evolved to the point where it can experience a marijuana high. According to Pollan, in a similar fashion that the brain is “pre-wired” to receive endorphins and serotonin it is also pre-wired to receive cannabinoids. In fact, the brain produces its own endogenous cannabinoid, “anandamide,” its name derived from the Sanskrit word for “inner bliss.”
Why does the brain need to create a mood-altering chemical? Life can be painful, physically and emotionally. A joyful experience, childbirth is also an excruciating one. Thanks to anandamide this pain and the fear associated with it are forgotten, and second and/or more babies are born. In many instances forgetting is good, if not necessary, for our mental health.
Throughout man’s existence his brain has increasingly evolved to produce its own high when needed. In answer to the question: What does man want? Freud answered, “He wants to become happy and remain so.” For some of us a natural euphoria is enough. For others, and for a variety of reasons, there is an increased need for bliss. In answer to the question: How does the brain find happiness and remain there? Well, the answer just might be spelled P-O-T.
“In answer to the question: How does the brain find happiness and remain there? Well, the answer just might be spelled P-O-T.” – -
Wul, from a former pot smokers POV – I’m not convinced whatsoever that any chemicals are the remedy for ‘happiness or unhappiness’
What is happiness? – Let’s see . . . is it a state of well-being? , a state of tranquility free from anxiety and emotional disturbance?, the quality or condition of being merry or cheerful? contentment?, joy?, pleasure? The condition or act of being pleasant? The quality or state of being merry or jovial? Being a person who leads a merry life?. . .
Quite frankly, i personally don’t think so.
“Eudemonism” as defined as an ethical system that evaluates actions by reference to personal well-being through a life based on reason . . according to Aristotle, Eudaemonism means well-being or welfare. For Aristotle Eudaemonism involves activity, exhibiting excellence (Virtue) in accordance with reason.
To Socrates, Eudaemonism means faring well and be happy. Virtues which are the states of the soul guarantee a good and happy life.
According to Plato, Eudaemonism means human goodness. Human good consists in leading a virtuous life. A virtuous life is an integrated and harmonious life in which the lower elements in the soul are subordinated to reason.
Eudaemonism for the Stoics means goodness which consists in leading a morally virtuous life.
Thus, we get all these different interpretations of the term Eudaemonism (happiness) by these leading philosophers. So, please tell me how P-O-T can achieve ‘happiness’ on a long term basis?
‘Happiness’ or ‘a state of well being’ very well may be induced naturally through the act of basic exercise; walking, swimming, and/or other forms of physical activity that cause the human brain to excrete natural hormones into the system that produce a ‘natural high’.
Wow what a silly concept, right? Wul, for me simple exercise = walking, swimming, etc and a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables does the trick just fine and I don’t have to face incarceration or foot the bill for P-O-T:) . . . I wonder if others might find this approach to ‘happiness’ reasonably useful?
Thank you, Tomy, for the thoughtful and articulate response to our post “Is The Human Brain Wired To Smoke Pot?”…especially impressive was your info on Eudaemonism. I have a few counterpoints for you. In my opinion and from my knowledge of Eudaemonism, I think there is a need for vocabulary clarification on the differences between happiness and contentment. Unlike ancient languages, English is often limited in its vocabulary to name the nuances of our thoughts and feelings. Happiness is a short-lived, outwardly satisfied feeling of joy, well-being, euphoria, etc. whereas contentment is its long-term, internally satisfied stabler counterpart. I think the ancients, etc. which you cited were referring to contentment, a spiritual state of being…achieved through living an introspective and reflective way of life…virtually unattainable for most of us at our current level of existence…an ultimate goal, so to speak. The splash in the pan feeling of happiness is more immediately attained and temporary…created externally by other people, objects, chemicals, etc. Therefore, I think we both can agree that whether induced by brain or lab produced chemicals, happiness is a quick fix. And…getting to the Eudaemonistic state of contentment requires more than chemical eruptions whether from illegal drugs such as cannabis, legal drugs such as alcohol, prescription drugs, exercise, shopping, eating, sex, etc. Each of us “uses” a different “fix” to get happy. The rub is that happiness is a fleeting high, often followed by a low. Contentment is much more satisfying and constant but cannot come from without…it must come from within…not chemically…spiritually.
Aaay! Thanks for your reply – I just wanted to see if you were just ‘cocked’ or really ‘loaded’ . . (not necessarily on P-O-T) Glad to see you have some real ammo happening! Re: “virtually unattainable for most of us at our current level of existence” are you referring to your existence in Chi town, the USA in general, or for the rest of us out here in lala land – I’m currently cruising the beaches of south Thailand near the Andaman sea where reality/fantasy and provocative thought is basically ‘what you make it’. Wishing you many sunny days and starry nights + lots of well wishes and natural euphoria 2 you both . . . I am delighted to follow your blog, Jen & Joni:) I just signed up for Pinterest and will be sharing some exotic images/photos, links and basic commentary. http://pinterest.com/tomygunn/
By “virtually unattainable for most of us at our current level of existence” I meant humanity in general…most of us lumber along in a crude and clumsy manner…with finite understanding…sometimes bumping into spiritual superiors and masters who provide a glimpse of “more” and, thereby, inspire and guide us to our next level…working through many lives with the help of many masters…being drawn to infinite enlightenment/infinite contentment. We are honored and equally delighted to have you follow us on our blog, Twitter, and now Pinterest. Enjoy your Thailand experience…keep in touch…:):)