Scientists have identified a molecule in the brain that may help to protect the body from anxiety, and could help explain people’s use of marijuana in times of stress.

In a study conducted in mice, researchers looked at the molecule 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Normally, 2-AG maintains a break in a connection between the two regions. However, the break appears to disappear in moments of stress, allowing the two parts of the brain to “glue” together, say researchers.

See the original article in Newsweek