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Pineal Gland

parenchyma

Contains pinealocytes

contains interstitial glial cells

peduncle

Narrow connection to the roof of the third ventricle

Capsule

derived from pia mater

Lobules

Perivascular phagocytes

Melatonin

melatonin does influence sleep and indirectly affects aspects of consciousness

Produced mainly by pinealocytes in the pineal gland

Melatonin helps initiate and maintain sleep

Promotes non-REM and REM sleep cycles

THC and Melatonin

THC can modulate melatonin secretion, but effects depend on dose and timing

Low to moderate THC in the evening: may increase melatonin, helping with sleep

High or daytime doses: can disrupt circadian rhythm, reducing natural melatonin cycles

THC indirectly influences the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) — the brain’s circadian clock

SCN controls pineal melatonin production

THC also affects GABAergic and serotonergic signaling, which can influence melatonin synthesis

THC can both enhance or disrupt melatonin function, depending on dose, timing, and chronicity.

They interact mainly through circadian regulation, SCN signaling, and serotonergic pathways

Neural Excitability and Psychedelics

Neuromodulators

Classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, DMT, mescaline) work mainly by mimicking serotonin, especially at the 5-HT₂A receptor:

Serotonin (5-HT)

Where melatonin and psychedelics intersect:

Both influence serotonin pathways

Melatonin is synthesized from serotonin

tryptamine-based molecules