Drug effects: Cannabis, UTC for healthcare professionals

Cannabis plants have various compounds, including cannabinoids, of which, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the primary psychoactive component.

Cannabinoids exert their effects by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, through the G-protein-coupled cellular receptors, named CB1 and CB2.

The activation of CB1 receptors by cannabinoids produces less responsive hyperpolarized neurons. This effect prevents the release of specific neurotransmitters from different types of neurons. That is why the effect of cannabinoids is said to be neuromodulating.

CB1 receptors are present in multiple brain structures related to appetite regulation, memory, fear extinction, and motor responses.

Like alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, cannabis activates the mesolimbic dopamine system and can produce a dependence syndrome.

Brain image studies show that chronic cannabis use down-regulates CB1 receptors in the cortex, triggering desensitization and rendering subjects tolerant to the central and peripheral effects of THC and cannabinoid agonists. People can reverse this situation by stop using the drug.

References

-Cruz S. (2014). Los efectos de las drogas: de sueños y pesadillas; 2nd ed. Mexico City: Trillas

Related topics

UTC for healthcare professionals

• Cerebrovascular disease due to cannabis use: https://www.issup.net/node/8743