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“The cannabinoid system is widespread in the brain, so modulating cannabinoid function with products like THC could have a wide range of possible effects. We wanted to better understand which ...
A psychoactive drug, mind-altering drug, or consciousness-altering drug is a chemical substance that changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior. [1] The term psychotropic drug is often used interchangeably, while some sources present narrower definitions.
These receptors are common in animals. Two known cannabinoid receptors are termed CB 1 and CB 2, [11] with mounting evidence of more. [12] The human brain has more cannabinoid receptors than any other G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) type. [13] The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) regulates many functions of the
There exist two primary CNS cannabinoid receptors, on which marijuana and the cannabinoids act. Both the CB 1 and CB 2 receptor are found in the brain. The CB 2 receptor is also found in the immune system. CB 1 is expressed at high densities in the basal ganglia, cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex.
The psychoactive effects of cannabis, known as a "high", are subjective and vary among persons and the method of use. When THC enters the blood stream and reaches the brain, it binds to cannabinoid receptors. The endogenous ligand of these receptors is anandamide, the effects of which THC emulates.
3D model of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol, an endocannaboid. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the central nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system.
The presence of these specialized cannabinoid receptors in the brain led researchers to the discovery of endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glyceride . [citation needed] THC is a lipophilic molecule [27] and may bind non-specifically to a variety of entities in the brain and body, such as adipose tissue (fat).
Neuropsychopharmacology supersedes psychopharmacology in the areas of "how" and "why", and additionally addresses other issues of brain function. Accordingly, the clinical aspect of the field includes psychiatric (psychoactive) as well as neurologic (non-psychoactive) pharmacology-based treatments.