The Endocannabinoid System: A Case Study

Cannabis

There are over 450 chemicals and relatively sixty pharmacologically active compounds called, cannabinoids, found in Cannabis (Wallace et al. 2001). The two most acknowledged compounds is -9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which is non-psychoactive. THC is the dominant psychoactive compound in Cannabis. The ratio of these compounds correlate to the therapeutic effects in contrast to the psychoactive effects when levels of THC is higher. Both THC and CB have anticonvulsant properties (Wallace et al. 2001). Cannabinoid receptors are extensively dispersed neurally (Vaney et al. 2004). The endocannabinoid system is a group of endogenous cannabinoid receptors found across the brain and spinal cord. The endocannabinoid system regulates physiological mechanisms, such as memory, appetite, pain,

and mood.

Cannabinoids can alleviate pain responses through CB-1 receptor interactions (Wallace et al. 2001). The two primary receptors are the CB-1 and CB-2 receptors, which are found in the hippocampus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves (Vaney et al. 2004). Fatty acid neurotransmitters, such as anandamide, are naturally ligands of cannabinoid receptors found in mammalian tissues. Anandamide, when directed, can activate CB-1 receptors releasing amino acids, and monoamine neurotransmitters, like dopamine (Fadda et al. 2004). Cannabis can imitate anandamide and activate CB-1 receptors, which can easily be overactivated, releasing excessive amounts of dopamine. The exact mechanism of THC and CBD’s anticonvulsant activity is unknown but that is is may somehow involve ion channels controlled by CB-1 receptors (Wallace

et al. 2001).
Side effects
CBD has the potential to therapeutically treat different diseases without too many serious side effects, which is why Cannabis is considered as an option. CBD has a potent liver enzyme inhibitor, which can increase the effects of other drugs (Koch 2001). It is currently being investigated to determine both short and long term effects. Short term effects can influence an increase in food intake through the activation of CB-1 receptors stimulating dopamine release (Koch 2001). In addition, there was a reduction in nausea and improved mood. There is momentary cognitive deficits due to a lack and delayed launch of neurons that result in a deferred physical response with THC (Heyser et al. 1993). Contrasting this idea, it has been reported that CBD can reduce anxiety and cognitive impairment in patients with a severe social anxiety disorder (Bergamaschi 2011). CBD does not affect short-term memory as much as THC does (Fadda 2004). Spatial memory deficits is dependent on the CBD and THC ratio (Fadda 2004). There was reported in patients with higher dosage of THC experience dry mouth, sleepiness, and dizziness (Zuardi 1982).
Heavy usage of Cannabis can lead to many adverse effects. Patients with latent schizophrenic symptoms are more likely to have a psychotic episode with abuse of Cannabis (Caspari 1999). It has been reported that long term use of Cannabis can affect brain development, which can be permanent. (Meier 2012). It was determined that an average loss of 8 intelligence quotient (IQ) points were due to regular Cannabis use throughout adolescent years into adulthood. The loss of mental abilities were never fully returned in adults who quit using Cannabis. It is important to note that using Cannabis as an adult did not show significant declination of IQ points.