Cannabis and the brain - Recent developments

Journal/Book: N Z J Psychol. 1995; 24: Business Manager, PO Box 4092, Wellington, New Zealand. New Zealand Psychol Soc. 5-12.

Abstract: During the last 6 years there have been major advances in the understanding of the effects of cannabis-like ('cannabinoid') drugs on the brain. A specific cannabinoid receptor has been identified in the brain and has been cloned. More recently, a naturally occurring cannabinoid has been discovered in the brain. These advances have changed our understanding of cannabis as an illegal recreational drug, but have also exposed cannabinoid research as an area of fundamental significance for understanding the brain and behaviour. There is substantial evidence that cannabinoids impair cognitive processes, and these effects may be due in part to the action of cannabinoids in the hippocampus. However, some cannabinoids may also be useful therapeutically, particularly as analgesics. This review considers the implications of the latest developments in cannabinoid research for psychology and neuroscience.

Note: Article PF Smith, Univ Otago, Sch Med, Sch Med Sci, Dept Psychol, Dunedin, New Zealand

Keyword(s): MARIJUANA SMOKE EXPOSURE; INSITU HYBRIDIZATION HISTOCHEMISTRY; RECEPTOR MESSENGER-RNA; RAT-BRAIN; ADENYLATE-CYCLASE; RHESUS-MONKEY; DENTATE GYRUS; GRANULE CELLS; BINDING-SITES; DELTA-9-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL

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