Endocrine effects of marijuana.
In the 35 years since the active compound of marijuana, delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, was isolated, the psychological and physiological impact of marijuana use has been actively investigated. Animal models have demonstrated that cannabinoid administration acutely alters multiple hormonal systems, including the suppression of the gonadal steroids, growth hormone, prolactin, and thyroid hormone and the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. These effects are mediated by binding to the endogenous cannabinoid receptor in or near the hypothalamus. Despite these findings in animals, the effects in humans have been inconsistent, and discrepancies are likely due in part to the development of tolerance. The long-term consequences of marijuana use in humans on endocrine systems remain unclear.
Brown
Todd T
TT
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Dobs
Adrian S
AS
D000818:Animals; D002188:Cannabis; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006066:Gonads / Q000187:drug effects; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000187:drug effects; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D013759:Dronabinol; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone