[Cannabis and cannabinoids as drugs].
BACKGROUND
Cannabis has been used throughout human history. Delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC metabolises to 11-OH-THC and further to THC-acid, which is an inactive metabolite. We present an overview of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids.


METHODS
This article is based on selected literature with an emphasis on the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids.


CONCLUSIONS
It has been demonstrated that mammalian tissues express cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2 and most probably CB3) and endogenous ligands for these. Knowledge of these receptors has lead to the development of components that stimulate (CB-agonists) or block their function (CB-antagonists). This opens up for the study of any potential therapeutic effects of cannabinoids. Research on a possible therapeutic potential of cannabinoids should however not overshadow the well-documented negative effects of cannabis; i.e. impaired cognitive functions, intoxication and an increased risk for development of psychosis and psychotic symptoms.
Khiabani
Hassan Z
HZ
Nasjonalt folkehelseinstitutt, Divisjon for rettstoksikologi og rusmiddelforskning, Postboks 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo. hassan.khiabani@fhi.no
Mørland
Jørg
J
D063387:Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002188:Cannabis / Q000009:adverse effects; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010880:Piperidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D000077285:Rimonabant; D012307:Risk Factors
D063387:Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists; D002186:Cannabinoids; D010880:Piperidines; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D011720:Pyrazoles; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D013759:Dronabinol; D000077285:Rimonabant