Actions of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in cannabis: relation to use, abuse, dependence.
Cannabis use disorders have been recently identified as a relevant clinical issue: a subset of cannabis smokers seeks treatment for their cannabis use, yet few succeed in maintaining long-term abstinence. The rewarding and positive reinforcing effects of the primary psychoactive component of smoked cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are mediated by the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. The CB1 receptor has also been shown to mediate cannabinoid dependence and expression of withdrawal upon cessation of drug administration, a phenomenon verified across species. This paper will review findings implicating the CB1 receptor in the behavioural effects of exogenous cannabinoids with a focus on cannabinoid dependence and reinforcement, factors that contribute to the maintenance of chronic cannabis smoking despite negative consequences. Opioidergic modulation of these effects is also discussed.
Cooper
Ziva D
ZD
Division on Substance Abuse, New York Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Haney
Margaret
M
D000818:Animals; D002188:Cannabis / Q000737:chemistry*; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000819:agonists*; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology
D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; D013759:Dronabinol