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.
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.
Ziva D
ZD
Cooper
Margaret
M
Haney
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