Cannabis & Neural Receptors

[searchad]

Cannabis

The sensations of slight euphoria, relaxation, and amplified auditory and visual perceptions produced by marijuana (http://www.addictionsearch.com/treatment_articles/article/marijuana-addiction-abuse-and-treatment_25.html)are due almost entirely to its effect on the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These receptors are present almost everywhere in the brain, and an endogenous molecule that binds to them naturally has been identified: anandamide. We are thus dealing with the same kind of mechanism as in the case of opiates that bind directly to the receptors for endorphins, the body’s natural morphines.

Anandamide is involved in regulating mood, memory, appetite, pain, cognition, and emotions. When cannabis is introduced into the body, its active ingredient, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can therefore interfere with all of these functions.

THC begins this process by binding to the CB1 receptors for anandamide. These receptors then modify the activity of several intracellular enzymes, including cAMP, whose activity they reduce. Less cAMP means less protein kinase A. The reduced activity of this enzyme affects the potassium and calcium channels so as to reduce the amount of neurotransmitters released. The general excitability of the brain’s neural networks is thus reduced as well.

However, in the reward circuit, just as in the case of other drugs, more dopamine is released. As with opiates, this paradoxical increase is explained by the fact that the dopaminergic neurons in this circuit do not have CB1 receptors, but are normally inhibited by GABAergic neurons that do have them. The cannabis removes this inhibition by the GABA neurons and hence activates the dopamine neurons.

In chronic consumers of cannabis, the loss of CB1 receptors in the brain’s arteries reduces the flow of blood, and hence of glucose and oxygen, to the brain. The main results are attention deficits, memory loss, and impaired learning ability.

[ethoms]

Firstly, I found this posting very interesting. It seems there is a lack of scientific explanation and references in articles about cannabis and in particular the addiction, or not as some believe, of it. This post is a refreshing change from the articles that seem to state the obvious.

My interest on the subject stems from my extensive use of the herb, recreational use admittedly. I have used it on and off for years, intensively when using but also with long periods of complete abstinence. Really I am searching for evidence that cannabis is physically addictive, contrary to popular belief. I believe the mis-conception that it is not, is due to the fact that the vast majority of users do not smoke enough and regularly enough to experience it, good for them.

I do not profess to have knowledge of the science behind cannabis's effect on the brain to the degree seen in searchadd's post. I do however have a theory based on other articles I have read combined with my experiences using and abstaining from cannabis.

Background Info:
Neural receptors in the brain process information from various parts of the brain and the nervous system (the senses). The information is sent via neurons (much like packets of data are sent across the internet). The eye will send a picture to the brain through the optic nerve by breaking it down into millions of tiny pieces of information and firing neurons, which carry the information, to the part of the brain that processes vision. Likewise with other senses and even between different parts of the brain (e.g. from memory to rational thought).

Thesis:
My theory is that a physical addiction can occur due to an adaptation to the neurological changes in the brain and nervous system. THC (the main active component in cannabis) attaches itself to the neural receptors in the brain. It then blocks neurons on their way to the neural receptors, but not completely. It acts like a filter, filtering out at random, some of the neurons. This is why those that smoke it, and are not used to it, will experience difficulties thinking clearly, maybe some nausia and are unable to function effectively. However, like many things in nature the brain will adapt to suit it's needs. Prolonged intensive use will cause the brain to develop more neural receptors, and they become more sensitive to the neurons sent to them. This is because the body wants function normally, so it must compensate for the THC's blocking of neurons. Now, when a user stops using, the THC will clear (quite slowly compared to other drugs). This means that the normal amount of neurons are being received by the neural receptors but they are ultra-sensitive to the neurons. This in turn leads to a bombardment of information which the brain simply can't process as normal, or at least it is under stress. The effect is discomfort, lack of concentration and nausia. Perhaps similarly some of the pleasure derived from using cannabis could be because the brain has more capacity to process dopamine signals (pleasure signals) instead of bulkier sensory information. Likewise the brain may have more processing time to spare to other parts of the brain, like imagination. Some of my best ideas come to me whilst under the influence of cannabis. Ofcourse over time, the neural receptors will adjust back to normal and the now non-user will feel normal again. It works just like muscle development, exercise a lot and they will grow, abstain from exersise and they will deteriate.

What the scientists won't get from lab rats:
Some information from experience that would back the theory. It is possible to experience the same effects of addiction mentioned above without the absence of THC. When I took my first 'trip' on magic mushrooms (psilocybin), I did find it very overwhelming at first, then I enjoyed it. It seems there is an acceleration of neural activity, hence heightened sensitivity. However, since my prolonged intensive use of cannabis, I find the 'trip' experience too overwhelming to enjoy. If I then smoke much larger amounts of cannabis, the trip becomes much less uncomfortable and I may even enjoy it, but the cannabis does reduce the effects of the magic mushrooms. I no longer enjoy the 'triping' experience on the whole so i simply don't take them anymore.



Please correct me if my theory is unplausable. Please post links to relevant sites. Please comment.

[Ricardo]

Nobody is really interested in the scientific facts in my opinion they just accept it or not that's all. narconon northern california
(http://www.drugrehab.net/)

Actually, I find the information interesting although I've never researched it or heard descriptions in that much detail before.

Knowledge is good, if it's accurate. :cool:

[Indogasmic]

I agree with what ethoms is talking about. Weed can have a physical addiction for the reasons stated. The reason, I think, that no one believes there is one is because there are no real noticeable relapse stages experienced when quitting after using for a regular basis like other drugs might have. However, I feel the mental addiction is very present and proveable. Every true smoker(uses everyday) will tell you that at some point in their day they thought "wow, i havent smoked yet today, hopefully i can soon." and then usually goes out of their way to smoke. Another thing is that turning down weed when it quite possibly is a fine time to do it is tough. Turning down a situation like this can be nearly impossible for a regular "user". I stopped smoking a little over 3 weeks ago and I still find myself thinking "shit, why did I quit in the first place again? its not a big deal to smoke weed" which it isn't, and that brings me to my biggest point. Weed is not considered a problem drug to anyone who has smoked it. We all know it doesnt cause catastrophic(sp?) damages to anything.ever. So the question is ever persistant "why not smoke some bud?"

I don't know, this was just my two cents from my personal 5 years of experience with it. 2 of those years i smoked every day. The only reason I quit is because I just started my first year of college and need to keep my head clear but i still am always thinking I could be smoking during all of this and could still get by no problem, which I probably could. Hopefully someone can relate to this post and it wasn't a big waste of my time to type out haha.

[Larzzeybomb]

you guys are all so fucking weak.Weed has no addictive chemicals in it.You guys need to grow up and relize that its you thats doing this to yourself.Its not hard at all to quit.Just do.Stop being a bunch of babies complaining about you "addiction",try being a real addict and use heroin.Stop bitching and grow up.


Heroin free for 23days:)

[graham]

isnt that the heart of any addiction.

a life engineered over many years to accomadate a habit. if only it was so easy to grow up!

[Someguy]

you guys are all so fucking weak.Weed has no addictive chemicals in it.You guys need to grow up and relize that its you thats doing this to yourself.Its not hard at all to quit.Just do.Stop being a bunch of babies complaining about you "addiction",try being a real addict and use heroin.Stop bitching and grow up.


Heroin free for 23days:)



You're an ignorant moronic douchebag. STFU unless you know what you're talking about. I'm a living example of the harmful effects of marijuana. During my 12 years of abuse I've gained over 100 pounds. Used to not feel. I've told myself numerous times today was the last day. I've had hundreds of last days. It wasn't until I found NA that I've been able to regain some control. Don't come in here and say stupid shit. I would think another addict would have some sympathy instead of being an ignorant asshole. Go f*ck yourself.

[GaGe]

hey guys stumbled upon this website while researching for an english class where im doing a debate on the legalization of bud , i need some good hard facts to through in the opposings face help me out!

[bud free]

check out AKN's links in post 2 or 3 down.

[AKN]

Very encouraging post, Mark. :)

I agree completely. That's really nice what you said about your dog, surely he/she is happy for you too. :D Animals are good at picking up on how you feel. I've been very glad for my kitties during this time, they are friendly and cuddly, cheering me up and being cosy when I can't sleep.

[sweetsuccess05]

Is dependency and addiction the same thing?

[jenny]

Interesting post.