Mechanisms of action

The main psychotropic effect of marijuana occurs in the brain and is the result of the effects of the drug on neurotransmitters. Most research in this area focuses on the effects of marijuana on the chemical mediator, acetylcholine. HNS in relatively small doses reduces the circulation of acetylcholine, particularly in the hippocampus, leading to a decrease in the activity of the neurotransmitter. In addition, THC contributes to the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin. While the mechanism of drug action is mainly based on inference, some advances in research are taking place. First of all, this is the latest study of the visible receptor of the HPS in the brain. Research has also opened up new possibilities for exploring pathways in the brain that may be involved in the actions of cannabinoids, and to search for chemicals produced by the body that interact with the detected receptor. Later, a group of scientists discovered the presence of natural chemicals in the body (called anandamides, from the word “bliss” in Sanskrit), which act on the same receptors in brain cells as cannabinoids. In the future, researchers will use the composition of anandamides to study the effects of cannabinoid receptors on functions such as memory, mobility, hunger and pain, which are exposed to marijuana.

Tolerance and dependence

Tolerance to cannabis was confirmed by experiments with animals. However, human tolerance to cannabis is less obvious, since some studies indicate its presence, others do not. Some differences in human studies and his tolerance to cannabis can be explained by the doses of marijuana and the duration of use. Tolerance is most likely to occur when large doses are taken for long periods of time. As a rule, in laboratory studies, the dose and frequency of use is much greater than that usually taken by drug addicts.

The mechanisms of tolerance are still not known.
Physical dependence on cannabis is very rare. According to the data, no significant withdrawal symptoms were observed. No indicators of withdrawal symptoms were found, as was the case for other substances, such as alcohol or heroin. Aspects of dependence during prolonged continuous use mainly affect motor symptoms, such as troubled sleep, nausea, irritability, and relaxation. Some argue that these symptoms are more related to psychological dependence or refusal to use drugs. However, as in the case of tolerance, physical dependence is not obvious. Existing cases are associated with fairly high doses of marijuana taken over long periods of time. Be that as it may, some people do become physically addicted to marijuana, and the mechanism by which this addiction remains is unclear.