Cannibinoid Receptors

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The authors address how the controversial use of marijuana (specifically THC) has brought new insight concerning the works of our brain. Previous investigations into the use of cannabis and its affects on the human brain, gave thought to the harmful side affects from use of this drug and the emotional state a user gained while under its influence, this became the central focus taken into account. (Article) First I would like to introduce some history on this drugs, cannabis sativa used for THC extraction, beginnings. Hemp has been grown here in America, since approximately 1720, for making rope. The consumable type of marijuana was brought to the east by slaves, via Portuguese merchants, through Brazil. This sociable form was introduced to the U.S. by black jazz musicians along the eastern sea board. It was during the 1850's that the first prescriptions for the plant usage were given in the U.S. The first primary use of the drug was to help "defiantly behaved" poor African American farmers. It seems abuse has been an ongoing issue since its introduction and has brought on many factors of study into its use and abuse. (pg's 4-5 Marihuana and Medicine, Edited by Gabriel Nahas, MD, PhD, DSc; Kenneth Sutin, MD, PhD; David Harvey, PhD; Stig Agurell, PhD, PharmD, DSc; Nicholas Pace, MD; Robert Cancro, MD. Humana Press Totowa, New Jersey: (615.7827 M338m))

When smoking any type of drug the amount inhaled is challenging to assess or to manage. During tests conducted with THC amounts it was found that people will inhale at different rates. An experienced smoker will be capable of inhaling more per drag than an inexperienced smoker. Thus, each puff will deliver different amounts to each individual depending upon their capacity to inhale. Amounts tested within individuals may also be affected when the concentration amounts of THC is different in different plants. This is why researchers are more likely to use THC in its pure form for experimental use than to use the plant form. (http://www.hivpositive.com/f-Nutrition/MedicalMarijuana/MM-ClinPharmacology.html)

One interesting fact found in researching the testing of this drug has gone so far as to include tests on communities of Ants. Examiners found that Ants increased work of foraging in the first 2 hours while on the drug THC while later work decreased. It was noted that their behavior continued as normal among the workers and caretakers even as the testing continued until a fourth week. (pg's 159 Marihuana and Medicine, Edited by Gabriel Nahas, MD, PhD, DSc; Kenneth Sutin, MD, PhD; David Harvey, PhD; Stig Agurell, PhD, PharmD, DSc; Nicholas Pace, MD; Robert Cancro, MD. Humana Press Totowa, New Jersey: (615.7827 M338m))

The use of THC has not been as fully studied in human brains as it has in animals. The fatty acid offshoot named anandamide, has been identified but not yet completely studied in humans either. Newer findings about THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) prove it be to blame for interactions with cannabinoid receptors in the human brain. In the late 1980s improved experiments ranging into different quality and interest in the possible beneficial uses of cannabinoids began to take shape. The significant actions of THC in the brain are now recognized to be mainly receptor produced. So far, the study only includes a relatively simple receptor family (CB1, central cannabinoid receptor and CB2, peripheral cannabinoid receptor). These receptors are abundant in the brain areas concerned with memory, cognition, and motor coordination. (http://www.hivpositive.com/f-Nutrition/MedicalMarijuana/MM-ClinPharmacology.html)

There are many geometric shapes to the cannabinoid molecule isomers. It seems double carbon bonds are formed along with usable side chains. These side chains lead to potential compounds. Many types of cannabinoid molecules have been lab tested, including potential compounds with amino and sulfur groups. Some tests revealed very low activity with minor differences. Synthetic Enantiomers of the drug have been tested on several types of animals, revealing that the 11-OH / 8 -THC-DMH isomer has the most active response. This particular testing gives a more accurate impression to examiners of the drugs true characteristics and effects on receptors in the brain.

(Pgs 65-77 Marihuana and Medicine, Edited by Gabriel Nahas, MD, PhD, DSc; Kenneth Sutin, MD, PhD; David Harvey, PhD; Stig Agurell, PhD, PharmD, DSc; Nicholas Pace, MD; Robert Cancro, MD. Humana Press Totowa, New Jersey: (615.7827 M338m))

Chemical structures produced by the brain are, interestingly enough, a match to the chemical makeup of cannabis sativa. The receptors in the brain behave the same as ones own body's chemical reactions would be to their own production of anandamide. This so called drug (THC) is used today by