Endocannabinoids are lipid neuromodulators that suppress neurotransmitter release. Endocannabinoids can help us explain a variety of bio behavioral and physiological processes relevant in our daily lives (Lu et al. 2017).
THC is the main psychoactive component in cannabis and is classified as cannabinoid. THC is thought to exert its more potent effects by binding to cannabinoid receptors. There are two known cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are found throughout the nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily found on immune cells. The activation of CB1R reduces the spontaneous glutamatergic currents. Lacking CB1Rs on glutamatergic axon terminals exhibit more severe mental and physiological problems (Devinsky et al. 2017).In order to better understand the benefits of CB1R receptor in the ECS (endocannabinoid system), you must first understand the vital role it plays in modulating neurotransmitters. This regulates appetite, modulating pain and it could also affect sleeping patterns. Cannabis medications have been gaining popularity as individuals with chronic pain have a natural way to seek relief. Epidiolex, for example, is a prescription cannabinoid medication that is primarily used to treat seizures associated with epilepsy in children suffering from Dravet syndrome (Devinsky et al. 2017). It has shown positive results helping manage chronic pain and uncontrollable seizures in infants. Moreover, it is essential to consider these potential therapeutic applications that target our endocannabinoid system.
Juxtaposed to Dr. Devinskys findings, Dr. Leweke has suggested that repeated and excessive cannabis use, specifically in adolescents, can lead to alterations in the ECS. Ensuing that it could potentially lead to the development of schizophrenia later on in life (Leweke et al. 2017). It is commonly known that marijuana produces a psychoactive experience by targeting and activating CB1Rs within the ECS. Dr. Leweke suggests that this repeated use of cannabis could cause implications after the individuals stop using cannabis. For example the patient may experience insomnia, trouble eating or having appetite, libido and vivid dreams as a result of blocked REM sleep from the marijuana abuse.mChronic abuse of marijuana has been associated with downregulation of CB1Rs, illustrating how it disrupts the endocannabinoids systems normal functioning (Leweke et al. 2017). There is a growing body of evidence that indicates a connection between heavy cannabis use and increased risk of developing psychosis later on in life. There is no immediate danger, although if you are genetically predisposed to schizophrenia, there is a very high probability you will develop schizophrenia if you abuse cannabis. It is reported that individuals who are genetically predisposed to schizophrenia, have increased likelihood of schizophrenic episodes when they smoke marijuana (Leweke et al. 2017).
In conclusion, the use of cannabis in the form of medicine in order to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from severe forms of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and chronic pain will improve the quality of life for many patients. However, it is also important to highlight the future consequence of chronic cannabis use, specifically in adolescents. Chronic cannabis use among adolescents as shown to later on develop neurological disorders like schizophrenia. Individuals that are genetically predisposed to schizophrenia will increase the probability of developing it if they are chronic cannabis users. Further research associated with cannabis use in therapy is subsequently in order to better understand the full spectrum risks and benefits for public health.
Works Cited
Devinsky, O., Cross, J. H., Laux, L., Marsh, E., Miller, Wright, S. (2017). Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine
Leweke, F. M., Mueller, J. K., Lange, B., & Rohleder, C. (2017). Role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia: Implications for pharmacological intervention
Lu, H.-C. (2016, April 1). An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system. Biological psychiatry. Retrieved May 2, 2023,
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