Effects of

Marijuana on
the Brain
By Dominic Schmidt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrahydrocannabinol
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2010/08/medical marijuana_
lawsuit_against_westminster_could_challenge_all_local_dispensary_bans.php
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannibinol
(THC)
The primary chemical in marijuana.
Its produced in the epidermal glands of the
cannabis plant.
One of approximately seventy different chemicals
produced solely by the cannabis plant.
THC is a lipophilic molecule and may bind non-
specifically to a variety of receptors in the brain and
body.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeF6rFN9org

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrahydrocannabinol
Pharmacology
THC activates the cannabinoid receptor CB1,
located in the central nervous system, and the
CB2 receptor, found primarily in the immune
system.
The psychoactive effects of THC are controlled by
the activation of CB1 G-protein coupled
receptors, which decreases cAMP.
The presence of these specialized cannabinoid
receptors in the brain led researchers to the
discovery of endocannabinoids like anandamide
and 2-AG.
THC affects
Analgesic effects
(pain relief).
Relaxation.
Alteration of visual,
auditory, and olfactory
senses.
Hunger.
Fatigue.
Reduced aggression (in some people).
Potential for substance dependency and withdrawal.
However, its not proved to be physically addictive.

http://www.dumpaday.com/random-pictures/funny-pictures/random-
funny-pictures-37-pics-3/attachment/smoking-weed-legal-funny-pictures/
THC and Dopamine
THC has stimulating effects on
dopaminergic neurons.
Chen et al. (1990)injected rats with low
doses of THC and measured the release
of dopamine in the NAC by means of
microdialysis.
THC appears to act directly on
dopaminergic terminal buttons.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD has antianxiety and antipsychotic
effects.
CBD is an antagonist (THC is a partial
agonist).
Does not produce psychotropic effects: It
is not reinforcing, and it doesnt produce
a high.
THC for Medical Use
AIDS
Glaucoma
Cancer
Multiple Sclerosis
Epilepsy
Chronic Pain

https://thejointblog.com/oregon-senate-approves-ptsd-as-qualifying-
medical-marijuana-condition-heads-to-governor/
Sources
Alexander, Alisa. "Neurobiological Effects of Medicinal
Marijuana."Neurobiological Effects of Medicinal
Marijuana. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014.
Carlson, Neil Robert. "Cannabis." Physiology of Behavior.
Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1977. 633-35. Print.
"DrugFacts: Marijuana." National Institute on Drug Abuse
(NIDA). N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.
"How Does Marijuana Affect the Brain?" MedicineNet.
Government, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014.