The Effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on the Dopamine System
File(s)
Author(s)
Bloomfield, MAP
Ashok, A
Volkow, ND
Howes, OD
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, is a pressing concern to global mental health. Patterns of use are changing drastically due to legalisation, availability of synthetic analogues (‘spice’), cannavaping and aggrandizements in the purported therapeutic effects of cannabis. Many of THC’s reinforcing effects are mediated by the dopamine system. Due to complex cannabinoid-dopamine interactions there is conflicting evidence from human and animal research fields. Acute THC causes increased dopamine release and neuron activity, whilst long-term use is associated with blunting of the dopamine system. Future research must examine the long-term and developmental dopaminergic effects of the drug.
Date Issued
2016-11-16
Date Acceptance
2016-10-10
Citation
Nature, 2016, 539 (7629), pp.369-377
ISSN
0028-0836
Publisher
Nature
Start Page
369
End Page
377
Journal / Book Title
Nature
Volume
539
Issue
7629
Copyright Statement
© 2016 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature. All rights reserved.
Subjects
General Science & Technology
MD Multidisciplinary
Publication Status
Published