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The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the dopamine system

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  • Michael A. P. Bloomfield

    (Psychiatric Imaging Group, Robert Steiner MR Unit, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital
    Psychiatric Imaging Group, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road
    University College London, 6th Floor, Maple House
    Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London)

  • Abhishekh H. Ashok

    (Psychiatric Imaging Group, Robert Steiner MR Unit, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital
    Psychiatric Imaging Group, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road
    Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London)

  • Nora D. Volkow

    (National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9561, USA)

  • Oliver D. Howes

    (Psychiatric Imaging Group, Robert Steiner MR Unit, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital
    Psychiatric Imaging Group, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road
    Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London)

Abstract

The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, are a pressing concern for global mental health. Patterns of cannabis use are changing drastically owing to legalization, the availability of synthetic analogues (commonly termed spice), cannavaping and an emphasis on the purported therapeutic effects of cannabis. Many of the reinforcing effects of THC are mediated by the dopamine system. Owing to the complexity of the cannabinoid–dopamine interactions that take place, there is conflicting evidence from human and animal studies concerning the effects of THC on the dopamine system. Acute THC administration causes increased dopamine release and neuron activity, whereas long-term use is associated with blunting of the dopamine system. Future research must examine the long-term and developmental dopaminergic effects of THC.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael A. P. Bloomfield & Abhishekh H. Ashok & Nora D. Volkow & Oliver D. Howes, 2016. "The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the dopamine system," Nature, Nature, vol. 539(7629), pages 369-377, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:539:y:2016:i:7629:d:10.1038_nature20153
    DOI: 10.1038/nature20153
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