Altered Corticolimbic Control of the Nucleus Accumbens by Long-term Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The decriminalization and legalization of cannabis and the expansion of availability of medical cannabis in North America have led to an increase in cannabis use and the availability of high-potency strains. Cannabis potency is determined by the concentration of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), a psychoactive constituent that activates cannabinoid CB₁ and CB₂ receptors. The use of high-potency cannabis is associated with cannabis use disorder and increased susceptibility to psychiatric illness. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is part of a brain reward circuit affected by Δ⁹-THC through modulation of glutamate afferents arising from corticolimbic brain areas implicated in drug addiction and psychiatric disorders. Moreove

SUBMITTER: Hwang EK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7002212 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature