Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in reward processing and addiction: from mechanisms to interventions
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ABSTRACT: The last decades have seen a major gain in understanding the action of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in reward processing and the development of addictive behavior. Cannabis-derived psychoactive compounds such as Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and synthetic cannabinoids directly interact with the reward system and thereby have addictive properties. Cannabinoids induce their reinforcing properties by an increase in tonic dopamine levels through a cannabinoid type 1 (CB₁) receptor-dependent mechanism within the ventral tegmental area. Cues that are conditioned to cannabis smoking can induce drug-seeking responses (ie, craving) by eliciting phasic dopamine events. A dopamine-independent mechanism involved in drug-seeking responses involves an endocannabinoid/gluta

SUBMITTER: Spanagel R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7605022 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature