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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Administration of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice

Administration of Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Adolescent and Adult Mice

Published on: August 1, 2025

The endocannabinoid system and the brain.

Raphael Mechoulam¹, Linda A Parker

¹Institute for Drug Research, Hebrew University, Medical Faculty, Jerusalem 91120, Israel. mechou@cc.huji.ac.il

Annual Review of Psychology

|July 19, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The endocannabinoid system, involving THC and its receptors, influences brain functions like mood and memory. Research highlights its complex, dose-dependent effects on CNS processes.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Pharmacology
Psychiatry

Background:

The psychoactive component of cannabis, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), was isolated decades ago.
Cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2) and endogenous cannabinoids (anandamide, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol) were identified later.
The endocannabinoid system impacts both central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral functions.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent research on the endocannabinoid system's effects.
Focus on actions related to anxiety, depression, neurogenesis, reward, cognition, learning, and memory.

Main Methods:

Literature review with an emphasis on recent publications.
Synthesis of findings on endocannabinoid system's neurobiological actions.

Main Results:

The endocannabinoid system modulates key CNS functions including mood, learning, and memory.
Observed biphasic effects: lower doses can produce opposite effects compared to higher doses.
Recent identification of novel endocannabinoid-like compounds in the brain.

Conclusions:

The endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in various brain functions.
Further investigation into newly identified compounds is crucial for understanding brain activity.
The dose-dependent nature of cannabinoid effects warrants careful consideration in research and potential therapeutics.