Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026

Aversive Associative Learning and Memory Formation by Pairing Two Chemicals in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: June 23, 2022
Endocannabinoid System: the Direct and Indirect Involvement in the Memory and Learning Processes-a Short Review
Marta Kruk-Slomka1, Agnieszka Dzik2, Barbara Budzynska2
1Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland. marta.kruk@umlub.pl.
Abstract:
The endocannabinoid system via cannabinoid (CB: CB1 and CB2) receptors and their endogenous ligands is directly and indirectly involved in many physiological functions, especially in memory and learning processes. Extensive studies reported that this system strictly modulates cognition-related processes evaluated in various animal models. However, the effects of cannabinoids on the cognition have been contradictory. The cannabinoid compounds were able to both impair or improve different phases of memory processes through direct (receptor related) or indirect (non-receptor related) mechanism. The memory-related effects induced by the cannabinoids can be depended on the kind of cannabinoid compound used, dosage, and route of administration as well as on the memory task chosen. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are to review and summarize the results describing the role of endocannabinoid system in cognition, including various stages of memory.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is...
Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
Role of Amygdala in Memory
One of the...
Role of Hippocampus in Memory
Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
Implicit Memories
One key aspect of implicit...

