Marijuana Use and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Functioning in Humans.

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Substance Use Research
• Cannabinoid Science

Background:

• Cannabinoids are known to affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in preclinical models.
• Understanding marijuana's (MJ) impact on human HPA axis functioning is crucial, as substances of abuse can dysregulate this system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize existing literature on HPA axis functioning in marijuana users.
• To review studies on acute MJ administration, stress response in MJ users, basal cortisol, and the cortisol awakening response (CAR) in relation to MJ use.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing studies examining MJ administration and HPA axis functioning.
• Analysis of research on stress, basal cortisol levels, and the cortisol awakening response (CAR) in individuals with varying patterns of MJ use.

Main Results:

• Acute MJ administration generally increases cortisol, but this effect is diminished in MJ-dependent individuals.
• Frequent MJ users exhibit blunted adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol reactivity to acute stress.
• Evidence regarding MJ's effect on basal cortisol and CAR is inconsistent.

Conclusions:

• Heavy marijuana use may dysregulate HPA axis activity or HPA axis dysregulation may be a risk marker for heavy MJ use.
• Future research should account for MJ use characteristics, hormone collection methods, timing, and environmental factors.