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The CB1 receptor: linking impulsivity and substance use disorder
Octavio Amancio-Belmont1,2, Lorena Alline Becerril-Melendez1, Mónica Méndez-Díaz1
1Laboratorio de Ontogenia y Adicciones, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, México City, Mexico.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|October 16, 2025
Summary
The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) in the brain influences impulsivity and substance use disorders (SUDs) risk. Adolescent CB1R development may increase vulnerability, offering targets for early prevention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) is a key G protein-coupled receptor in the brain, modulating synaptic transmission.
- CB1R expression changes dynamically during adolescence, a period of neuroplasticity and heightened impulsivity.
- Impulsivity is linked to substance use disorders (SUDs) and involves a complex neurocircuitry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the role of CB1R in impulsivity and SUDs risk.
- To propose a distributed CB1R-regulated neurocircuit underlying impulsivity.
- To highlight adolescence as a critical developmental window for SUDs vulnerability.
Main Methods:
- Integration of preclinical and clinical evidence.
- Review of existing literature on CB1R ontogeny and function.
- Analysis of CB1R's role in brain regions modulating impulsivity.
Main Results:
- CB1R signaling in the hippocampus and cerebellum contributes to modulating impulsive behavior.
- Adolescent CB1R development may disrupt inhibitory control, increasing risk for risky behaviors and SUDs.
- A distributed CB1R-regulated neurocircuitry underlies impulsivity and SUDs risk.
Conclusions:
- CB1R plays a critical role in a distributed neurocircuit regulating impulsivity and SUDs risk.
- Adolescence represents a sensitive period for CB1R-mediated vulnerability to substance use.
- Targeting the endocannabinoid system offers potential for early prevention of SUDs.
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