What mechanisms underlie the psychoactive effects of THC, and how do they differ from other cannabinoids?
What mechanisms underlie the psychoactive effects of THC, and how do they differ from other cannabinoids? The psychoactive effects of THC primarily stem from its potent agonism of CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, which leads to increased dopamine release and altered neuronal communication. This receptor binding is responsible for the characteristic "high" associated with THC, including euphoria and altered perception. In contrast, other cannabinoids like CBD have a much lower affinity for CB1 receptors and do not produce psychoactive effects; instead, they may modulate THC's effects by acting as a negative allosteric modulator at these receptors. Furthermore, cannabinoids such as CBN and CBG exhibit different receptor interactions, contributing to their unique pharmacological profiles. The distinct mechanisms of action among cannabinoids underline the complexity of the ECS and its effects on mood and cognition (Pertwee, 2008).