What role do cannabinoids play in modulating the body's stress response system?
What role do cannabinoids play in modulating the body's stress response system? Cannabinoids play a crucial role in modulating the body's stress response system by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which influences stress hormones and emotional regulation. Cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 receptors, are involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for mood and anxiety management. Research suggests that cannabinoids may help reduce physiological stress responses, promoting relaxation and resilience in the face of stress. By modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, cannabinoids can potentially mitigate the effects of chronic stress and improve mental health outcomes. Understanding these mechanisms may inform therapeutic approaches for stress-related disorders (Hurd et al., 2021).