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Drugs, Vaccines and Therapeutics
by ruth on October 24, 2007
According to a new study published in the October 24 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience indicates that while a synthetic form of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, is an effective anti-depressant at low doses, at higher doses, the effect reverses itself and can actually worsen depression and other psychiatric conditions like psychosis.
Because of the high risk posed by the use of cannabis in treating depression, the researchers are now focusing their research on a new class of drugs which enhance the effects of the brain's natural endo-cannabinoids.
Source: McGill
Related Entry: New Antidepressant Drug Candidate Increase Brain Endocannabinoids
"Low doses had a potent anti-depressant effect, but when we increased the dose, the serotonin in the rats' brains actually dropped below the level of those in the control group. So we actually demonstrated a double effect: At low doses it increases serotonin, but at higher doses the effect is devastating, completely reversed."
The anti-depressant and intoxicating effects of cannabis are due to its chemical similarity to natural substances in the brain known as "endo-cannabinoids," which are released under conditions of high stress or pain, explained Dr. Gobbi. They interact with the brain through structures called cannabinoid CB1 receptors. This study demonstrates for the first time that these receptors have a direct effect on the cells producing serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates the mood.
Because of the high risk posed by the use of cannabis in treating depression, the researchers are now focusing their research on a new class of drugs which enhance the effects of the brain's natural endo-cannabinoids.
Source: McGill
Related Entry: New Antidepressant Drug Candidate Increase Brain Endocannabinoids
Tags:
depression
cannabis
marijuana
medical+marijuana
doses
cannabis+treating
treating+depression
depressi
Trackback: http://publish.creative-weblogging.com/publish/mt-tb.pl/98534
Mr Wong
Vote for Cannabis on Treating Depression: Potent In Low Doses, Worsens Depression At High Doses:
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Rating: 9.75 out of 4 vote(s) cast.
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Response from:
Luke
(09/14/08 10:55pm)
I would like to contribute some of my own opinion on this subject. I have smoked pot for sometime now and agree that it helps depression. I have recently moved back to Maine and do not have sources to find it. Now that i have been up here even for just 2 weeks i have felt considerable depression increase and i am even on anti-depressant medication. I just feel that a natural herbal method is better than synthetic chemicals.
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