Where are THC receptors most highly concentrated?

brain
The Endocannabinoid System CB1 receptors are highly concentrated in the brain and affect most areas and functions of the brain, affect neurotransmitters, and are highly expressed at GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons.

Does brain have cannabinoid receptors?

CB(1) receptors are present in very high levels in several brain regions and in lower amounts in a more widespread fashion. These receptors mediate many of the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids.

Where is CB1 receptor located?

The CB1 receptor is one of the most abundant G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the CNS and is found in particularly high levels in the neocortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, cerebellum and brainstem (Herkenham et al., 1991; Marsicano and Kuner, 2008).

What are CB1 receptors in the brain?

CB1 receptors are members of the Gi/Go-linked GPCR family. Thus, they inhibit voltage-sensitive calcium channels and adenylyl cyclase and activate inwardly rectifying potassium channels and MAP kinase.

How does THC work with your brain?

When someone smokes marijuana, THC gets into the brain rapidly and attaches to cannabinoid receptors . The natural EC system is finely tuned to react appropriately to incoming information. But THC overwhelms the EC system. It prevents the natural chemicals from doing their job properly and throws the whole system off balance.

What are receptors in the brain does cannabis bind to?

Cannabinoids will bind to receptors CB1 and CB2 and will not affect the mesolimbic reward system (dopamine receptors). It will nevertheless modify serotonin transmission, which is why it can become a psychedelic if used in large amounts, just like LSD, psilocin, and mescaline.

How does weed damage the brain?

Andrew Zaeh for Bustle. Smoking weed can impair memory, attention, and concentration. “For example, impairment in memory occurs because cannabis alters information processing in the hippocampus, which is an area of the brain responsible for memory formation,” says Dr. Mooney.

What receptors does cannabis affect?

Marijuana use effects the neurotransmitter GABA by blocking it. The result is increasing dopamine levels which normally GABA inhibits or regulates. Cannabis effects the cannabinoid receptors, namely Cb1 and Cb2 that mimic a naturally created endogenous molecule, anadamide.