Linda A. Parker
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780262035798
- eISBN:
- 9780262338448
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262035798.003.0001
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Research and Theory
Although cannabis has been used throughout human history, the scientific investigation of its effects only began with the isolation of THC in the 1960’s. Once discovered it was another 20 years ...
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Although cannabis has been used throughout human history, the scientific investigation of its effects only began with the isolation of THC in the 1960’s. Once discovered it was another 20 years before the mechanism by which THC produces its psychoactive effects in the brain, the CB1 receptor, was discovered. Cannabis contains over 80 cannabinoid compounds, but THC is the only intoxicating compound. Recent preclinical research is being directed towards evaluating the therapeutic potential of other cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis, including CBD. The pharmacokinetics of THC, methods of administration, and dosing issues are explored in Chapter 1.Less
Although cannabis has been used throughout human history, the scientific investigation of its effects only began with the isolation of THC in the 1960’s. Once discovered it was another 20 years before the mechanism by which THC produces its psychoactive effects in the brain, the CB1 receptor, was discovered. Cannabis contains over 80 cannabinoid compounds, but THC is the only intoxicating compound. Recent preclinical research is being directed towards evaluating the therapeutic potential of other cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis, including CBD. The pharmacokinetics of THC, methods of administration, and dosing issues are explored in Chapter 1.
