Effects of Cannabis on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission: The Interplay between Cannabinoids and Glutamate.

This review examines how cannabis and its derivatives alter glutamatergic neurotransmission, affecting memory. Acute cannabis exposure typically inhibits glutamate release, while chronic use tends to increase it. Postsynaptic changes, including glutamate receptor expression and downstream signaling, are more complex. Factors such as dosage, sex, age, and frequency of use influence these effects. The review covers current research on glutamate-cannabis interactions and identifies future research directions needed to understand cannabis-related health and neurological effects.

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Abstract

There has been a significant increase in the consumption of cannabis for both recreational and medicinal purposes in recent years, and its use can have long-term consequences on cognitive functions, including memory. Here, we review the immediate and long-term effects of cannabis and its derivatives on glutamatergic neurotransmission, with a focus on both the presynaptic and postsynaptic alterations. Several factors can influence cannabinoid-mediated changes in glutamatergic neurotransmission, including dosage, sex, age, and frequency of use. Acute exposure to cannabis typically inhibits glutamate release, whereas chronic use tends to increase glutamate release. Conversely, the postsynaptic alterations are more complicated than the presynaptic effects, as cannabis can affect the glutamate receptor expression and the downstream signaling of glutamate. All these effects ultimately influence cognitive functions, particularly memory. This review will cover the current research on glutamate-cannabis interactions, as well as the future directions of research needed to understand cannabis-related health effects and neurological and psychological aspects of cannabis use.