Cannabis reinforcement and dependence: role of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor.
Ziva D. Cooper, Margaret Haney
Addiction Biology June 2008 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2007.00095.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction Cannabis |
| Key findings | The review argues that the cannabinoid CB1 receptor regulates the behavioral effects of THC, including reward, subjective effects, and reinforcement, and plays a role in marijuana dependence and withdrawal. It notes that chronic marijuana smokers can experience withdrawal symptoms upon cessation and have difficulty abstaining, and it considers treatment options to alleviate withdrawal and promote abstinence. |
Abstract
Awareness of cannabis dependence as a clinically relevant issue has grown in recent years. Clinical and laboratory studies demonstrate that chronic marijuana smokers can experience withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of marijuana smoking and have difficulty abstaining from marijuana use. This paper will review data implicating the cannabinoid CB1 receptor in regulating the behavioral effects of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannobinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, across a range of species. The behavioral effects that will be discussed include those that directly contribute to the maintenance of chronic marijuana smoking, such as reward, subjective effects, and the positive and negative reinforcing effects of marijuana, THC and synthetic cannabinoids. The role of the CB1 receptor in the development of marijuana dependence and expression of withdrawal will also be discussed. Lastly, treatment options that may alleviate withdrawal symptoms and promote marijuana abstinence will be considered.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on cannabis for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis: A review of human imaging studies | 2018 | Review | |
| Substance-Induced Psychoses: An Updated Literature Review General (substance-induced psychosis) | 2021 | Narrative review | |
| New psychoactive substances of natural origin: A brief review | 2017 | Review | |
| New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) – a Challenge for the Addiction Treatment Services | 2017 | Review | |
| Classic Psychedelics in Addiction Treatment: The Case for Psilocybin in Tobacco Smoking Cessation | 2022 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 16
- Tolerance, physical dependence, and Δ9-THC-like interoceptive effects of cannabinol in mice. Drug and Alcohol Dependence September 1, 2026
- Evaluation of the Modulatory Effects of Minor Cannabinoids and Terpenes on Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Discrimination in Rats. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research September 2023
- Impact of early-life lead exposure on adult delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol sensitivity in male and female C57BL6/J mice. Neurotoxicology and Teratology 2023
- Effects of cannabidiol in cannabis flower: Implications for harm reduction. Addiction Biology 2022
- Effect of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Frontostriatal Resting State Functional Connectivity and Subjective Euphoric Response in Healthy Young Adults Drug and Alcohol Dependence February 3, 2021
and 11 more in the library
Cites 18
- Single and multiple doses of rimonabant antagonize acute effects of smoked cannabis in male cannabis users. Psychopharmacology November 2007
- MDMA attenuates THC withdrawal syndrome in mice. Psychopharmacology July 2007
- Opioid antagonism of cannabinoid effects: differences between marijuana smokers and nonmarijuana smokers. Neuropsychopharmacology June 2007
- The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide produces delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-like discriminative and neurochemical effects that are enhanced by inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase but not by inhibition of anandamide transport. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics April 2007
- CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists increase intracranial self-stimulation thresholds in the rat. Psychopharmacology May 2005
and 13 more in the library