Australian_Science_Illustrated_Issue_52_2017

Cannabis knocks

the brain off course

Cannabis plant ingredients interrupt brain cell

communication, causing users to be "high".

1

Brain cells constantly exchange electric

signals, which are controlled via CB1

receptors on the surface. Two natural

ingredients can bind to the receptor, altering

brain signalling: anandamide and 2-AG.

2

The active ingredient in cannabis,

THC, can also bind to the CB1

receptor. The binding changes the

electric signals in major parts of the brain,

which hence loses its bearings.

3

Users get "high", because THC causes

brain cells to produce different amounts

of neurotransmitters than they usually do.

Scientists have drawn up an extremely detailed

image of the CB1 receptor (left). This means

that they are able to customise drugs, which

bind to it in new ways. They hope that the

drugs can be designed to work fast, slowly,

forcefully, weakly, or only in specific places,

depending on the type of disease to be treated.

THC

2-AG

ANANDAMIDE

NEW DRUGS

NEUROTRANSMITTERS

CB1 RECEPTOR

NERVE SIGNAL

CB1 RECEPTOR

CLAUS LUNAU

Receptors inspire new drugs

NEW DISCOVERY

HUMANS CANNABIS