Possible Interaction: Dopamine and Marijuana

“ Cannabis , caffeine, and tobacco use are associated with increased mesolimbic dopamine activity.”

“Specifically, the effects of cannabis and aging converge on overlapping networks in the endocannabinoid, opioid, and dopamine systems that may affect functional decline particularly in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are critical areas for memory and executive functioning.”

“3 A marihuana extract decreased brain dopamine turnover in REM sleep‐deprived rats, an effect not observed in non‐deprived rats.”

“Research has begun to link heightened dopamine reactivity with the psychotomimetic effects of cannabis.”

“Furthermore, recent studies are suggesting that chronic cannabis use blunts dopamine synthesis and dopamine release capacity.”

“However some work has suggested that acute cannabis exposure increases dopamine release in striatal and pre-frontal areas in those genetically predisposed for, or at clinical high risk of psychosis.”

“We found that marijuana abusers display attenuated dopamine (DA) responses to MP, including reduced decreases in striatal distribution volumes.”

“Regular long-term cannabis use has been associated with reduced dopamine synthesis capacity.”

“Thus cannabis use may increase dopamine release in the human striatum leading to vulnerability to psychosis.”

“ Cannabis stimulates dopamine release and activates dopaminergic reward neurons in central pathways that lead to enhanced dependence.”

“These effects of cannabis may be consequent on its impact on the dopamine system.”