Possible Interaction: Ethanol and Cannabinoids

“Notably, emerging work suggests that alcohol and cannabinoids exert opposing effects on the MGBA.”

“The relatively slow elimination from the body of the cannabinoids has safety implications for cognitive tasks, especially driving and operating machinery; although driving impairment with cannabis is only moderate, there is a significant interaction with alcohol.”

“Steatogenic agents such as ethanol and high-fat diet can upregulate the activity of cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors via increasing synthesis of endocannabinoids, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, and anandamide.”

“ Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids appear to be involved in adding to the rewarding effects of addictive substances, including, nicotine, opiates, alcohol , cocaine, and BDZs.”

“However, alcohol influences the activity of many transmitter systems including GABA and endogenous opioids and cannabinoids.”

“11-Nor-Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (THC-COOEt) can be presumed to be a mixed metabolite formed during combined consumption of cannabinoids and alcohol.”

“Exposure to cannabinoids predicted less likely exposure to ethanol (OR=0.61; 95% CI: 0.38-0.98) and no significant difference was noted in the exposure to cocaine (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 0.81-1.91).”

“Some evidence has suggested that negative effects of alcohol on the brain may be buffered in part by potential neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids.”

“There was a positive correlation among the psychotic patients between a positive urinary cannabinoid test and the use of alcohol , ataya tea and cigarette smoking; a family history of mental illness showed a negative correlation.”

“Cannabinoids also function as inhibitors of Shh signaling, raising the possibility that ethanol and cannabinoids may interact to broadly disrupt neuronal function during brain development.”