[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by dr wadd

As I mentioned previously, this is only the abstract, but going from what you've posted, and I assume you are mainly referring to the bit you've put in bold, it does not to me suggest a physical dependence. I`m reading it that the cannabis activates the reward centres of the brain, and it is the desire to get that reward that is stimulating continued use, not a change in the underlying physical mechanisms.

Strictly speaking this really low level stuff isn`t my field of expertise within psychology, so if I`ve obviously misinterpreted something let me know.

Not my area either, I could be wrong.

How about this paper:1: Rev Med Liege. 2003 Jan; 58(1): 19-21. Related Articles, Links


[Effects of nicotine and cannabinoids on the central nervous system]

[Article in French]

Seutin V.

Departement de Sciences precliniques BP (service de Pharmacologie), Centre de Recherches en Neurobiologie Cellulaire et Moleculaire (CNCM), Universite de Liege.

We describe the molecular mechanisms of action of nicotine and delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the most potent component of cannabis. Like other drugs of abuse, these compounds enhance dopamine release in a precise area of the limbic system when administered acutely. It has recently been shown that the cannabinoid receptors on which delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol acts are also activated by endogenous ligands such as anandamide. This unconventional neurotransmitter appears to have important physiological effects in the central nervous system. Both preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that nicotine is more addictive than delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol. However, the intimate interactions that exist between cannabinoid and opioid systems within the brain suggest that cannabinoids should not be considered as harmless drugs of abuse.
PMID: 12647593 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

...and this one::

Bull Acad Natl Med. 2002; 186(2): 319-28; discussion 329. Related Articles, Links


[Recent neurobiological data on cannabis]

[Article in French]

Costentin J.

Unite de Neuropsychopharmacologie, UMR 6036 CNRS, Faculte de Medecine et Pharmacie, 22 Bd Gambetta, 76183 Rouen.

The alarming increase in cannabis abuse has triggered a renewed interest in the neurobiological mechanisms which underlie its effects, particularly as regards its addictive properties either intrinsic or when crossed with other narcotics as well as its subsequent damage. We here report an evaluation of experimental data which reveal in animals a psychological dependence, common to all addictive drugs; a physical dependence, which is considered up to now as the characteristic of "hard addictive drugs"; the incentive effect that cannabis should exert on the inclination to abuse other addictive drugs, especially heroin; and finally the close relationships which seem to exist between cannabis and schizophrenia. Most of these recent data are far from reassuring as regards cannabis psychotoxicity. Furthermore they underline its potential danger and prompt increased caution.

Publication Types:
Review
Review, Tutorial

PMID: 12145839 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]