Posted by SLS on March 3, 2009, at 5:38:34
In reply to Re: In Defense of Cannabis, posted by Neal on March 3, 2009, at 3:54:11
> The body makes its own versions of THC, dubbed endocannabinoids,
Comparing endogenous cannabinoids to THC is like comparing dopamine to apomorphine. Dopamine is a natural internal substance that facilitates normal function. Apomorphine, a synthetic substance that binds to the dopamine receptor, puts you to sleep at low dosages and can produce psychosis at higher dosages. It is not a natural product of the body, and does not work the same pharmokinetically or pharmodynamically. There are no THC receptors. THC is an environmental substance that just happens to bind to the internal endocannaboid receptors. I know you know this, but I just wanted to expand upon an important point. THC, like Valium, attaches to a particular receptor, but does not act like an endogenous substance at that synapse.
> making endocannabinoids prime targets for treating many diseases and conditions.
Agreed.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:877445
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090223/msgs/883462.html