Cannabinoids and Emotional Regulation

The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in regulating emotion, anxiety, and mood. In animal models, THC produces a biphasic effect on anxiety: low doses reduce anxiety by blocking glutamate release, while high doses promote anxiety by blocking GABA release. CBD also reduces anxiety in both preclinical and clinical research, but through a different mechanism. One promising application is for PTSD, where preclinical and small clinical trials suggest that activating the endocannabinoid system may help extinguish aversive memories. The system also regulates the HPA axis, which controls stress hormone release.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Marijuana is often used for relaxation, therefore, it is not surprising that the endocannabinoid system is critically involved in the regulation of emotion, anxiety and mood. In preclinical animal models, THC and other CB1 agonists produce a biphasic effect on anxiety, with low doses reducing anxiety (by blocking the release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate) and high doses promoting anxiety (by blocking the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA). As well, CBD reduces anxiety in both preclinical and clinical research, but by a non-CB1 mechanism of action. One of the most promising treatments for cannabinoids is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Considerable preclinical animal research and small-scale clinical trials have shown that activation of the endocannabinod system may promote extinction of aversive memories. The endocannabinoid system regulates the action of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis, which controls the release of stress hormones.