The cannabis in the body
At the beginning of the 90, the scientists discovered that the cannabinoides act of equal way that certain chemical process that it takes place naturally in the brain.
Thus, the effects of the marijuana are caused by biological mechanisms related to this natural chemistry.
The brain and the nervous system contain many systems different from biological mechanisms, calls receiving systems. The receivers are places that react to specific chemical substances producing specific reactions.
These substances are called neurotransmitters, and the cascade of chain reactions through the networks of these systems is the process by which different cerebral areas communicate to each other; this way the brain works.
Most of drugs they produce its effects interfering with or activating the processes of specific systems.
The barbiturates, have a nonspecific effect on the channels of the ion chloride; this increases the activity of a called neurotransmitter GABA; an increase in the activity of the GABA has a sedative effect.
The benzodiacepinas, like the Valium, have a specific effect that increases the activity of the GABA in the receivers.
Before the discovery of the receiving system of the cannabinoides at the beginning of the 90, some scientists speculated with the possibility that the cannabis produced its effects through a nonspecific action, just as barbiturates. The nonspecific effects usually are more extensive and dangerous than the produced ones by the activation of a receiver.
In fact, the effects of the marijuana are produced by consisting of a receiving system of cannabinoides, at least, two types of receivers: the CB1 and the CB2, located in the brain or in bazo, respectively.
The biological actions associated at the moment with the receivers of cannabinoides include the effects of cannabis like analgesic, on the memory and cognition, on the locomotive function, the endocrino system and other central functions like the termorregulacin (diminution of the corporal temperature), the frenetic activity (alterations of the pulse, tachycardia), suppression of you feel nauseous and vomits, and diminution of the intraocular pressure.
The scientists know until certain point as the receivers of the CB1 work, but a limited understanding is controlled of how the receptive neurons to the cannabinoides interact with other neurological systems. The CB2 was discovered later, and the knowledge about he himself is still little.
The tolerance to the cannabis is developed after the continuous ingestion of great amounts of cannabinoides; in answer the brain diminishes the number of receivers to the cannabinoides available.
When this excessive ingestion finishes, the receivers increase until reaching the natural level. The natural neurotransmitter to which it responds the receiving system of cannabinoides receives the name of anandamida (of the snscrita word that designates to the happiness/sanctity).
In its natural form, the anandamida one has a considerably inferior power to the one of the THC, the primary cannabinoide of the marijuana.
In spite of everything, the anandamida one plays an important role in the brain, and the NIDA investigators (National Institute of the Drug Abuse) think that they will be able to demonstrate that helps to the body in its fight against stress, the pain and nauseas.
One has never inquired into a fatal overdose in a human being. This security reflects the shortage of receivers in the nucleus to medular, the part of the nervous system (rachidian bulb) that controls the functions respiratory and cardiovascular.
