edited by Emmanuel S. Onaivi

Marijuana is the prototypical cannabinoid, and is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. Interestingly, cannabinoids are molecules found naturally in the human body and brain as well as in cannabis.

This book provides an extensive reference on the biology of marijuana and the role of molecular techniques in elucidating neuropharmacological aspects of cannabinoid receptors and the endogenous compounds that act upon them. Contributions from experts from around the world describe the interaction of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids on a wide range of biological functions including movement, memory and learning, pain, emotions, endocrine functions and many more.

The Biology of Marijuana: From Gene to Behavior will be of interest to all scientists and clinicians interested in the biological effects and pharmacology of this drug.

Contents

1. Cannabinoid Receptor Genetics and Behavior
2. Cannabinoid Therapeutic Potential in Motivational Processes, Psychological Disorders and Central Nervous System Disorders
3. Marijuana Addiction and CNS Reward-Related Events
4. Effects of Marijuana on Human Performance and Assessment of Driving Impairment
5. Biology of Endocannabinoids
6. Cannabinoids and Endocannabinoids: Behavioral and Developmental Aspects
7. Marijuana and Movement Disorders
8. Effects of Marijuana on the Brain: Function and Structure
9. Marijuana and Cannabinoid Effect on Immunity and AIDS
10. Marijuana and Cognitive Function
11. Marijuana and Endocrine Function
12. Embryonic Cannabinoid Receptors are Targets for Natural and Endocannabinoids During Early Pregnancy
13. Antiemetic Action of D9 - Tetrahydrocannabinol and Synthetic Cannabinoids in Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
14. Cannabis and Prostaglandins: An Overview
15. Cannabinoid Mediated Signal Transduction
16. Deregulation of Membrane and Receptor Mediated Signaling by THC: Therapeutic Implications
17. Cannabinoid Receptors: The Relationship Between Structure and Function
18. Endocannabinoid Proteins and Ligands
19. Electrophysiological Actions of Marijuana
20. The Vascular Pharmacology of Endocannabinoids
21. The Cannabinoid Receptors and their Interactions with Synthetic Cannabinoid Agonists and Antagonists
22. Cannabinoids as Analgesics
23. Effects of Acute and Chronic Cannabinoids on Memory: From Behavior to Genes
24. Adverse Effects of Marijuana

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