Cannabinoids: Chemical Structure, Mechanisms of Action, Toxicity and Implications in Everyday Life
In the human body there is an endocannabinoid system consisting of cannabinoid receptors and endogenous transmitters - the endocannabinoids (anandamides).This cannabinoid system works by certain principles: the presynaptic neuron releases the neurotransmitter that reaches the postsynaptic neuron, activating it; at this level endocannabinoids are synthesized, whichhave retrograde transmission through the synaptic gap, reaching the cannabinoid receptors where they can inhibit the anterograde release of neurotransmitters. At the same level, certain exogenous substances, derived from plants and called phytocannabinoids may also work, the most known one being tetrahydrocannabinol. 9-D-Tetrahydrocannabinol is a component extracted from hemp plant with intense psychotic action but also with some medical applications. The result of the cannabinoid system activity is to obtain certain psychoactive effects, euphoria, relaxation, intense sensory experiences, pain relief but also changes in perception, attention deficit, etc. Synthetic cannabinoids are obtained to mimic the effects of marijuana, are major cannabinoid receptor agonists and are at increased risk of toxicity. Chronic consumption of such substances can cause memory disorders, pulmonary disorders and, most importantly, addiction.