Cannabinoids in addiction therapy - Focus on alcohol

The synergism between alcohol and cannabinoid agonists creates undesirable side effects when the two are consumed together. One of them is a desire to drink more. This has been verified experimentally. Chronic exposure to WIN 55,212-2 has potentiated long-lasting relapse into alcohol use in animal models. The mechanism of action responsible for this is becoming clear. It is evident that cannabinoid receptor site 1 (CB1), within the body’s endocannabinoid neural cell-signaling system, functions in the motivational and reinforcing properties of ethanol. Chronic consumption of ethanol changes neurotransmitter levels, and CB1 expression itself, in the brain nuclei associated with addiction pathways, notably the insular-bed nucleus of the stria terminalis circuit, that regulate negative mood associated with alcohol abstinence. 

Not surprisingly, experimental administration of CB1 antagonists has led to significant reduction in alcohol consumption, and even mitigated alcohol withdrawal symptoms. 

Cannabidiol (CBD), which has been reported to act as an antagonist at CB1 receptors, possibly through negative allosteric regulation, hasprevented the development of high impulsivity in experimental animals with an alcohol dependence history. 

This is important news. It means that CBD may emerge as part of the pharmaceutical toolkit against alcohol addiction. 

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The foregoing is a report on trends and developments in the cannabinoid industry. No product described herein is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or syndrome.