- Cannabis contains THC that mimics the body's natural cannabinoid neurotransmitter anandamide by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. This disrupts normal brain function. - Common cannabinoid receptor sites are in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and basal ganglia which are involved in memory, coordination, learning, and motor control. - When THC binds to these receptors, it can impair memory formation, motor coordination, and cognitive processes by interfering with the normal functions of these brain regions.

1. Neurobiology of drug uses
Bond Shinra
For Cousera course: Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life

2. Introduction
• I live in the Netherlands
• As you may or may not know, cannibals (or pots or weeds or many other names) are made legal in
this country
• Dutch government regards marijuana as “soft drugs”, which is the name for those psychoactive
substances that are considered less harmful and dangerous
• In this PPT I would like to demonstrate you the mechanism of cannibals sativa about how it makes
you high
• Also, why this is still not good to take this drug even though it is considered “Soft Drug”

3. Cannabinoid receptor system
• In 1988, Allyn Howlett and William Devane found the existence of cannabinoid receptors in mammal species, including
men.
• This system is involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory
• Its existence is found in several parts of brain: (Detailed information read: http://www.hampapartiet.se/cb1cb2.htm)

4. How Cannibals work?
• First, we talk about the receptor system:
• Your brain has groups of cannabinoid receptors concentrated in several different places (see picture). These cannabinoid
receptors can affect the following mental and physical activities: Short-term memory, Coordination, Learning and Problem-
solving etc.
• Cannabinoid receptors are activated by a neurotransmitter called anandamide

5. How Cannibals work?
• A substance in cannibals called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which will mimic the function of anandamide we
talked before
• By taking cannibals, large amount of THC enter your body and paly a role as psychoactive substance that ought to be
produced by your own body
• Then you just high

6. How it hurts?
• THC mimics the actions of anandamide, meaning that THC binds with cannabinoid receptors and activates neurons, which
causes adverse effects on the mind and body. When the THC binds with the cannabinoid receptors inside the
hippocampus, it interferes with the recollection of recent events. THC also affects coordination, which the cerebellum
controls. The basal ganglia direct unconscious muscle movements, which is another reason why motor coordination is
impaired when under the influence of marijuana.
• Along with the brain, the side effects of marijuana reach many other parts of the body. Overall, users may notice the
following short-term side effects:
• Problems with memory and learning
• Distorted perception
• Difficulty with thinking and problem solving
• Loss of coordination
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety, paranoia and panic attacks