Resumen

ESCOBAR TOLEDO, Isabel Eugenia; BERROUET MEJIA, Marie Claire  y  GONZALEZ RAMIREZ, Diego Mauricio. Molecular Mechanism of Addiction to Marihuana. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2009, vol.38, n.1, pp.126-142. ISSN 0034-7450.

Dating from antiquity, the Cannabis sativa plant (marihuana) of the Cannabaceae family has been put to multiple uses: industrial, medicinal and religious. Lately, however, the phenomenon of addiction has expanded socially and in spite of measures taken to control it, massive consumption of marihuana has grown among Colombian youth. Objectives: To establish an approach that is appropriate for patients addicted to marihuana and to show different aspects related to this substance, as well as to lay significance on the mechanis of action of the endocannabinoid system. Method: The article describes the generalities of marihuana, its kinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion), toxicology and the effects of chronic use. Conclusions: In spite of the fact that marihuana consumption is accepted in several countries, as its effects are considered less deleterious than those of other substances, only by understanding the molecular mechanisms of addiction will it be possible in the future to design pharmacological strategies that will diminish or eliminate marihuana-related withdrawal symptoms.

Palabras clave : Cannabis sativa; marihuana abuse; cannabinoid receptors; Colombia.

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