Your Brain: On Drugs?

[Edgar]

I posted this on another thread, but I think people need to see it, so here it is again.

****The following is copied from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid


Cannabinoid Receptors
Before the 1980s, it was often speculated that cannabinoids produced their effects through nonspecific interaction with cell membranes, instead of interacting with specific receptors. The discovery of the first cannabinoid receptors in the 1980s helped to resolve this debate. These receptors are common in animals, and have been been found in mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. There are currently two known types of cannabinoid receptors, called CB1 and CB2.

CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain, specifically in the basal ganglia and in the limbic system, including the hippocampus. They are also found in the cerebellum and in both male and female reproductive systems. CB1 receptors are essentially absent in the medulla oblongata, the part of the brain that is responsible for respiratory and cardiovascular functions. Thus, there is not a risk of respiratory or cardiovascular failure as there is with many other drugs. CB1 receptors appear to be responsible for the euphoric and anticonvulsive effects of cannabis.

CB2 receptors are almost exclusively found in the immune system, with the greatest density in the spleen. CB2 receptors appear to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory and possible other therapeutic effects of cannabis.


****This is copied from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid

Think about evolution when you read the article. It implies that:

(a) cannabinoid receptors are traits that arose before the major divisions in the animal kingdom.

AND/OR

(b) cannabinoid receptors are traits that have been important to the survival of many animal species.

They are receptors for endogenous cannabinoids, (Cannabinoids produced within our own bodies.) its just a coincidence (Apparently a lucky one for the cannabis plant seeing as how it probably helped to ward off certain animals that might eat it while at the same time attracting the attention of us humans which helped it to spread its species all over the planet.) that THC and other herbal cannabinoids bind to those receptors. (Just in case you were trying to say we are all destined to smoke the ganja.)

Obviously cannabinoid receptors and endogenous cannabinoids had to play some role/roles in the evolution of animal life on earth, but what those roles were and are is anyones guess.

I am also wondering if you had a specific point or if you were just putting that bit of information out on the table for us to ponder.

[Edgar]

its just a coincidence that THC and other herbal cannabinoids bind to those receptors.

Ok, I'm just gonna correct myself before someone else does. While it probably is just a lucky coincidence, I can't know that for sure and if there is a 'creator' then maybe its not just a coincidence.

[beachguy in thongs]

how the fuck are u gunna smoke weed without burning it

I barely even replied to this because foul language is a sign of an impotent mind.

WTF MAN!!!

Ever hold the lighter close to it and have it burn???

You can touch it, just don't hold it on the bud, it will kill it.

LOL...Have a nice night.

[likemclever]

I barely even replied to this because foul language is a sign of an impotent mind.

WTF MAN!!!

I guess if you abbreviate it ....it's ok...


I have a feeling you were joking

[beachguy in thongs]

Thanks, that was a clever statement and the way I like 'em.

[NightProwler]

a brain without drugs is like a room without windows.

[beachguy in thongs]

You're wrong...a room without windows is a like a brain without drugs.