ABSTRACT

There has been much discussion over the last year(Select Committee on Science and Technology, 1998; Joy et al., 1999; Nahas et al., 1999) on the use of psychoactive cannabinoids of marijuana (THC) for medical purposes, particularly with respect to the treatment of neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis), glaucoma, and pain. However, little of this discussion appears to reflect the true nature of this drug that contains many active components, present in varying amounts. These compounds affect the body through a number of mechanisms that can, in some cases, produce opposing effects. Of particular importance, are the developing theories of signal transduction within the membrane and the emerging evidence that suggests that marijuana interferes with a basic regulation of cell function at the molecular level with unforeseen consequences. This paper reviews the molecular mechanisms by which THC produces its effects and presents a unified theory of membrane signaling transduction which could account for the therapeutic properties of the drug.