A look at the 'marijuana' receptor
Thursday, October 20, 2016 - 12:01
in Biology & Nature
Researchers have the clearest picture yet of the receptor that causes the "high" associated with marijuana. The three-dimensional image of cannabinoid receptor 1, revealed October 20 in Cell, reveals how molecules like THC bind to cannabinoid receptor 1, which is found to be embedded in the surface of many nerve cells. This could explain how pain medications meant to mimic cannabis use without the "high" can cause unintended side effects and provide a foundation for future therapies.