Dopaminergic function in cannabis users and its relationship to cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms.

“Substance dependence and schizophrenia are both associated with dopaminergic dysfunction.

It has been proposed, although never directly tested, that the link between cannabis use and schizophrenia is mediated by altered dopaminergic function.

These findings indicate that chronic cannabis use is associated with reduced dopamine synthesis capacity and question the hypothesis that cannabis increases the risk of psychotic disorders by inducing the same dopaminergic alterations seen in schizophrenia.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23820822

“There is robust evidence that stimulants increase striatal dopamine levels and some evidence that alcohol may have such an effect, but little evidence, if any, that cannabis and opiates increase dopamine levels. Moreover, there is good evidence that striatal dopamine receptor availability and dopamine release are diminished in individuals with stimulant or alcohol dependence but not in individuals with opiate, nicotine or cannabis dependence.”  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25873042

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