Endocrine Abstracts

Mankind has been aware of the appetite-stimulating properties of Cannabis sativa for many centuries. Recent research has shown that cannabinoid molecules present within the plant (e.g., Δ9-THC) exert their pharmacological effects by stimulating specific cannabinoid receptors that are expressed by the central nervous system and a wide range of peripheral tissues, including hepatocytes and adipocytes. These receptors are normally activated by a class of arachidon...