Poor Diet Impairs Cannabinoid Receptors

By Jahan Marcu |  Published in Freedom is Green

New data suggests that our diet can effect our response to cannabinoids.

The authors demonstrate that an Omega-3 deficient diet in rats leads to a less functional endocannabinoid system, specifically by reducing the functionality of the Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R).

The reduction of CB1Rs was associated by the authors with impaired emotional behavior.

The endocannabinoid system may require a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (i.e. Fish, nuts,etc).

Additionally, this article discusses the lack of essential nutrients in western diets.

In the United States high-calorie, inexpensive, high-fat and nutritionally deficient diets are common.

These bad diets are correlated to obesity and brain disease.

For example, an imbalance in Omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to neuropsychiatric diseases, like depression.

However the mechanism of neuroprotection from Omega-3 fatty acids remains unknown.

We already know that our diet can influence our response to cannabinoids and Cannabis. Could the negative effects of cannabinoids be related to nutritionally-deficient diets, which are also associated with mental diseases, such as depression?

Could eating a better diet make for a better cannabinoid experience?

This study raises a number of radical ideas that warrant further studies.

Jahan Marcu is currently investigating the pharmacology of cannabinoid receptors. He was working at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute when exciting discoveries were made showing enhanced anti-cancer effects with THC and CBD from the Cannabis plant. Jahan is currently the vice-chair the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board at Americans for Safe Access (ASA).