Cannabis [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Iain Mcgregor (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Jonathon Arnold

Brief description Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the world. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, is known to be preferentially taken up into fat tissue where it can be stored for weeks, months and possibly years. Boy fat has the capacity to store large quantities of THC and the slow passive release of THC from fat cells into the blood accounts for why THC remains at detectable levels in the blood or urine for weeks after exposure to cannabis. Under normal conditions the slow passive release of THC from fat cells has negligible effects on the user as the amounts involved are so small. However, we have recent preliminary evidence to show that conditions associated with increased fat metabolism (e.g. dieting, exercise or stress) cause a greatly enhanced release of THC from fat stores into the blood supply. Further, we have demonstrated that such levels attained promote significant behavioural and physiological changes The current proposal aims to further characterise this phenomenon. We aim to: (1) determine the length of time that THC can be stored in fat before being released into blood, (2) establish that the release of THC stored in fat tissue may be promoted by fat breakdown associated with food deprivation, stress or exercise, (3) characterise the physiological and behavioural effects of THC released from fat, (4) determine the mechanisms responsible for THC release from fat, and (5) determine if THC released from fat can cross from the bloodstream into saliva. This proposal has far reaching consequences for our understanding of the long-term effects on cannabis use on physical health and behaviour. Further, it may have major implications for the correct interpretation of analytical data from road-side saliva testing and forensic and criminal cases involving cannabis use.

Funding Amount $AUD 261,014.67

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant