Pubdate: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 Source: Dallas Morning News (TX) Copyright: 2004 The Dallas Morning News Contact: http://www.dallasnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117 Author: Sue Goetinck Ambrose Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) MARIJUANALIKE CHEMICALS IN BRAIN SEEM TO SOOTHE Natural brain chemicals similar to those in marijuana seem to calm nerve cells, a new study shows. The active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cousin to brain chemicals called endocannabinoids. In the latest issue of the journal Nature, scientists from Stanford University School of Medicine in California say they have discovered that certain brain cells calm themselves down when they release endocannabinoids. Marijuana may exert its effects in the same way. The finding may help in developing medications that simulate beneficial effects of marijuana, but not its mind-altering properties. The researchers also say that understanding how cannabinoids work could lead to better treatments for epilepsy. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake