Columbia University scientists are gaining a new understanding of why marijuana gives you the munchies. While the brain's cannabinoid receptors are involved, the specifics have been a mystery. From a press release:
Understanding this circuitry has important practical implications because blocking the cannabinoid receptor, CB1, offers a promising approach to treating obesity. One such compound, rimonabant (trade name AcompliaTM) is already undergoing clinical testing.
In an article in the December 22, 2005, issue of Neuron, Young-Hwan Jo and colleagues report how the circuitry of CB1 is integrated with signaling by the appetite-suppressing hormone leptin.
Link to press release,
Link to abstract of scientific paper
