ENDOCANNABINOIDS AND PTSD
(Postdoc 1)

The endocannabinoid system has predominantly been talked about in relation to exogenous ligands such as THC and CBD. However, the endocannabinoid system is found throughout the body and relies on the endogenous receptors Anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG. 

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Here we are interested in the ligand called AEA which appears to bind to CB1 Receptors found predominantly in the CNS and responsible for the psychoactive effects of the cannabinoid system.

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Data published by our group show that increasing AEA (through inhibition of its main degradative enzyme FAAH) in healthy individuals enhances recall of fear extinction and attenuates responses to stress. 

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As a result of these findings, researchers at Linkoping University, Sweden are currently running a double-blind RCT looking at FAAH inhibition (along with prolonged exposure therapy) as a potential treatment option for PTSD.

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