UCSF researchers move in on role of brain’s naturally occurring marijuana: “Nearly a decade ago, researchers determined that the brain contains a molecule that mimics the active ingredient in marijuana, but its
location and role in the brain were unclear. Now, UCSF researchers have discovered that the molecule acts, at least in part, in a region of
the brain that plays a key role in learning and memory.

The study, reported in the March 29 issue of Nature, suggests, the researchers say, that the molecule, known as a cannabinoid, plays a role
in particular cognitive functions within a structure known as the hippocampus. Paradoxically, marijuana disrupts cognitive function and the
likely explanation, the researchers say, is that marijuana disrupts the very cognitive system the cannabinoid normally supports.” EurekAlert!