Pot properties may be used to treat depression

Scientists have concluded inhibiting a certain enzyme in the brain elicits antidepressant effects in rats, similar to the “high” feeling marijuana users get.

American and Italian researchers at UC Irvine concluded that blocking this specific enzyme boosts anandamide, a marijuana-like chemical, by stopping its decline in the brain of rats, school officials announced Monday.

The scientists used URB597, a drug they created, to slow the degradation of anandamide.

“These findings raise the hope that mood-elevating properties of marijuana can be harnessed to treat depression,” said Daniele Piomelli, the director for the Center for Drug Discovery at UCI.

While marijuana has not proved useful for clinical treatment for depression, the findings show boosting the brain’s own chemicals similar to those in marijuana have proved effective.

Using their patented chemical, the researchers brought out anandamide’s positive effects, officials said.

The study will appear in the Nov. 16 issue of “Biology Psychiatry.”

— Joseph Serna