The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous lipid ligands (endocannabinoids) and the enzymatic machinery for their synthesis and degradation. In the brain, endocannabinoids regulate ion channel activity and neurotransmitter release and thereby contribute to various aspects of brain function, including memory, reward and emotions. Their ability to modulate synaptic efficacy has a wide range of functional consequences and provides unique therapeutic possibilities. Unprecedented advances have been made in the understanding of the role of endocannabinoids in the regulation of the emotional brain over the past few years. However, a comprehensive book encompassing all these aspects is still lacking. The book will provide an overview of the role played by the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of emotional processes with particular emphasis on the modulation of memory and reward for emotionally arousing events and for the regulation of motivational aspects in cannabis use.

Explores the effects of the endocannabinoid system on the emotional brain

Endocannabinoid Modulation of Memory for Emotionally Arousing Experiences.- Cannabinoids Modulation of Emotional and Non-Emotional Memory Processes After Stress.- The Hippocampal Endocannabinoid System in Different Memory Phases: Unveiling the CA1 Circuitry.- Interactions Between Cannabinoid Signaling and Anxiety: a Comparative Analysis of Intervention Tools and Behavioral Effects.- Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Depression: from Preclinical to Clinical Evidence.- Cannabinoid Control of Fear Responses.- Subjective and Cognitive Effects of Cannabinoids in Marijuana Smokers.- Endocannabinoid-Dopamine Interactions Shape Ethologically Relevent Behavior through Computation of Conditioned Stimuli.- Synthetic Cannabinoid Effects on Behavior and Motivation.- Cannabinoid Modulation of Rodent Ultrasonic Vocalizations in a Social Context: Communicative and Rewarding Properties.- Age-Dependent Effects of Cannabinoids on Neurophysiological, Emotional, and Motivational States.- Gender Differences in Cannabis Addiction and Dependence.- Cannabinoid-Nicotine Interactions.- Cannabinoid-Alcohol Interactions.- Cannabinoid-Opioid Interactions.- Interactions of Cannabis and Amphetamine-Type Stimulants.- Cannabinoid-Dopamine Interactions: Modulation of Midbrain DA Neurons by Endocannabinoids.