THE HALLUCINOGENIC DETOUR: CANNABIS AND 5-HT2A PATHWAYS IN BASIC RESEARCH

Cerium Journal CLUB MEETING

Time: Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 Noon PM EST           

Location – Virtual Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83722922366?pwd=QjZ3V0xNWHZ0OVZ0b3BpbWd3STRqUT09

Event Description:

Join us for this month’s Journal Club where we dive into a foundational neuroscience study exploring how chronic exposure to Δ9-THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, can shift the signaling of serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors toward a “pro-hallucinogenic” mode. Using animal models, the researchers demonstrate that long-term THC exposure alters receptor coupling through the Akt/mTOR pathway, resulting in possible behavioral changes.

This is basic research, not clinical or epidemiological, but the findings shed light on possible molecular mechanisms that may underlie mental health outcomes. For clinicians, public health professionals, and researchers, this article provides critical context for understanding how early exposure might interact with neurobiology to shape brain health.

Bring your questions and insights for an engaging discussion!

Featured Article:

Ibarra-Lecue, I. et al. Chronic cannabis promotes pro-hallucinogenic signaling of 5-HT2A receptors through Akt/mTOR pathway. Neuropsychopharmacology 43, 1–8 (2018). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-018-0076-y (Open Access)

Speakers:

• Phil Molloy, MD – Clinical education expert

• Teresa Simon, MPH – Public health epidemiologist

• Len Kamen, MD – Clinical pain specialist

• Jahan Marcu, PhD – Cannabis researcher

Questions? Email Prctrials.info@gmail.com

This journal club event is supported by PRC+. PRC + has education modules and other resources available for health care professionals: https://www.prc-trials-plus.com/education