A new study found a hormone that can block marijuana addiction. This discovery can pave the way for the development of new methods to deal with the harmful effects of marijuana.

Researchers from the French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) led by Giovanni Marsicano and Pier Vincenzo Piazza recently discovered that the brain-produced hormone called "pregnenolone" has a natural defense mechanism feature that fights the harmful effects of cannabis (marijuana) among animals.

The Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabis' main active principle, is prevented by pregnenolene to fully activate its brain receptor called CB1 receptor. The latter, when over stimulated by THC, delivers the intoxicating effects of marijuana. By pointing out this mechanism, the INSERM research teams are already studying new approaches for dealing with cannabis addiction.

According to the press release, there are more than 20 million people worldwide that are said to be addicted to marijuana. The number includes a little higher than the half million people residing in France.

During the past few years, marijuana addiction has become one of the main concerns for getting treatment in clinics that specialize in addiction. Thirty percent of the cases involve people in age range 16 to 24.

While it is true that cannabis consumers needed a state of relaxation, changed perception, and well-being, regular consumption involves several dangers. The researchers cited two major behavioral problems that are connected with regular human consumption of marijuana: a general loss of motivation and cognitive deficits. This means that aside from becoming extremely dependent on the drug, regular cannabis users display a lack of motivation and show evidence of memory loss which add up to their difficulty in social interaction.

The INSERM researchers have recently discovered that pregnenolone has a very important function. It delivers a natural defense mechanism which helps protect the brain from all the harmful effects of marijuana. The hormone greatly decreases the release of THC-triggered dopamine. This is a significant effect as the drugs' addictive effects usually involve dopamine that is released excessively.

The study was published in the online journal Science.