21 Effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on mitochondria

Mitochondria serve as intermediary organelles, translating various cellular signals through their dynamic morphology and adaptive energetic capacity. Existing literature suggests that endo- and phytocannabinoids have the potential to modify mitochondrial structures and functions, altering the formation of mitochondrial byproducts that facilitate signaling events involved in cellular homeostasis, differentiation, and cell death. The endocannabinoid system, the target of these cannabinoids, is active in a broad range of tissues but has been primarily studied in the context of the central nervous system. Here, we provide an overview of current knowledge pertaining to the role of mitochondria in endocannabinoid signaling and emphasize the intimate link between cannabinoid-induced mitochondrial dysregulation and cellular functions as it applies to a broader physiological context.