The Implications of Cannabinoid-Induced Metabolic Dysregulation for Cellular Differentiation and Growth

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) governs and coordinates several physiological processes through an integrated signaling network, which is responsible for inducing appropriate intracellular metabolic signaling cascades in response to (endo)cannabinoid stimulation. This intricate cellular system ensures the proper functioning of the immune, reproductive, and nervous systems and is involved in the regulation of appetite, memory, metabolism, and development. Cannabinoid receptors have been observed on both cellular and mitochondrial membranes in several tissues and are stimulated by various classes of cannabinoids, rendering the ECS highly versatile. In the context of growth and development, emerging evidence suggests a crucial role for the ECS in cellular growth and differentiation. Indeed, cannabinoids have the potential to disrupt key energy-sensing metabolic signaling pathways requiring mitochondrial-ER crosstalk, whose functioning is essential for successful cellular growth and differentiation. This review aims to explore the extent of cannabinoid-induced cellular dysregulation and its implications for cellular differentiation.