The anandimide network inhibits dopamine from stimulating the body's motor nerves. In rats, this activity was shown to decrease body movements. When researchers prevented the cannabinoid receptors from binding to anandamides, the rats experienced tics and uncontrolled motor activity. In humans, the inability of blocked nerve cells to inhibit dopamine can result in Parkinson's, schizophrenia, or Tourette's. The discovery of anandimides' effects on nerve cells could lead to new medicines to treat certain neurological diseases.
Human treatment is still many years away, however.
We're just beginning to map out where this system works in rats' brains.