Cannabis 1 & 2

Question 1

What is the primary effect of cannabis?

Answer 1

To inhibit NT release by hijacking the body’s endocannabinoids system

Question 2

What produces the active ingredients in cannabis?

Answer 2

Female plants produce resin, and the active ingredient, THC, is found in the resin. It is most abundant in the flowering tops, and not so much in the leaves or stalks

Question 3

What is the psychoactive metabolite that contributes to ‘the high’?

Answer 3

11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC

Question 4

What is the effect of cannabidiol?

Answer 4

It has been proposed to protect against psychosis, it antagonizes the effects of THC. It binds weakly to CB1 receptors (antagonist) but also to 5HT1A (agonist), and to GPR55 endocannabinoids orphan pathway

Question 5

What kind of high do you get with Cannabis Sativa?

Answer 5

High tends to be cerebral, tend to become very philosophical and more energetic. Has a medium level of THC

Question 6

What kind of high do you get with Cannabis Indica?

Answer 6

Tend to become very mentally cloudy, just want to sit and do nothing. Has a high THC level

Question 7

Where do Cannabis Ruderalis typically grow?

Answer 7

Usually Russia, they are rarely used recreationally. Has a low THC level

Question 8

How is marijuana prepared? How much THC is produced?

Answer 8

Dried leaves and flowers with basic cultivation method. THC varies from a bout 2-8%.
Hydroponics: grown indoors and fertilized can reach 20% THC levels

Question 9

Does Sinsemilla or Skunk have a more distinct smell? And which is the hybrid?

Answer 9

Skunk is the hybrid that produces a distinct strong smell.

Question 10

What is the difference between Hashish and Hash Oil?

Answer 10

Hashish is a brick that is concentrated resin from the trichomes. THC ranges from very low to 70%/
Hash Oil is hashish that has been boiled in alcohol or other solvent to filter out any plant residue and then evaporate the alcohol. THC ranges from 15-90%

Question 11

How quickly does THC get absorbed into brain when smoked? And how long does it stay for?

Answer 11

THC is absorbed into blood and then enters the brain in under 10 seconds, with peak levels felt within 5-10 mins. It leaves the brain after about 30 mins. The depth of inhalation is more important than the duration of the inhalation

Question 12

Is absorption effective if taken orally?

Answer 12

Not really, THC is very lipophilic and may not penetrate the thin layer of liquid in the GI. Also the liver metabolizes most of it before it hits the blood. You need much higher doses to have the same effects. The delayed onset may lead to overdosing (takes about 90 mins)

Question 13

What is the half life of THC and its metabolite 11-hydroxy-delta-9 THC?

Answer 13

THC: 19 hours
11-hydroxy-delta-9 THC: 50 hours or more. Both are highly lipophilic and stay in fatty tissues for a long time. Metabolism mostly in liver and lungs

Question 14

What are the psychological effects of cannabis?

Answer 14

Similar to alcohol but without the aggression and recklessness. Hilarity, euphoria, well being, joyfulness and mellowness. Sometimes can have dysphoria and time distortion

Question 15

What are some psychological effect deficits when using cannabis?

Answer 15

Deficits in tasks requiring attention and vigilance, short term memory effects (disruption of train of thought). cognitive effects are most pronounced in infrequent users

Question 16

What are some physiological effects of cannabis?

Answer 16

Activation of the sympathetic NS: increased BP.
Red eyes, sensation of hunger, relaxation of muscles, decrease in eye fluid pressure, analgesia. And there is some evidence of enhanced demyelination in MS patients

Question 17

Are endocannabinoids, Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidoyl glycerol (2-AG) true NT? How do they work?

Answer 17

No they are not true NT, they modulate NT release in all parts of the brain. They work through retrograde transmission: they are released in the post synaptic membrane and travel up to mediate the pre synaptic membrane

Question 18

Can you experience withdrawal symptoms? How severe are they?

Answer 18

Yes, you can have withdrawal: hot flashes, sweating, running nose, irritability, anxiety and insomnia. But it isn’t usually severe due to the long half life, so its a gradual decrease

Question 19

Does smoking marijuana cause cancer?

Answer 19

Cannabis doesn’t contain overtly toxic materials, but the pyrolysis generates some concerns, but users show no correlation with smoking and lung, pharynx, larynx and mouth cancers. But they exhibit more precancerous lesions and airway inflammation

Question 20

Can heavy marijuana use lead to schizophrenia?

Answer 20

There is an increased risk for heavy users, it is estimated that 8% of schizo cases are related to marijuana use. There is increased risk the earlier the first exposure is. And has been linked to mutations in the COMT gene, which metabolizes dopamine and AKT (protein that controls gene transcription and cell death in neurones)

Question 21

What is Spice/K2?

Answer 21

It is synthetic/herbal marijuana. All components except THC are synthetic cannabinoid agonists.