Cannabis Flashcards
why is cannabis difficult to classify
sedative like effects
analgesia
psychedelic effects
what is THC
- found in resin of the plant which is mostly in the flowers
- THC content can vary depending on the strain, growing conditions, time of harvest etc
Describe marijuana when smoked
THC rapidly absorbed through the lungs
- accumulates in the organs
- half life of 20-30 hours
- very lipid soluble
Describe marijuana when eaten
- Less THC gets to the brain (first pass in metabolism)
- takes longer for THC to get to the brain
- Effects take longer to start and lasts longer
where are cannabinoid receptors found
brain, immune system, and GI tract
what is the function of endocannabinoids
play a role in learning, control of anxiety, and reducing the perception of pain
Describe cannabinoid receptors
CB1 and CB2
receptors localized to the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala
metabotropic receptors
inhibit acetylcholine release in hippocampus
inhibit NE release in PNS (sympathetic nerve terminals) and CNS (hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum)
Describe CB1 receptors
mostly localized in the CNS, and mediates the psychoactive properties of THC
Describe CB2 receptors
mostly localized in the PNS, and most likely mediates the effects of THC on the immune system
how does cannabis affect the cerebral cortex
dreamlike state of the high
distortion in time, sound, color, taste, ability to concentrate, and mood effects
how does cannabis affect the basal ganglia and cerebellum
effects on movement and postural control
how does cannabis affect the hippocampus
disruption of memory and memory storage
how does cannabis affect the hypothalamus
decreased production of reproductive hormones
why is it almost impossible to die from cannabis use
no cannabinoid receptors in the brainstem therefore no effect on life support systems
what is anandamide
endogenous ligand for cannabinoid receptors
- very lipid soluble
- marijuana like effect
- modulate acetylcholine transmission and involved in memory and other functions
what are cannabinoid pharmacodynamics
- cannabinoid receptors on presynaptic neuron
- endocannabinoid NT released from post synaptic neuron
- Activation leads to inhibition of release of NT
What are the effects of CB1 receptor activation on the presynaptic terminal
activation of MAP kinase
inhibition of calcium channels
activation of inwardly rectifying K+ channels
inhibition of adenylate cyclase (inhibition of K+ channel)
what are the effects of THC on the body
appetite stimulation
increased heart rate
reduced airflow
suppresses hormones that regulate reproductive system
what are the psychological effects of THC
initial anxiety/tension
introspection
tranquility
rapid mood changes
loosely associated thoughts
increased awareness of surroundings
describe cannabis tolerance
pharmacodynamic tolerance (down regulation of cannabinoid receptors)
describe cannabis dependence
use of drug compulsively and feel unable to stop
10% of people will become dependent
describe cannabis withdrawal
mild
irritability
restlessness
insomnia
sweating
mild nausea
depressed mood
how does cannabis increase DA in the nucleus accumbens
THC decreases GABA inhibition of VTA neurons
what are the characteristics of a stoned driver
drive slower than normal
underestimate their skills
2x increased accident risk
blood or urine test needed
