Cannabis Flashcards

1
Q

why is cannabis difficult to classify

A

sedative like effects
analgesia
psychedelic effects

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2
Q

what is THC

A
  • 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
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3
Q

Describe marijuana when smoked

A

THC rapidly absorbed through the lungs
- accumulates in the organs
- half life of 20-30 hours
- very lipid soluble

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4
Q

Describe marijuana when eaten

A
  • 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
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5
Q

where are cannabinoid receptors found

A

brain, immune system, and GI tract

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6
Q

what is the function of endocannabinoids

A

play a role in learning, control of anxiety, and reducing the perception of pain

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7
Q

Describe cannabinoid receptors

A

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)

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8
Q

Describe CB1 receptors

A

mostly localized in the CNS, and mediates the psychoactive properties of THC

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9
Q

Describe CB2 receptors

A

mostly localized in the PNS, and most likely mediates the effects of THC on the immune system

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10
Q

how does cannabis affect the cerebral cortex

A

dreamlike state of the high
distortion in time, sound, color, taste, ability to concentrate, and mood effects

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11
Q

how does cannabis affect the basal ganglia and cerebellum

A

effects on movement and postural control

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12
Q

how does cannabis affect the hippocampus

A

disruption of memory and memory storage

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13
Q

how does cannabis affect the hypothalamus

A

decreased production of reproductive hormones

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14
Q

why is it almost impossible to die from cannabis use

A

no cannabinoid receptors in the brainstem therefore no effect on life support systems

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15
Q

what is anandamide

A

endogenous ligand for cannabinoid receptors
- very lipid soluble
- marijuana like effect
- modulate acetylcholine transmission and involved in memory and other functions

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16
Q

what are cannabinoid pharmacodynamics

A
  • cannabinoid receptors on presynaptic neuron
  • endocannabinoid NT released from post synaptic neuron
  • Activation leads to inhibition of release of NT
17
Q

What are the effects of CB1 receptor activation on the presynaptic terminal

A

activation of MAP kinase
inhibition of calcium channels
activation of inwardly rectifying K+ channels
inhibition of adenylate cyclase (inhibition of K+ channel)

18
Q

what are the effects of THC on the body

A

appetite stimulation
increased heart rate
reduced airflow
suppresses hormones that regulate reproductive system

19
Q

what are the psychological effects of THC

A

initial anxiety/tension
introspection
tranquility
rapid mood changes
loosely associated thoughts
increased awareness of surroundings

20
Q

describe cannabis tolerance

A

pharmacodynamic tolerance (down regulation of cannabinoid receptors)

21
Q

describe cannabis dependence

A

use of drug compulsively and feel unable to stop
10% of people will become dependent

22
Q

describe cannabis withdrawal

A

mild
irritability
restlessness
insomnia
sweating
mild nausea
depressed mood

23
Q

how does cannabis increase DA in the nucleus accumbens

A

THC decreases GABA inhibition of VTA neurons

24
Q

what are the characteristics of a stoned driver

A

drive slower than normal
underestimate their skills
2x increased accident risk
blood or urine test needed

25
Q

what is delta 9 THC

A

main psychoactive ingredient
lipid soluble
half life is up to a few days

26
Q

what is carboxy-THC

A

metabolite of delta 9 THC
NOT psychoactive
lipid soluble
half life up to several days
main metabolite tested for in blood or urine analysis

27
Q

how does cannabis affect an adolescent brain

A

cause psychotic symptoms similar to schizophrenia
cognitive impairments

28
Q

what is the gateway hypothesis

A

chronic marijuana use will lead to use of other more harmful drugs

29
Q

what is Amotivational syndrome

A

chronic marijuana smoking is responsible for a generalized dense of apathy and indifference to long term plans and goals

30
Q

what are adverse effects of cannabis use

A

impairment of motor skills
panic reactions
pulmonary disease
reproduction

31
Q

what are potential medical uses for marijuana

A

control of nausea/vomiting related to chemotherapy
anorexia/appetite loss
HIV/AIDS/Cancer cachexia (wasting syndome)