Cannabis Flashcards
Species in genus
Indica, sativa, ruderalis
Main active components
THC
CBD
Terpenoids
THC distribution
Lipophilic, accumulates in fat
THC metabolism/elimination
In liver by CYP2C9
Produces active 11-OH-THC and inactive THC-COOH
THC receptor target
Gi, decrease cAMP and Ca
Partial CB1 agonist
CB1/CB2 distribution
CB1 in brain, peripheral organs and nerves, causes most effects
CB2 mostly on immune cells
General effects
Euphoria
Relaxation
Increased pulse
Perception changes
Reduced inhibition
Possible therapeutic effects
Increase appetite
Decrease nausea
Chronic pain relief
Glaucoma treatment
Pediatric epilepsy (CBD)
Adverse effects
Severe anxiety/panic attacks, psychosis, paranoia, hyperemesis
Fetal and developmental effects
Lung cancer esp from smoking
Increased risks when driving
Dependence effects
Mild, short lived withdrawal
Irritability, nausea, insomnia
Similar addiction rates to common legal drugs of abuse
Synthetic cannabinoids
Nabilone: THC analog
Dronabinol: trans isomer of THC, approved treatment for chemo nausea, anorexia
Nabiximols: 1:1 THC/CBD mix, sublingual spray for pain
Rimonabant: inverse agonist, withdrawn obesity treatment with serious adverse effects
Endocannabinoids
AEA (anandimide)
2-AG (2-arachinoyl glycerol)
Endocannabiniod metabolism
Made on demand from cell membrane lipids
Inactivated by FAAH and MAGL
Endocannabinoid signaling
Retrograde neurotransmitters
Inhibit presynaptic neuron when postsynaptic neuron is activated
FAAH/MAGL inhibitor effects
Increase of CB1 signaling in active areas only, not globally
Analgesic effects without psychoactive THC effects
Trials halted by adverse effects
