Cannabis Flashcards

1
Q

What is the active drug in marijuana?

A

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are two plants that make THC?

A

Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What parts of the plant contain THC? Where is it most concentrated?

A

All of the plant. It is most concentrated in the sticky resin.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the most commonly known endocannabinoids?

A

Anandamide.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How do endocannabinoids work?

A

They are presynaptic inhibitory neuromodulators. In certain parts of the nervous system, they inhibit the release of NTs by acting on CB1 receptors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How do endocannabinoids create a euphoric effect?

A

They activate the dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Where are CB1 receptors located?

A

The brain and some peripheral organs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Where are CB2 receptors located?

A

Peripheral immune cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the mechanism of action of marijuana?

A

It acts on pre-synaptic neurons to inhibit the release of GABA and glutamate, resulting in an increased rate of dopamine release.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is a possible explanation for marijuana’s reinforcing properties? Like opioids and other drugs.

A

The receptors cannabis binds to are G-coupled receptors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What part of the brain is thought to be responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects?

A

The frontal cortex.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What part of the brain is thought to be responsible for marijuana’s movement and postural control?

A

The Basal Ganglia and the Cerebellum.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Why is marijuana thought to be relatively non-lethal?

A

Almost no activation of the brain stem - no respiratory depression.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Typically, how concentrated is marijuana in the present?

A

3-4%. Some contain up to 10-15%.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is Dronabinol?

A

A drug that is pure THC.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is a typical dose of smoked marijuana?

A

.5-1 gram.

17
Q

Why is there a higher risk of overdoes when ingesting marijuana?

A

Because the rate of absorption is slower, leading to the user to use more.

18
Q

When are physiological and psychological effect first noticed (onset)? When is peak intoxication reached if one smokes marijuana?

A

1-2 minutes. The peak rate occurs at about 10-20 minutes.

19
Q

How is smoked marijuana absorbed across the blood brain barrier?

A

It easily passes the blood brain barrier due to THC’s very high lipid solubility.

20
Q

How long do the effects of smoked marijuana last?

A

About 2-4 hours after dose.

21
Q

When does the onset of ingested marijuana occur? When is the peak?

A

The onset is about 30-120 minutes. The peak occurs in about 1-3 hours after dose.

22
Q

How long do the effects of ingested marijuana last (duration of action)?

A

Up to 12 hours.

23
Q

What is the goal of vaporizing marijuana?

A

It heats marijuana enough to release THC, but not enough to induce the release of chemicals from burning.

24
Q

Is marijuana a risk factor for automobile accidents in comparison to alcohol?

A

No, but probably has some risk.

25
Q

What are two physiological effect of pot use?

A

Tachycardia and Peripheral Vasomotor effects (generally vasodilation - cause of red eyes.).

26
Q

When does tolerance occur? When is it noticed? How long does it take for it to go away?

A

Mainly in those who are heavy users, but 1 joint a day can produce some tolerance. It is noticed in about 1-2 weeks of daily use. Tolerance is lost in that amount of time.

27
Q

Why might some users report “reverse tolerance”?

A

It may be due to increased smoking efficiency or the acquisition of favorable expectations and attitudes about the experience.

28
Q

Does marijuana become psychologically dependent?

A

Yes, for many users. Prevalence is about 6-9%. Less than that of other abused drugs, however.

29
Q

Does marijuana cause physical dependence? Is there danger in a sudden stop of marijuana?

A

Yes, but mainly only in heavy users. There is no risk in sudden stop.

30
Q

When is the onset of withdrawal? The peak? The duration?

A

Onset occurs in about 1-3 days. It peaks in about 2-6 days. It lasts about 7-14 days.

31
Q

What are the symptoms of withdrawal classified as?

A

Mainly non-physical.

32
Q

What classifies a moderate cannabis overdose?

A

Acute panic reactions due to the strong sensory distortions and hallucinations. Typically requires no hospitalization.

33
Q

What is Nabilone?

A

A synthetic analogue to THC.