Cannabis Flashcards
What is the active drug in marijuana?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
What are two plants that make THC?
Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica
What parts of the plant contain THC? Where is it most concentrated?
All of the plant. It is most concentrated in the sticky resin.
What is the most commonly known endocannabinoids?
Anandamide.
How do endocannabinoids work?
They are presynaptic inhibitory neuromodulators. In certain parts of the nervous system, they inhibit the release of NTs by acting on CB1 receptors.
How do endocannabinoids create a euphoric effect?
They activate the dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA).
Where are CB1 receptors located?
The brain and some peripheral organs.
Where are CB2 receptors located?
Peripheral immune cells.
What is the mechanism of action of marijuana?
It acts on pre-synaptic neurons to inhibit the release of GABA and glutamate, resulting in an increased rate of dopamine release.
What is a possible explanation for marijuana’s reinforcing properties? Like opioids and other drugs.
The receptors cannabis binds to are G-coupled receptors.
What part of the brain is thought to be responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects?
The frontal cortex.
What part of the brain is thought to be responsible for marijuana’s movement and postural control?
The Basal Ganglia and the Cerebellum.
Why is marijuana thought to be relatively non-lethal?
Almost no activation of the brain stem - no respiratory depression.
Typically, how concentrated is marijuana in the present?
3-4%. Some contain up to 10-15%.
What is Dronabinol?
A drug that is pure THC.
What is a typical dose of smoked marijuana?
.5-1 gram.
Why is there a higher risk of overdoes when ingesting marijuana?
Because the rate of absorption is slower, leading to the user to use more.
When are physiological and psychological effect first noticed (onset)? When is peak intoxication reached if one smokes marijuana?
1-2 minutes. The peak rate occurs at about 10-20 minutes.
How is smoked marijuana absorbed across the blood brain barrier?
It easily passes the blood brain barrier due to THC’s very high lipid solubility.
How long do the effects of smoked marijuana last?
About 2-4 hours after dose.
When does the onset of ingested marijuana occur? When is the peak?
The onset is about 30-120 minutes. The peak occurs in about 1-3 hours after dose.
How long do the effects of ingested marijuana last (duration of action)?
Up to 12 hours.
What is the goal of vaporizing marijuana?
It heats marijuana enough to release THC, but not enough to induce the release of chemicals from burning.
Is marijuana a risk factor for automobile accidents in comparison to alcohol?
No, but probably has some risk.
What are two physiological effect of pot use?
Tachycardia and Peripheral Vasomotor effects (generally vasodilation - cause of red eyes.).
When does tolerance occur? When is it noticed? How long does it take for it to go away?
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.
Why might some users report “reverse tolerance”?
It may be due to increased smoking efficiency or the acquisition of favorable expectations and attitudes about the experience.
Does marijuana become psychologically dependent?
Yes, for many users. Prevalence is about 6-9%. Less than that of other abused drugs, however.
Does marijuana cause physical dependence? Is there danger in a sudden stop of marijuana?
Yes, but mainly only in heavy users. There is no risk in sudden stop.
When is the onset of withdrawal? The peak? The duration?
Onset occurs in about 1-3 days. It peaks in about 2-6 days. It lasts about 7-14 days.
What are the symptoms of withdrawal classified as?
Mainly non-physical.
What classifies a moderate cannabis overdose?
Acute panic reactions due to the strong sensory distortions and hallucinations. Typically requires no hospitalization.
What is Nabilone?
A synthetic analogue to THC.
