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.