Cannabis, Saliva + Nitrous Flashcards
What part of the cannabis plant produces the largest amount of cannabinoids?
Female
What is the psycoactive constituent of cannabis? Describe its structure
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (‘THC’): phenol ring, 5-carbon alkyl chain, central pyran ring and mono-unsaturated cyclohexyl ring
What is the ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a group of endogenous cannabinoid receptors located in the mammalian brain and throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, consisting of neuromodulatory lipids and their receptors
What effects does cannabis have?
Increases GABA signalling dopamine levels so:
Increase appetite Decrease pain sensitivity Suppress nausea Slow reaction time Sense of well being Relaxation Increase appetite Decrease pain sensitivity Suppress nausea Sense of well being Relaxation
What are the clinical uses for cannabis?
Pain management
Anti-emetic
Appetite stimulant
Anti-spastic (MS)
Where are the receptors
CB1R
and
CB2R principally found?
CB1R: Principally in the CNS CB2R: Principally in the periphery Though not clear cut
Why do people abuse drugs?
• As a normal physiological function, engaging in (positive) rewarding behaviours
lead to pleasurable feelings
• Drugs represent substitutes for such behaviours
What are the social, psychological and physical consequences?
Financial difficulties • Low energy • Sleep and memory problem • Low self esteem • Fall in productivity • Low life satisfaction
What are the most common abused forms of cannabis?
Dried flowering tops of the female plant (‘buds’)
Leaves have little cannabinoid content and so
are rarely used
Resins and oils
Traditionally made from compression of the
dried trichomes (‘slate’, ‘black’ etc.) Now often made by butane-based extraction
(‘bubble’)
Some advocates of juicing the fresh plant
Non-psychoactive as cannabinoids are present in the acid form and decarboxylated
by drying and/or heating
What are some of the treatment approaches?
Behavioural: • Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) • Contingency management (CM) • Family-based treatments
What is Salvia Divinorum abused for?
Hallucinogenic (leaves)
What is the mechanis of action of Salvinorin A?
Salvinorin A, neoclerodane diterpene
• Hydrolysed to salvinorin B
• Selective and potent kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist
• Non-nitrogenous and lipid-like G protein-coupled receptors
What is the usual dose of Salvinorin is usually taken?
200-500ug dried leaves
• Strong hallucinogen
What are the effects of taking Salvinorin?
Modified state of awareness
• Short-lived inebriant state (1-30 mins)
• Intense, bizarre feelings of depersonalization
• Synaesthesia
• Visual hallucinations
What is nitrous oxide?
Gas that is rapidly absorbed and eliminated
Clinically used as an analgesic during dental surgery and childbirth
