Chapter 11 - Cannabinoids Flashcards
what are cannabinoids
drugs that act on cannabinoid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body; named after cannabis plant (sativa, indica, ruderalis)
what are phytocannabinoids
cannabinoids found in the resin from cannabis plants
-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)
-Cannabidiol (CBD)
-Cannabinol (CBN)
-N-alklamide
-B-caryophyllene
what contains the highest concentration of Δ9-THChat
cannabis sativa
what usually has higher levels of cannabidiol
cannabis indica
marijuana
dried flowers/leaves/stems of the cannabis plant that are rolled in cig paper and smoked
hashish
concentrated resin and has much higher concentrations of THC
synthetic cannabinoids
contains synthetic cannabinoids such as WIN52212-2, JWH-018, and JWH-073; marketed as liquid incense and used in e-cigs; “K2” and “Spice”
concentrations of TCH in joints vs hashish vs hashish oil
6-20%; 10-20%; 15-30%
cannabis and all forms of TCH is a Schedule ___ substance
I ; all synthetics are as well
inhalation (methods of use)
cig/joint; water pipes (hookahs/bongs); quickest absorption and psychoactive effects (seconds); secondhand smoke can lead to a contact high
oral (methods of use)
edibles; hash oil can be applied to food; cannabis tea can be made; slower absorption and psychoactive effects but lasts longer
what is the half life of THC
7 days (long half life, accumulates in fat tissue)
where is THC metabolized
in the liver; primary metabolite, 11-hydroxy- Δ9-THC, is also psychoactive
what are endocannabinoids
endogenously produced neurotransmitters that exert their effects on endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and periphery of the body
2 endocannabinoid neurotransmitters
Anandamide; 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
2 reasons why endocannabinoids are unique
- they are not stored in vesicles (released as soon as they are synthesized, produced as needed)
- produced and released by post-synaptic neuron (retrograde neurotransmission: travel back to and occupy receptors on presynaptic neurons)
CB1 and CB2 (endocannabinoid receptors)
G-protein-coupled receptors; tend to have inhibitory effects on pre-synaptic neurons; tells pre-synaptic neuron to reduce release of their NT
where are CB1 receptors located
basal ganglia; nucleus accumbens; cerebellum; hippocampus; cerebral cortex
outside of brain: eyes, heart kidneys, liver, spleen, intestines
where are CB2 receptors located
primarily outside the brain on cells of immune system AND on glial cells in brain
activation of ____ receptors leads to increased DA in ____
CB1; nucleus accumbens
binding to CB1
cannabinoid compounds vary in their affinity for CB1 receptors; Δ9-THC and anandamide have high affinities
physiological effects of cannabinoids
increased HR, heart palpitations; hypotension; red eyes; hunger “the munchies” (humans and animals)
behavioural effects of cannabis
mild memory deficits (decreased
activity in the hippocampus and dorsolateral PFC); impaired motor coordination, muscle tone, and reaction time
two outcomes of cannabis dependency
cannabis use disorder and cannabis withdrawal syndrome
health risks of cannabis
Carcinogens contained in smoke; smoking increases risk of respiratory diseases; synthetic cannabinoids may cause kidney damage
what can medical marijuana be used for
reduces nausea associated with chemotherapy; promotes weight gain; inhibits immune functioning
