Chapter 11 - Cannabinoids

Question 1

what are cannabinoids

Answer 1

drugs that act on cannabinoid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body; named after cannabis plant (sativa, indica, ruderalis)

Question 2

what are phytocannabinoids

Answer 2

cannabinoids found in the resin from cannabis plants
-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)
-Cannabidiol (CBD)
-Cannabinol (CBN)
-N-alklamide
-B-caryophyllene

Question 3

what contains the highest concentration of Δ9-THChat

Answer 3

cannabis sativa

Question 4

what usually has higher levels of cannabidiol

Answer 4

cannabis indica

Question 5

marijuana

Answer 5

dried flowers/leaves/stems of the cannabis plant that are rolled in cig paper and smoked

Question 6

hashish

Answer 6

concentrated resin and has much higher concentrations of THC

Question 7

synthetic cannabinoids

Answer 7

contains synthetic cannabinoids such as WIN52212-2, JWH-018, and JWH-073; marketed as liquid incense and used in e-cigs; “K2” and “Spice”

Question 8

concentrations of TCH in joints vs hashish vs hashish oil

Answer 8

6-20%; 10-20%; 15-30%

Question 9

cannabis and all forms of TCH is a Schedule ___ substance

Answer 9

I ; all synthetics are as well

Question 10

inhalation (methods of use)

Answer 10

cig/joint; water pipes (hookahs/bongs); quickest absorption and psychoactive effects (seconds); secondhand smoke can lead to a contact high

Question 11

oral (methods of use)

Answer 11

edibles; hash oil can be applied to food; cannabis tea can be made; slower absorption and psychoactive effects but lasts longer

Question 12

what is the half life of THC

Answer 12

7 days (long half life, accumulates in fat tissue)

Question 13

where is THC metabolized

Answer 13

in the liver; primary metabolite, 11-hydroxy- Δ9-THC, is also psychoactive

Question 14

what are endocannabinoids

Answer 14

endogenously produced neurotransmitters that exert their effects on endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and periphery of the body

Question 15

2 endocannabinoid neurotransmitters

Answer 15

Anandamide; 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)

Question 16

2 reasons why endocannabinoids are unique

Answer 16

1. they are not stored in vesicles (released as soon as they are synthesized, produced as needed)
2. produced and released by post-synaptic neuron (retrograde neurotransmission: travel back to and occupy receptors on presynaptic neurons)

Question 17

CB1 and CB2 (endocannabinoid receptors)

Answer 17

G-protein-coupled receptors; tend to have inhibitory effects on pre-synaptic neurons; tells pre-synaptic neuron to reduce release of their NT

Question 18

where are CB1 receptors located

Answer 18

basal ganglia; nucleus accumbens; cerebellum; hippocampus; cerebral cortex
outside of brain: eyes, heart kidneys, liver, spleen, intestines

Question 19

where are CB2 receptors located

Answer 19

primarily outside the brain on cells of immune system AND on glial cells in brain

Question 20

activation of ____ receptors leads to increased DA in ____

Answer 20

CB1; nucleus accumbens

Question 21

binding to CB1

Answer 21

cannabinoid compounds vary in their affinity for CB1 receptors; Δ9-THC and anandamide have high affinities

Question 22

physiological effects of cannabinoids

Answer 22

increased HR, heart palpitations; hypotension; red eyes; hunger “the munchies” (humans and animals)

Question 23

behavioural effects of cannabis

Answer 23

mild memory deficits (decreased
activity in the hippocampus and dorsolateral PFC); impaired motor coordination, muscle tone, and reaction time

Question 24

two outcomes of cannabis dependency

Answer 24

cannabis use disorder and cannabis withdrawal syndrome

Question 25

health risks of cannabis

Answer 25

Carcinogens contained in smoke; smoking increases risk of respiratory diseases; synthetic cannabinoids may cause kidney damage

Question 26

what can medical marijuana be used for

Answer 26

reduces nausea associated with chemotherapy; promotes weight gain; inhibits immune functioning