Exam 3: Cannabinoids Flashcards
Where does Cannabis originate?
Cannabis Sativa, Indica, Ruderalis
What is one compound for Cannabis?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or Delta-9-THC
In what ways can cannabis composition vary?
They can vary depending on the variety of plant, the region it was grown in, how mature it is, and the part of the plant that was sampled
Explain the Legality of Marijuana (Federal vs. State)
Federally Marijuana is a Schedule I drug meaning that it is not accepted for medical use and has a high potential to be abused. However, as of 2021, state legislation is changing for marijuana to be used either recreationally or medicinally. Some states are still pending on their legislation
What are some medical uses that cannabis can be used for?
- Anti-asthmatic
- Muscle relaxant
- Anti-seizure
- Analgesic (Pain Relief)
Anti- Depressant
Outline the Administration of Cannabis:
Can be administered orally or Inhaled
If administered Orally, explain the absorption of THC/ How does it differ from Inhalation administration?
Orally there will be about 25 to 30 % absorbed. Inhalation will have 50 to 80 % absorbed
Explain the distribution(absorption) of THC both from Oral and Inhaled administration
If THC is administered orally the effects will happen around the 30 minutes to 2-hour mark while the effects will be almost immediate from inhalation with peak effects happening around the 5 to 10-minute mark.
Delta-9-THC is highly lipid soluble meaning that it will cross the blood brain barrier and can be distributed to tissues
What characteristic of Delta-9-THC makes it that it has a long elimination rate?
It has the ability to be stored in Fat cells within the body
If orally administered, why is the absorption rate so low?
It immediately goes to the liver (first pass metabolism)
Within fat cells when is peak concentration usually seen? What is the half life after that peak concentrtion?
Within 4 to 5 days and the half-life will be about 7 days after that
How is THC eliminated from the body
Primarily through the feces
Our body has naturally occurring NT that bind to cannabinoid receptors, what are they classified as and what are their specific names?
They are classified as Endocannabinoids
Anandamide and 2-AG
How are the endocannabinoids terminated
Anandamide is terminated via FAAH while 2-AG is terminated via monoacyl-glycerol lipase
Which one of the cannabinoid receptors are the most abundant in the brain?
CB1 Receptor
Physiologically what are some of the effects of THC?
- An increase in heart rate
- Reddening of the eyes
- Increase of appetite
- Heart Palpitations
Dryness of the throat
What are some behavioral effects when using THC in low doses ?
Mild Memory deficits
loss of sustained attention
Relaxation
Impaired motor coordination
At higher doses, what are some behavioral effects we will see?
Paranoia and Hallucinations
Acute depressive reactions
Impaired time perception
here is no research backing this theory but what is the term used to describe a persistent lack of motivation to engage in productive activities?
Amotivational syndrome
Subjective effects of THC use?
A Buzz from a low dose
Euphoria from a moderate dose
Stoned from a high dose
What term describes usign cannabisi more than originally intended and having cravings
Cannabis use disorder
Are there any observable withdrawal symptoms?
No
Can psychological dependence occur?
Yes, but only in a very small number of users
How is CB1 different from CB2?
CB1 receptor is primarily found in the brain while CB2 is found in the periphery of the body. CB2 will be found on glial cells in the brain while CB1 is primarily presynaptically
What are some of the risks associated with cannabis use?
Within the immune system, there may be a decrease in resistance to certain pathogens. In the respiratory system, there is restricted airflow in and out of the lungs. in the reproductive system, men may find a decrease in testosterone levels and a lower sperm count while women may have non-ovulatory menstrual cycles