˚₊‧ʚ♡ɞ‧₊˚ marijuana/cannabis ˚₊‧ʚ♡ɞ‧₊˚ Flashcards
what is sativa versus indica?
different varieties of the cannabis plant.
Satvia- tall & slender, thin light green leaves; fares in tropical & semitropical regions.
indica- shorter & bushier; fares best in cooler climates.
what is THC vs CBD?
THC & CBD are phytocannabinoids that bind to the body’s cannabinoid receptors.
THC is the most intoxicating of phytocannabinoids & most abundant in flowering heads of female cannabis plants.
CBD isn’t intoxicating, but it has antioxidant, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antianxiety, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective properties.
What types of things affect levels of THC in marijuana?
The ratio of CBD to THC varies between genetic strains, but generally, the more THC, the less CBD. If plants are harvested at the peak floral stage, they produce a high ratio of THC to CBD and give a more stimulating and mental high. If the plant matures past peak, THC is converted into other cannabinoids and produces heavier and sedating effects.
ROA
The most common ROA is inhalation or ingestion. Psychoactive parts of plants aren’t water-soluble and, therefore, cannot be injected. THC is rapidly absorbed in the blood supply of the lungs & travels quickly to the heart & then the brain. Effects felt w/in a few minutes, peak after 15-60mins, and gradually diminish over 2-5hrs.
How is distribution affected by its fat soluble-ness?
cannabinoids are so lipid soluble & can remain in the body for days.
cannabinoid receptors: what are the subtypes? where are they? how do they work?
CB1 is present in all animals except insects, predominantly in the CNS and eye, pancreas, liver, skin, uterus, and testes.
CB2 is found mostly in the spleen, tonsils, and immune system cells.
cannabinoid binds to CB1 + CB2 receptors (+more) to exert effects.
THC is a partial agonist for both receptors.
Know endogenous cannabinoid + what its potential functions are?
Anandamide (AEA) is shorter-acting and 4-10x less potent than THC.
2-AG is a more abundant endocannabinoid, binds to both CB1+CB2 receptors.
Endocannabinoids aren’t typical NTs. Too fat-soluble to be stored in vesicles, they’d float through the vesicle membrane; instead, they’re rapidly synthesized as needed from components of the cell membrane and released into areas requiring compounds when biological processes occur.
Endocannabinoids undergo retrograde signaling, where they’re synthesized and released from a postsynaptic neuron. They travel backward across the synapse and bind to CB1 receptors on presynaptic nerve terminals, where they help regulate the release of other NTs.
How does THC work at the synapse?
is THC reinforcing?
Yes - regular users can tell the difference when placebos/cigarettes/pills have THC vs. when they don’t & prefer THC ones.
What are some acute behavioral effects?
Variable than anything else- can be stimulating or sedating; may induce grogginess, irritability, gleefulness, giggliness.
Effects depend on many things: strain potency, ratio of THC: CBD, user’s previous experience, expectations, mood, & environment it’s used in.
What are some medical uses of marijuana?
Treats chronic pain, reduces nausea/vomiting, stimulates hunger, alleviates stiffness & muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis.
What are some possible negative health effects of marijuana?
Smoking associated w/ chronic cough & bronchitis; higher levels of endocannabinoids are associated w/ reduced fertility.
