Problem 3 Mind altering drugs Flashcards
Psychoactive substance in Cannabis
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (agonist)
Endocannabinoid system
control system that helps regulate appetite , pain sensation, mood and memory
o Chemicals that activate it are named endocannabinoids
Medical use of Cannabis
For pain and spasm, encourage eating
Receptor (cannabis)
Both play a role in regulating serotonin transporter activity. Ø Both mediate inhibitory action on ongoing release of number of excitatory and inhibitory dopaminergic, GABA, glutamatergic, serotoninergic, noradrenalin and acetylcholine neurotransmitter systems, because THC binds to it. Ø CBD does not bind to CB1Rs or CB2Rs.
How do psychedelics work
o All psychedelics work on a special sub-type of serotonin receptors (5HT2A/C) which play an important role in higher, cortical, brain functions
o Producing visuals (no hallucinations)
o Empathogenic: create sensation of care, love and connection to other people and the natural world
o Psilocybin disrupts “default mode” so the sense of self
Empathogenic
create sensation of care, love and connection to other people and the natural world
Harms of LSD
o Safest drug we know, no overdose, no physical harm, anti-addictive
o People with anxiety and inner unrest should avoid taking LSD because
Risk of LSD
o Depersonalisation, anxiety, long lasting bad experience, psychosis
Benefits of LSD
o May be useful treating addiction to other drugs by giving the patients a new view on their lives
THC
o Main psychoactive ingredient in Cannabis
o Causes transient psychotic symptoms and increases level of anxiety, intoxication and sedation
CBD
o Does not effect motor activity, body temperature or memory on its own
o Higher doses CBD potentiates the effects of low THC doses
o Has no significant effect on behaviour
o Antipsychotic effects
Default mode network
“housekeeping” functions, such as memory, self-reflective thought, and the sense of our body in space
Cannabinoid 1 receptors
Mainly in CNS in substantia nigra, basal ganglia, limbic system, hippocampus and cerebellum, but also in PNS, liver, thyroid, uterus, bones and testicular tissue. • Affect functions such as cognition, memory, movement and pain perception.
Cannabinoid 2 receptors
Mainly in immune cells, spleen and gastrointestinal system. To some extend in CNS and PNS