Unit 10 - Nutraceuticals and Cannabis Flashcards
What is the endocannabinoid system?
system of receptors/signalling molecules present in all vertebrates
What are cannabinoids?
Chemicals that act on the endocannabinoid system
What are endocannabinoids?
cannabinoid chemicals made in the body that interact w/ the endocannabinoid system
What is phytocannabinoid?
Cannabinoid chemicals that come from the plant. Also known as “extrinsic” cannabinoids bc they come from outside your body
What is THC?
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
an extrinsic cannabinoid found in cannabis
main pyschoactive (mind-altering) chemical in cannabis, responsible for most of the intoxicating effects that people seek - highs, lows, mellowing (and triggers the appetite-stimulating portion of the brain)
NOT allowed to be recommended in vet world besides hemp
What is CBD?
cannabidiol
An extrinsic cannabinoid found in cannabis
responsible for most of the possible therapeutic uses
CBD does not prod a high or intoxication
NOT allowed to be recommended in vet world in any form
What is the plan called when the THC lvls are >0.3%?
high levels of THC or marijuana
What is the plant called when is has low lvls of THC <0.3%
hemp - is permitted in vet world
What is marijuana toxicity?
occurs from accidental ingestion of marijuana (usually containing relatively high lvls of THC (THC is dose dependent toxin in vet world
Why might we see medical marijuana in vet med?
typically CBD. used intnetionally for the medical benefits (usually CBD with very little to no THC)
no approved uses for CBD in the vet world
What are the signs of marijuana toxicity
toxicity is dose dependent
Most common: lethargy, GI signs, urinary incontinence in dogs, salivation, sleepiness, dilated pupils/bloodshot eyes, low body temp
Less common: anorexia, pruritus
Rare: hyperesthesia, wobbling, pacing and agitation, vocalizing, sound or light sensitivity seizures, coma, death
How do we tx marijuana toxicity?
no reversal, only supportive care
<4hr ingestion: induce vomiting, can pass G-tube and give activated charcoal
After those two or >4hr ingestion, start IV and cross fingers
depending on how much ingested and when, signs vary in fatality
Usually hours to days for improvement, toxic dose unknown
What is the mechanism of medicinal CBD
MOA: activation of receptors in endocannabinoid system
receptors present in multiple systems thru body
CB1 receptor prominent in CNS and peripheral neurons (base ganglia for euphoria/emotion/hunger)(dorsal root ganglia of spinal chord > pain modulation)(areas of brain associated with pain modulation)
Mechanism: blocks Ca+ channels so neurons do not repolarize
CB2 receptor is prominent in immune cells and tissues
Both CB1 and CB2 are present on nociceptors
Both CB1 and/or CB2 are present on most tissues in body
Can marijuana be used in animals?
NO - No CAD vet can legally recommend or prescribe a cannabis-containing product for medical reasons
Doing so would violate law and places vet at legal risk and may lose license to practice vet med (goes for RVTs)
Pet owners may still use cannabis products and can discuss them with the vet
What are approved cannabis products for animals?
Only approved is HEMP
Hemp products do not contain significant THC lvls and are exempt from cannabis act
They don’t contain any other concentrated phytocannabinoids, including CBD
These products not allowed to make health claims
can be identified by a notification number assigned by health Canada
vets and RVTs can sell/recommend these products to clients
