Unit 3 Flashcards
Cannabinoids
Array of active compounds in MC
Cannabinoid General Categories
Phytocannabinoids
Ednocannabinoids (ECS)
Syntheticcannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids
Naturally occuring (in plants) molecules containing THC
-Includes anandamides
-CBD (cannabidiol)
Endocannabinoids (ECS)
INT cannabinoids naturally made in the body
-Includes anandamides
-2-AG
Syntheticcannabinoids
Made in a lap w/ hope to benefit the public w/ few FDA approved
-JWH-018
-AM-4054
How are MC varieties grouped?
According to their chemotype/chemovar. Chemotypes I-V.
Chemotypes of MC
Type I - Highest (and highest) THC, Low CBD
Type II - Similar lvls, 1:1 CBD and THC
Type III - High CBD, <0.3% THC - Legally hemp
Type IV - Hight CBG
Type V - No cannabinoids
MC species
Sativa - “Grown”/cultivated, hemp, low THC
Indica - High THC
Ruderalis - Small, containing little THC if any
Chemotype M accurately predicts effects T indica vs sativa.
Enzymes
Proteins turning one chemical into another. In cannabis, it creates cannabinoids.
-Tend to end in “ase”
-“Glazed hairs” CBGA is parent enzyme turning into THCA (eventually THC) and CBDA (eventually CBD)
Cannabinoids need __ to transform parent enzymes
Fire/heat!!! Creates cannabinoids THC, CBG, CBD, CBCA/CBC.
-Also occurring in other plants, ex tobacco or sunflowers
The Entourage Effect
Phytocann. work better interacting vs alone
-“Bodies choose” same cannabinoids have diff impacts on diff people
-Plant as whole vs individual pieces
Entourage Effect Theories
-Familiarity w/ THC vs pill & placebo (unlikely)
-Having 2(+) substances address 1 prob in 2 ways (Some combos working better than others) (ex caffeine + substance = pain relief)
-Subjects aren’t people who want to be high all of the time & have actual struggles hoping MC helps
-CBD can DEC THC’s psychoactive effects
-CBD & CBN can block enzymes & body pumps, blocking and DEC THC’s effect
Imptnt non-cannabinoids (found in non-MJ plants)
Terpenoids & flavonoids
Terpenoids / Terpenes)
Contributing to a plant’s smell & flavor
-limocene
-Beta-caryophyllene
-Alpha-pinene
-Linalool
-Myrcene
Flavonoids
Contribute to a plant’s color, often are yellow
-Quercetin
-Apigenin
-Cannaflavins A & B
Timeline of Understanding MC function in humans & animals
64 - Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists discover THC, ID’d as main active ingredient in MJ, led by Mechoulam.
’80s - America, led by Howlette, discover CB1 protein receptors to be THC’s main target in the body
-90s - Discovery of 1st cannabinoid (ECB), the anandamide
MJ Cannabinoid Receptor Function
Receptor protein (curled string of amino-acids) have specific job to respond to cell’s chemical signals. They have a binding sight where messenger signal (ECS) can come in and “lock” it, temp inhibits cell process.
CB1 Receptor
Receptors found mostly in brain & spinal cord, the CNS (why impact pain, neural response, and transmission)
-Lack of them in brain area to brea/HR = damn near impossible to OD on MJ
-Is the M widely expressed f-protein receptor (X10 MT opiate receptors)
-H concentrations in cortex, basal ganglia, hypothalamus, cerebellum, amygdala, and spinal cord
CB2 Receptor
Mostly peripheral, associated w/ immune function & inflammation
-Can be upregulated in response to inflammation/tissue injury, ect
-Mostly expressed in glial cells (immune function, inflammation, and neuro protection)
CB1 Locations
-CNS
-Lungs
-Vascular system
-Muscles
-Gastrointestinal tract
-Reproductive organs
-Immune system
-Liver
-Bone marrow
-Pancreas
CB2 Locations
-Spleen
-Bones
-Skin
-Immune system
-Liver
-Bone marrow
-Pancreas
Simplified Nervous System Response (firing of neurons)
Action potential, fire neurons. Sending neuron sends electrical signal via the axon, signaling the following/receiving neuron. Each neuron constantly weighing input from others, n/t making + or -.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS) process
-Action potential reaches axon terminal, releasing glutamate and encouraging CA pumps to open.
-CA builds up, causes endocannabinoid release, binding to cb1 receptor
-G protein activates and impacts ion flow
-Pre-n/t release suppressed, endocannabinoid taken back into cell and processed
Drug effects & categories of cannabinoids
Anandomide activates CB1, (as can THC). THC is an partial-agonist drug (stim receptors). Antagonists block cell activation. Syntheticcannabinoids are full agonists (dangerous w/ STR effect)
