Unit 9: Psyco-active Drugs

Question 1

What are most psychoactive drugs?

Answer 1

Alkaloids!

Question 2

How do psychoactive drugs work?

Answer 2

By modulating the CNS and PNS as antagonists or agonists

Question 3

How does cannabis effect us?

Answer 3

Through anandamide, it interacts with cannabinoid receptors and natural neurotransmitters = an agonist

Question 4

How did cannabis cultivation begin? How is it now?

Answer 4

Hemp in China (South East Asia) from dioecious species where it would grow in high density tall and thin to limit branching/flowering and focus on fiber

NOW we selected for upper inflorescence of female plants that contain the THC rich resin

Question 5

Where does opium come from?

Answer 5

the Alkaloid rich latex of the opium poppy

Question 6

where does harmine come from?

Answer 6

Ayahuasca

Question 7

What are the differences between cocaine and atropine and what similarities?

Answer 7

Both are from the same alkaloid class
cocaine = inhibits dopamine uptake in the CNS
atropine = blocks transmission of acetylcholine which causes relaxation

Question 8

How can method of delivery affect coca?

Answer 8

Originally coca leaves were added to slacked lime to increase the bioavailability by increasing alkalinity and salivation
(since alkaloids are basic an alkaline pH increases the solubility)

NOW cocaine and crack has changed the mode of delivery and caused it to be dangerous

Question 9

what other plant is affected by mode of delivery?

Answer 9

Diviner’s sage = chewed in Mexico before now is smoked and sprayed with concentrated salvinorin-A increasing the risk and effects

Question 10

how did Richard Schultes begin his ethnobotany career?

Answer 10

studying Peyote