Cannabinoids: Their Source, Effects, and Pharmacology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to cannabinoids, their pharmacological effects, and implications of use.

Cannabinoids

Compounds that originate from the cannabis plant, primarily THC and cannabidiol.

Cannabis sativa

A strain of cannabis with the highest concentration of THC.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body.

First-pass metabolism

A process where the concentration of a drug is significantly reduced before it reaches systemic circulation, particularly after oral ingestion.

C1 receptors

Cannabinoid receptors found in the brain and body that increase dopamine concentration and are associated with memory changes and the euphoric 'high'.

C2 receptors

Cannabinoid receptors primarily located in the immune system.

Agonists

Substances that activate receptors in the body, leading to a physiological response.

Metabolism

The process by which the body converts a drug into its active or inactive metabolites.

Psychosis

A mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, which can be influenced by cannabis use.

Tolerance

A condition where increased amounts of a drug are required to achieve the same effect due to repeated use.

Cannabis Use Disorder

A dependency condition characterized by cravings and the replacement of normal activities with cannabis use.

Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome

A collection of symptoms occurring upon cessation of cannabis use, including irritability and depression.

Respiratory problems

Health issues related to breathing, which can be exacerbated by cannabis use.

Acute effects

Immediate physiological and psychological effects occurring shortly after consumption of cannabis.

Chronic effects

Long-term physiological and psychological effects resulting from prolonged cannabis use.

Benzanthracene and benzopyrene

Carcinogens shared between cannabis smoke and tobacco, potentially increasing cancer risk.

Medicinal uses of cannabis

Therapeutic applications of cannabis, including pain management and treatment for side effects of cancer medications.