Ch.14Comprehensive Cannabis Pharmacology and History for Students

What is the scientific name for the hemp plant?

Cannabis sativa

Where is the hemp plant indigenous to?

Central & Southern Asia

What are the two phenotypes of Cannabis sativa?

Cultivated for hemp fiber (low psychoactive) & for intoxicating properties (high psychoactive).

What historical use did the Scythians have for cannabis?

Used in a cleansing ceremony after funerals.

How long has cannabis been known in China?

6,000 years

Primary uses of cannabis in Europe & America?

To make rope & cloth.

When was cannabis introduced to Chile?

In 1545 by Spaniards.

Who was the 1st European writer to describe the intoxicating effects of cannabis?

Gautier in the 1800s.

What medical conditions was cannabis used to treat in 1839?

Tetanus, appetite issues, convulsions, neuralgia, dysmenorrhea, asthma, gonorrhea, migraine, addiction, and mental illness.

What term was introduced in the 1900s for smoking cannabis?

Marijuana by Mexicans

What act in 1937 eliminated legitimate medical use of marijuana?

The Marijuana Tax Act.

What is the most common illicit drug in the United States?

Marijuana.

What are cannabinoids?

A chemical class of terpenophenolics, with 85+ identified in cannabis.

Which cannabinoid is known to be the most psychoactive?

Delta-9-THC.

What are the two forms of cannabis preparations mentioned?

Hashish (dried resin) & hash oil (purified and distilled hashish).

How is marijuana typically consumed?

Smoked in a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, or baked into cookies or brownies.

What is the effect of oral administration of THC? (When do edibles hit)

Absorbed slowly from the digestive system with peak effects 1-3 hours after ingestion.

How efficient is smoking cannabis?

About 10-25% enters the lungs, with effects felt within minutes.

Where is THC primarily metabolized in the body?

In the liver.

What happens to THC levels in the brain after consumption?

THC levels continue to increase for several hours after consumption.

What is the half-life of THC in the body?

About 30 minutes initially, then 20-30 hours as it declines.

How is THC primarily excreted from the body?

Primarily through feces (55%) and urine (20%).

What are the two types of cannabinoid receptors?

CB1 & CB2 receptors.

Where are CB1 receptors primarily concentrated?

cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, & substantia nigra.

What is the role of endogenous cannabinoids like anandamide?

They are naturally occurring compounds that bind to cannabinoid receptors.

What is retrograde signaling in the context of cannabinoid action?

A signaling mechanism between postsynaptic and presynaptic cells that can disable presynaptic neurons.

What effects does THC have on appetite?

It stimulates appetite (the munchies)

What are common physiological effects of cannabis use?

Bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, increased heart rate, nausea, & vomiting.

How does cannabis affect sleep?

drowsiness + more sleep , higher doses = restlessness & insomnia.

What medical conditions can THC help alleviate?

Glaucoma, nausea, movement disorders, muscle spasms, & pain modulation (pain signals)

What is the relationship between cannabis use & mood changes?

causes euphoria & sedation but anxiety in some users.

How does cannabis affect memory?

It disrupts the ability to recall information & can cause temporal disintegration.

What is the biphasic effect of cannabis on motor activity in nonhumans?

increases activity then a depression in behavior.

What is the impact of cannabis on driving performance?

It impairs driving skills

What is the gateway theory in relation to cannabis use?

suggests that cannabis may lead to the using harder drugs, no causal relationship tho.

What is amotivational syndrome?

A condition characterized by apathy, loss of effectiveness, and diminished capacity to carry out long-term plans.

What are the potential harmful effects of cannabis on the immune system?

No evidence suggests users are more prone to disease, but it may help inflammatory responses.

What is the effect of cannabis on testosterone levels?

Can reduce testosterone levels, potentially affecting fertility in males.

What is the evidence regarding cannabis & brain damage?

No evidence suggests irreversible damage, but subtle cognitive impairments may occur.

What is the role of CBD in medical treatment?

treats schizophrenia, anxiety, & seizures.

How does cannabis affect creativity?

believed to enhance appreciation of art, but little evidence

What is the relationship between cannabis use and violence?

studies show no increase in violence; may decrease hostility.

What are the withdrawal symptoms associated with cannabis?

Increased motor behavior, appetite changes, restlessness, & cravings.

What is the impact of cannabis on conditioned behavior?

It interferes with tasks needing short-term memory & timing.

What is the significance of the cannabinoid receptor discovery?

led to understanding the mechanisms of cannabinoid action in the body.

What is the effect of high doses of cannabis on performance?

Affects anything needing coordination & timing.

How does cannabis affect sensory perception?

causes sensory distortions & time-distorting effect.