cannabis sativa

What is the main psychoactive compound in Cannabis?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

What is marijuana and how is it consumed?

Dried plant material (leaves, tops, stems, seeds); smoked, eaten, or drunk. Cigarettes are called reefers or weed.

What is Hashish (Charas)?

A dark resinous exudate smoked with tobacco; contains 8–12% THC. Hashish oil can have 25–60% THC.

What is Ganja and its THC content?

Resinous extract from female plant; usually smoked; contains ~25% THC.

: How is THC absorbed and excreted?

Lipid-soluble, rapidly absorbed via lungs; excreted mostly in feces and urine via enterohepatic circulation.

: How long can Cannabis metabolites be detected in urine?

2–3 days (casual users), up to 4 weeks (chronic users).

Mechanism of action of THC in the brain?

Binds to receptors in basal ganglia, cerebellum (motor), cortex & hippocampus (memory), with low binding in brain stem (low lethality).

Fatal doses of Cannabis preparations?

: Charas – 2 gm, Ganja – 8 gm, Bhang – 10 gm/kg. Death in 12–24 hrs possible but rare.

Acute intoxication symptoms?

Euphoria, talkativeness, increased appetite, hallucinations, confusion, giddiness, dilated pupils, rarely coma/death.

Effects of intravenous Cannabis infusion?

Serious toxicity: nausea, vomiting, chills, diarrhoea, tachycardia, hypotension, neutrophil leukocytosis.

Treatment for Cannabis intoxication?

Reassurance, IV diazepam if needed, supportive care for IV toxicity, management for body packers.

Symptoms of chronic Cannabis use?

Anorexia, weight loss, weakness, tremors, impotence, psychosis, hallucinations, moral deterioration.

What is 'hashish insanity' or 'amok'?

Psychotic episodes involving violence, delusions, and amnesia; linked with chronic abuse.

: Withdrawal symptoms of Cannabis?

Tremor, nystagmus, sweating, nausea, irritability, sleep disturbances—milder than alcohol/opiate withdrawal.

Minimum urine detection levels for Cannabis?

100 ng/mL (routine), 20–25 ng/mL (passive inhalation detection).

: Does Cannabis cause amotivational syndrome?

Not specifically; although chronic use may reduce goal-oriented behavior.