RXRS 202 Lecture 17: Cannabis Pt.1

Cannabis sativa

Common cannabis species with psychoactive properties.

Cannabis indica

Cannabis species known for sedative effects.

Cannabis ruderalis

Less psychoactive cannabis species, used for breeding.

Neolithic use

Hemp used by humans over 3000 BC.

Hashish

Concentrated cannabis resin from female flowers.

Gunjah

Dried cannabis plant used for smoking.

Rosin

Extracted from flowers via heat and pressure.

Butane hash oil

Extracted using hydrocarbon process, retains terpenes.

CBD oil

Non-psychoactive cannabis oil, extracted and distilled.

Live resin

Concentrate using freeze-dried buds for flavor.

Tinctures

Alcohol-extracted cannabis concentrates, high in THC.

Shatter

Brittle cannabis concentrate, glass-like texture.

Dabbing

Flash vaporization method using cannabis concentrates.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.

Synthetic cannabinoids

Lab-made compounds mimicking cannabis effects.

Spice

Synthetic cannabinoid product, often mixed with herbs.

Behavioral effects

Includes intoxication, euphoria, and mood swings.

Medicinal applications

Uses include pain relief and appetite stimulation.

Anandamide

Endocannabinoid that binds to CB1 receptors.

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)

Endocannabinoid with high affinity for CB1 receptors.

Bioavailability

Percentage of drug reaching systemic circulation.

From highest to lowest:

• Inhalation

• Oral

• Sublingual - placed under tongue

• Topical

Peak serum concentration

Highest concentration of drug in blood post-consumption.

First pass metabolism

Drug metabolism occurring in the liver before systemic circulation.

Half-life (T½)

Time taken for drug concentration to reduce by half. 1.3 days for cannabis

Detection window

Time drug metabolites remain detectable in urine.

Behavioral effects of cannabis

Psychedelic-like effects

– Increased sensitivity to sound and light

– Keener appreciation of rhythm and timing

– Slowing of the perception of time

– Visual hallucinations