RXRS 202 Lecture 18: Cannabis Pt.2

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Main psychoactive compound in cannabis.

Δ9-THC

Isomer of THC, primarily responsible for effects.

Endogenous cannabinoids

Naturally occurring compounds mimicking cannabis effects.

CB receptors

Cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body.

Cannabis dosing

Average dose: 2.5-5.0 mg Δ9-THC.

Wax

Soft cannabis concentrate, not transparent.

Cannabis history

Used since 3000 BC for textiles and medicine.

Cannabis Legalization

Legal status varies by state for medicinal use.

Cannabis Use Statistics

42% of people over 12 have used cannabis.

Cannabis Addiction Rate

14% of cannabis users develop addiction.

Amotivational Syndrome

Lack of motivation and direction due to cannabis use.

Cannabinoid Withdrawal Syndrome

Symptoms include irritability and decreased appetite.

Type 1 Dependence

Daily use at 2-4 hour intervals.

Type 2 Dependence

Use every 24-36 hours with fewer withdrawal symptoms.

Type X Dependence

Rare use with no withdrawal symptoms.

Negative Impact on Cognition

Loss of short-term memory and attentional dysfunction.

Psychiatric Symptoms

Can exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

Cannabinoid Tolerance

Reduced receptor sensitivity from chronic exposure.

Analgesia

Pain relief using cannabinoids like Dronabinol.

Visual Hallucinations

Altered perception of visual stimuli under cannabis.

Increased Sensitivity

Heightened awareness of sound and light.

Perceptual Changes

Altered perception of time and reality.

Cannabis Intoxication

Impaired cognitive and psychomotor performance.

Gateway Drug Theory

Cannabis may lead to use of harder drugs.

Cannabis Intoxication can reduce

• Response Speed Decline

• Physical Work Capacity

• Hand-Eye Coordination

• Complex Tracking ability

• Dual-Tasking ability

• Divided Attention

• Visual Information Processing

• Short-Term Memory

Chronic Impairment

Long-lasting reduction in cognitive or physical abilities displayed by abusers.

CB1 Receptors

Cannabinoid receptors primarily in the brain.

Endocannabinoids

Naturally occurring cannabinoids in the body.

Sedative Hypnotics

Drugs that induce relaxation and sleep.

THC Metabolism

Broken down in liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Detection Window

Substance detectable in urine for 27-46 days.

Anti-Epileptic Properties

CBD's ability to reduce seizure frequency.

THC abuse symptoms

• down-regulation and desensitization of CB1 receptors

• Anxiety

• Low motivation