Stimulants, Nicotine, and Hallucinogens Review

Comprehensive practice questions covering stimulants (caffeine, tea, chocolate), nicotine history and health, and the pharmacology of various hallucinogens based on chapter 15 lecture notes.

According to the transcript, which substances are categorized as major CNS stimulants?

amphetamines, Cocaine, and nicotine

When and by whom was caffeine discovered?

It was discovered by a German pharmacist in 1820.

What are the two species of coffee mentioned, and what are their origins?

Coffea arabica (native to the Arabian peninsula and eastern Africa/Ethiopia) and Coffea robusto (native to Asia/Turkey).

Which country is noted as the biggest exporter of coffee?

Brazil

How much caffeine is typically found in a 'grande' cup of coffee?

$$100-150\,mg$$

What is the specific combination of substances found in tea?

Caffeine plus Theophylline

What is the name of the 'leaves bush' used for tea that is part of Chinese culture?

camelia sinensis

Which type of tea is noted for having the greatest health benefit because the leaf itself is consumed?

Matcha

What is the chemical combination that makes up chocolate?

Caffeine plus Theobromine

How did the Swiss modify the 'Dutch method' of chocolate production in 1876?

They took dark chocolate and added cream.

Define 'Potentiation' in the context of drug interaction.

When Drug A has an effect (like aspirin killing pain) and Drug B does not, but adding Drug B makes Drug A more effective.

What level of caffeine intake is associated with a lethal overdose and cardiac arrest?

$$2-3\,grams$$

Why was tobacco initially considered 'demonic' when Columbus brought it back to Spain?

Because smoke came out of the user's mouth.

Who is the Portuguese-French ambassador responsible for making smoking fashionable in Paris in 1559?

Jean Nicot

How did the production of cigarettes change from the 1880s to the 1920s?

In the 1880s, they were hand-rolled (4 per minute); by the 1920s, rolling machines produced 200 per minute.

Why did the US Army promote cigarette use to soldiers during WWI and WWII?

They were seen as performance-enhancing stimulants and suppressed the appetite.

What was the specific 1964 public health warning regarding cigarettes?

“cigarette smoking is casually related to lung cancer in men”

What percentage of inhaled nicotine reaches the bloodstream?

$$90\%$$

In the context of hallucinogens, what is the difference between a 'true' hallucination and an 'illusion'?

True hallucinations are scary, while illusions are warped perceptions.

What is the active substance in the South American psychedelic Cohoba?

DMT (dimethytryptamine)

What is the specific drug name found in Psilocybin mushrooms?

psilocin

Who synthesized LSD in 1938 and subsequently experienced the first 'trip' in 1943?

Albert Hoffman

LSD is derived from which fungus associated with ergotism in Salem, MA?

ergot

Define 'Synesthesia' as a side effect of LSD.

The crossing of sensory modalities.

Which substances are identified as norepinephrine agonists?

MDMA (ecstasy), myristicin (nutmeg and cinnamon), and mescaline.

What is the source of mescaline, and how was it traditionally used by shamans?

It comes from the peyote cactus and was consumed orally, often involving vomiting and urine drinking.

What is the primary ingredient in a traditional espresso?

Finely ground coffee beans.

What is the significance of the 'Bean Belt'?

The 'Bean Belt' refers to the tropical regions of the world where coffee is grown, mainly between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

What factors affect coffee flavor profile?

Altitude, soil type, climate, and the processing methods used.

What are the two main methods of coffee processing?

Washed (wet) and natural (dry) processing.

What is a common effect of caffeine on the human body?

Increased alertness and reduced fatigue.

What is the historical origin of tea?

Tea originated in ancient China, with its use dating back thousands of years.

What processing technique is unique to white tea?

It is made from young leaves and buds that are minimally processed.

Which psychoactive compound is primarily responsible for the effects of coffee?

Caffeine.

What are common withdrawal symptoms of caffeine?

Headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

What is the role of theophylline in tea?

It helps to relax the airways and has a mild stimulant effect.