Medical Marijuana

humans have endogenous cannabinoid system

cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, enzymes that synthesize & degrade endocannabinoids

2 primary subtype cannabinoid receptors: What receptor is found throughout the nervous system, prevalent in pain pathways?

CB1 receptors

2 primary subtype cannabinoid receptors: What receptor is found in immune & hematopoietic tissues, generally modulates immune responses & inflammation?

CB2 receptors

CB1 may help modulate pain, but also produces most of the

psychotropic effects

CB2 may provide immunosuppression & anti-inflammation…

w/o psychotropic effects

our 2 primary endocannabinoids - Anandamide & 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) are produced by CNS & peripheral tissues when

tissues are injured or disturbed

what endocannabinoid is synthesized by the N-acylphosphatidylenolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) enzyme?

Anandamide

what endocannabinoid is synthesized by diaclylglycerol lipase (DAGL)?

2-AG

both Anandamide & 2-AG are degraded by

fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)

adverse CVD effects of marijuana

increased HR, BP, myocardial O2 demand, risk ischemic stroke

adverse pulmonary effects of marijuana

airway inflammation/obstruction, wheezing, coughing, increased sputum

adverse GI effects of marijuana

increased nausea/vomiting (hyperemesis syndrome) in higher doses