cannabis

What is cannabis?

• A psychoactive drug derived from Cannabis plants

• Used recreationally, medicinally, and illicitly

What does cannabis contain

• Phytocannabinoids

• Terpenes

• Other biologically active compounds

The main psychoactive component is:

THC

Which Cannabis species were identified

• Cannabis sativa

• Cannabis indica

• Cannabis ruderalis

What are traditional characteristics of Cannabis sativa?

Cannabis sativa is traditionally associated with:

• Taller plants

• Narrow leaves

• More stimulating psychoactive effects

What are traditional characteristics of Cannabis indica?

• Shorter plants

• Broader leaves

• More sedating effects

What is Cannabis ruderalis?

• Is smaller and hardier

• Often auto-flowers

• Is less commonly used recreationally

Why are female cannabis plants preferred?

They contain the highest cannabinoid concentrations

What are trichomes?

• Microscopic glandular structures on cannabis flowers/leaves

Functions:

• Cannabinoid production

• Terpene production

• Plant defence

What compounds are concentrated in trichomes?

• THC

• CBD

• Other phytocannabinoids

• Terpenoids

What is cannabis resin?

Cannabis resin is:

• Sticky cannabinoid-rich secretion from trichomes

Higher resin content usually means:

• Higher THC potency

What are the major chemical groups found in cannabis?

• Phytocannabinoids

• Terpenoids

• Flavonoids

• Lipids

• Waxes

What are phytocannabinoids?

Plant-derived cannabinoid compounds

Why is THC psychoactive?

• Acts as a partial agonist at CB1 receptors

• Alters neurotransmitter release in the CNS

Why is THC highly effective at entering the brain?

THC is Highly lipophilic

Therefore it:

• Crosses the blood-brain barrier rapidly

• Accumulates in fatty tissues

Which receptors does THC primarily act on?

CB1 receptors

What is the significance of THC being a partial agonist?

A partial agonist activates receptors but not maximally

Which liver enzymes metabolise THC?

• CYP2C9

• CYP3A4

What is 11-hydroxy-THC?

• Active THC metabolite formed in liver

• Highly psychoactive

What is CBD

Cannabidiol is

• A non-intoxicating cannabinoid

• Pharmacologically distinct from THC

Why does CBD not strongly intoxicate users?

• Has low affinity for CB1 receptors

• Does not strongly stimulate reward pathways

What signalling systems may CBD influence?

• Serotonin signalling

• TRPV channels

• GABAergic signalling

How might CBD modify THC effects?

• Reduce THC-induced anxiety

• Reduce paranoia

• Modify intoxication

What is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?

A neuromodulatory system regulating many physiological functions.

What functions are regulated by the ECS?

• Appetite

• Pain

• Mood

• Memory

What are the four major components of the ECS?

• Endocannabinoids

• Cannabinoid receptors

• Synthetic enzymes

• Degradative enzymes

What are endocannabinoids?

Endogenous cannabinoid-like signalling molecules produced naturally in the body.

Why is endocannabinoid signalling unusual?

Because endocannabinoids:

• Act retrogradely

• Travel from postsynaptic neuron back to presynaptic neuron

Where are CB1 receptors mainly located?

• Hippocampus

• Cortex

• Basal ganglia

• Cerebellum

Why does CB1 receptor distribution explain cannabis effects?

Hippocampus

→ Memory impairment

Cerebellum

→ Coordination impairment

Cortex

→ Cognitive/perceptual changes

Basal ganglia

→ Reward/movement effects

Where are CB2 receptors mainly found?

CB2 receptors are mainly located:

• On immune cells

• In peripheral tissues

What are CB2 receptor functions?

CB2 receptors regulate:

• Immune responses

• Inflammation

Which neurotransmitters are affected by cannabinoids?

• GABA

• Glutamate

• Dopamine

• Acetylcholine

• Serotonin

How does THC affect dopamine pathways?

THC indirectly increases dopamine release in:

• Mesolimbic reward pathways
  especially:

• Nucleus accumbens

This contributes to:

• Reinforcement

• Addiction potential

What are common desired psychological effects of cannabis?

• Euphoria

• Relaxation

• Altered perception

What are common adverse psychological effects of cannabis?

• Anxiety

• Panic

• Paranoia

Which cognitive functions are impaired by cannabis?

• Working memory

• Attention

• Executive function

• Reaction time

Why does cannabis impair memory?

CB1 receptor activation in hippocampus disrupts memory encoding/processing

Why does cannabis alter time perception?

THC affects:

• Cortical processing

• Sensory integration

leading to:

• Subjective slowing of time

What physiological effects does cannabis produce?

• Tachycardia

• Dry mouth

• Vasodilation/red eyes

• Increased appetite

Why does cannabis increase appetite?

CB1 receptor activation in hypothalamus:

• Increases appetite signalling

• Enhances food reward

What are the main routes of cannabis administration?

• Smoking

• Vaporisation

• Oral ingestion

Why do smoked/vaped cannabis effects occur rapidly?

Because THC:

• Rapidly enters pulmonary circulation

• Quickly reaches brain

Why are edibles more unpredictable?

Because oral absorption:

• Is slower

• Is variable

• Produces active metabolites

leading to:

• Delayed onset

• Prolonged effects

Why are cannabis edibles associated with accidental over-intoxication?

Delayed onset causes users to:

• Re-dose prematurely

before initial dose fully takes effect.

Why are adolescents especially vulnerable to cannabis harm?

Because adolescent brains are still developing:

• Synaptic pruning

• White matter maturation

• Frontal cortex development

What cognitive effects are associated with heavy adolescent cannabis use?

• Reduced memory

• Impaired executive function

• Attention deficits

• Possible IQ reduction

Which psychiatric disorder has strongest association with cannabis?

Psychotic disorders

How may THC contribute to psychosis?

• Dysregulate dopamine signalling

• Alter cortical processing

• Trigger latent vulnerability