Marijuana and Hallucinogens Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to marijuana, THC, hallucinogens, and their effects on the body.

THC

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive chemical in marijuana.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

A non-psychoactive chemical found in marijuana.

CB1 receptors

Cannabinoid receptors located in the brain that THC binds to.

CB2 receptors

Cannabinoid receptors located in the body, primarily in the digestive tract and immune system.

Psychoactive chemicals

Chemicals that can alter perception, mood, and cognitive function.

Inhalation

A route of absorption for THC that provides faster effects but shorter duration.

Oral consumption

A method of consuming THC through edibles, leading to longer-lasting effects.

Metabolism of THC

Occurs in the liver, producing both active and inactive metabolites.

Anandamide

An endogenous chemical that binds to cannabinoid receptors, similar to THC.

Amotivational syndrome

The idea that marijuana use leads to lack of motivation and lethargy.

Salvinorin A

A psychoactive chemical from the plant Salvia Divinorum, acts on kappa opioid receptors.

Cross tolerance

When tolerance developed for one drug leads to reduced sensitivity to another drug.

DMT

A powerful hallucinogenic chemical, typically inhaled or smoked, with rapid effects.

Psychedelic mushrooms

Contain psychoactive chemicals psilocybin and psilocin, generally less potent than LSD.

MDMA

A designer drug with stimulant and mild hallucinogenic properties; affects serotonin release.

Ketamine

Originally developed as an anesthetic, still used in veterinary medicine.

PCP

A drug that affects glutamate receptors and was originally an anesthetic.

Neurotoxicity

Toxic effects to neurons that can result from substances like MDMA.

Synesthesia

A condition where two senses are blended together, such as seeing colors when listening to music.

Flashbacks

Perceptual disturbances experienced long after using hallucinogenic drugs like LSD.

Lethal dose of marijuana

Estimated to be 20,000-40,000 times the regular dose, indicating a low risk of overdose.

Serotonin receptors

Targets for certain hallucinogens like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA, which increase serotonin activity.

Carcinogens

Substances like benzopyrene found in tobacco that can cause cancer.

Mescaline

The psychoactive component of peyote, absorbed through the small intestine.

Tachycardia

An abnormally high heart rate that can occur with certain drug use.

Perceptual distortions

Changes in perception that can occur while under the influence of hallucinogens.