Cannabis

What plant do cannabinoids come from?

The flowering hemp/cannabis plant

What are the three varieties of cannabis plants?

Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis

How many unique cannabinoids does the cannabis plant contain?

More than 60

What is the key psychoactive compound in cannabis?

Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Which cannabinoid is non-psychoactive?

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Which cannabinoid produces the 'high'?

THC

Which cannabinoid is mellow, antiseizure, and reduces some THC effects?

CBD

Why can't a plant have high levels of both THC and CBD?

Because these substances are competitive in the plant

Which cannabis strain is stimulating and gives a head high?

Sativa

Which cannabis strain is relaxing ('in da couch')?

Indica

Which cannabinoids cause stimulation vs calm?

THC = stimulant/buzzed; CBD = calm/relaxant

Which strain has more THC?

Sativa

Which strain has more CBD?

Indica

What is marijuana made of?

Dry crumbled leaves, stems, flowers

What is the THC content in the 1960s vs today?

1-3% then; 6-20% now

What is sinsemilla?

Marijuana made more potent by preventing seed formation

What is hashish?

Hardened cannabis resin with 10-20% THC

What is hash oil?

Extracted resin in alcohol with 15-30% THC

How high can THC get in dabbing?

Up to 80%

What is synthetic cannabis called?

K2 or Spice

What are two forms of synthetic cannabinoid products?

Herbal incense & liquid incense

What prescription cannabinoid is Schedule III?

Marinol

What receptor does Marinol activate?

CB1 receptor agonist

What is Marinol used for?

Anti-nausea and appetite stimulant for chemotherapy patients

Where did cannabis originate?

Central Asia-China-Arabia

Who in early America grew hemp?

George Washington

When was non-medical use criminalized in the U.S.?

1937

How many states allow medical marijuana?

33

How many states allow recreational?

14

What act taxed medical cannabis?

Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 ($1/oz)

What percent of THC is released from smoking (joints/bongs)?

50%

What percent of THC is released via vaping?

80%

How fast does THC reach the brain?

Seconds

How long until THC leaves the brain?

About 30 minutes

What does hot boxing do?

Prolongs smoke contact

What is a contact high?

Subjective effects from secondhand smoke

How long can urine tests detect THC after single use?

2+ weeks

How long does oral THC take to absorb?

30 min to 2 hours

How much reaches the brain orally?

About 20%

What is THC's half-life?

19 hours

What percent of oral THC reaches bloodstream?

25-30%

How long is THC stored in fat?

4-5 days peak; half-life 7 days

How long can THC be detected in drug tests?

Up to 30 days

What portion is excreted in feces?

⅔

What portion is excreted in urine?

⅓

What is the first discovered endocannabinoid?

Anandamide

What is its meaning in Sanskrit?

Bringer of inner bliss & tranquility

What is the second major endocannabinoid?

2-AG

Where are endocannabinoids synthesized from?

Arachidonic acid

Why aren't they stored in vesicles?

They are too lipid-soluble

Where are endocannabinoids made?

Postsynaptic neuron

Where do they act?

Presynaptic receptors

What enzyme breaks them down?

FAAH

What happens in FAAH knockout mice?

Anandamide lasts longer

Which receptor does THC bind well to?

CB1 and CB2

Which receptor does cannabinol prefer?

CB1

Which receptor does anandamide prefer?

CB1

What is CBD's receptor affinity?

Little for both CB1 and CB2

What does 'the lower the number, the higher the affinity' mean?

Better binding at lower affinity values

What hormone is appetite related to?

Leptin

What happens to appetite in CB1 knockout mice?

They eat less

What cognitive issues occur during intoxication?

Illogical thinking, fragmented speech, focus problems

What memory issues occur?

Problems with verbal, spatial, reaction time, and time-estimation tests

What are the three stages of cannabis intoxication?

Buzz → High → Stoned

What are common negative effects?

Anxiety, paranoia, panic (especially in first timers)

What physical effects occur?

Warmth, increased heart rate, hunger

How many U.S. users have ever used marijuana (2018)?

124 million

How many used in the past month?

32 million

What percent develop a use disorder?

9%

What causes tolerance?

Prolonged & heavy use

What is Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome characterized by?

Irritability, anxiety, aggressiveness, depressed mood, sleep issues, reduced appetite, craving

When do withdrawal symptoms begin?

24-48 hours after cessation

When do symptoms peak?

Days 2-6

Why is marijuana smoke surprising?

More carcinogens & tar but less cancer

What can synthetic cannabinoids damage?

Kidneys

How many deaths are reported from overdose?

None

Who claims marijuana increases violent crime?

Alex Berenson

What is the main issue with linking cannabis and psychosis?

Correlation ≠ causation

What did Hart (2016) suggest?

People vulnerable to psychosis are also vulnerable to other problem behaviors

Is aggression from cannabis likely?

Highly unlikely (except in very inexperienced users)