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9 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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· Pharmacology of Marijuana
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o THC binds to receptors located in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and other areas of the brain and spinal cord
- These receptors are type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1) o A second receptor, CB2 is found in the peripheral tissue - Not involved with psychotomimetic effects of THC - May be involved with inflammation o Anandamide was isolated and determined to be an endogenous ligand for CB receptors - May be involved in learning and memory process o When CB1 receptor is activated by anandamide or THC it inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters - Explains the reduction in cognitive function with THC · And the CNS properties of the drug o Endogenous cannabinoids are considered retrograde transmitters in that they are released from the postsynaptic neuron and influence the presynaptic neurons o There are no CB1 receptors in the brain stem - Cannabinoids do not depress respiration o In the periphery, THC binds to CB2 receptors on lymphocytes and the immunosuppressive properties of THC are mediated via this receptor |
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o Absorption of THC
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Rapid and onset of action is almost immediate
- Effects last 3 to 4 hours - Onset of action is delayed 30 to 60 minutes - Effect is less from smoking marijuana |
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Metabolism
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o THCis slowly metabolized
- Half life is 30 hours - Elimination from adiposetissue may take longer - The metabolites are measuredin drug tests · Will test positive weeksafter using |
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Long Term Psychological Effects
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o More evident in users with emotional problems and use cannabis to control psychological stress
o Very high doses over a long period of time may be associated with problems o An “amotivational syndrome” with high dose use - Mental slowing, loss of memory, difficulty with abstract thinking, loss of ambition, emotional flatness - Disappears after cessation - Most common long-term effects seen are o Loss of short-term memory o Lack of concentration o Loss of ability in abstract thinking |
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Long term Cardiovascular Effects
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o Usuallyreversible
o Noserious changes in blood pressure o Increasein heart rate can be a potential problem for the user with heart disease |
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Long Term Respiratory Effects
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o Major target
o Bronchitis, asthma, sore throat, and chronic irritation of and damage to membranes of the respiratory tract are all higher in heavy users o Marijuana smoke contains a higher amount of tar and carcinogens than tobacco smoke, and is most likely a cancer causing-product o Cancers may occur more rapidly with marijuana smoke than tobacco smoke o Marijuana users inhales deeply and holds the smoke in the lungs in order to maximize the high - This enhances the amount of tars and carcinogens absorbed - Eight percent increase in lung cancer for each year of use - Higher incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in long term users of smoked cannabis than in non-users |
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Tolerance
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- Occurs upon long-term use
- Occurs to the psychoactive properties of THC - Also effects the cardiovascular system, the impairment of performance, and cognitive function |
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Dependence
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Can occur with high-dose use
- Mild withdrawal syndrome · Sleep disturbances, irritability, loss of appetite, nervousness, mild agitation, upset stomach, and sweating |
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Addiction
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Does develop withregular use
Persistent craving Becomes the mostimportant thing |
