The Cannabis Plant
Which form of the cannabis plant has the lowest THC?
Marijuana; made of the 3 components of the plant: the stems, leaves, and flowers (all dried and smoked)
What is the bioavailability of marijuana when it's smoked versus when it's ingested?
Smoked: 5-60%
Ingested: 5-25%
Vasoconstriction refers to the decrease in diameter of the blood vessels in the brain. Vasodilation refers to the increase in the diameter of blood vessels throughout the limbs.
How does marijuana effect reproductive function for women? For men?
Women: suppression of ovulation
Men: Decreased sperm count
What is the difference between an exocannabinoid and an endocannabinoid? What are the main ones regarding marijuana?
Exocannabinoid: Chemicals found in marijuana that is introduced to the body when it's used. The main exocannabinoid is THC
Endocannabinoid: Chemicals found naturally in the body that are enhanced by exocannabinoids. The main ones are anandamide and 2-AG.
How is marijuana excreted? How long can it be found in urine after smoking?
2/3 of the THC is excreted through feces while 1/3 is excreted through urine. THC can be found in urine for up to 30 days after smoking.
How can marijuana lead to a heart attack?
Within the first hour of using marijuana, there is a sharp increase in heart rate. This increase can lead to a cardiac episode and ultimately a heart attack.
Chronic laziness; decrease in overall productivity
What is hashish? How is it made and what THC concentration does it have?
Hashish is made of trichromes (crystal-like structures found on leaves and flowers). It has a THC concentration of 20%.
What is the difference between an active metabolite and an inactive metabolite? What is a metabolite?
A metabolite is a by-product that occurs when something breaks down through metabolism. An active metabolite mimics the effect of the drug while an inactive metabolite does not.
The drugs attack the medulla, which is responsible for basic survival functions such as breathing. When it's attacked, it shuts down.
What does it mean to be "psychologically addicted"?
What is sinsemilla? What is the THC concentration?
Sinsemilla is the cannabis plant without the seeds. Without the seeds, there's a higher THC potency of 20-40% compared to regular marijuana.
Describe reverse tolerance. What is it and how does it occur?
List at least 5 of the biological acute effects of marijuana.
At least 5 of the following: 1.) Analgesia 2.) Antiemetic 3.) Increased appetite 4.) Vasoconstriction 5.) Vasodilation 6.) Initial increase in heart rate 7.) Decreased metabolism 8.) Neuroprotection
What is tolerance? Withdrawal?
Tolerance: The body adapts to the presence of the drug and its effects are diminished
Withdrawal: Undesirable symptoms will arise when the drug use is discontinued
Which cannabis form has the highst THC concentration, and how is it made?
Hash oil (60-90%). It's made by taking female cannabis plants and isolating resin from the flower tips and then processing it into an oil.
Explain the metabolic pathway of marijuana with all of the details presented in class.
First, THC is converted into hydroxy-THC using P450. Then, P450 converts the hydroxy-THC into carboxy-THC. Carboxy THC is then able to be excreted.
List the 5 psychological/behavioral effects of marijuana.
1.) Disinhibition 2.) Decreased motor function 3.) Decreased motivation 4.) Hallucinations 5.) Cognitive deficits
List the 5 long-term effects of marijuana use.
1.) Anxiety and/or panic attacks 2.) Immunosuppression 3.) Lung damage 4.) Decreased reproductive function 5.) Amotivational syndrome