Cannabis

Question 1

Endocannabinoid system

Answer 1

affects pain modulation, memory, appetite, inflammatory + other responses

Question 2

CB1

Answer 2

~ primarily found in brain + CNS
~ located at pre-synpase of glutamate + GABA neurotransmission
~ THC binds

Question 3

THC

Answer 3

TetraHydroCannabinol

Question 4

CB2

Answer 4

~ mostly found in organs associated w/ immune system
~ activation does not cause psychoactive effects like CB1
~ CBN binds

Question 5

CBN

Answer 5

cannabinol

Question 6

Anadamine

Answer 6

~ natural endocannabinoid that binds to brain cannabinoid receptors
~ not stored, synthesised when + where needed
~ binds to presynaptic CB1 = dopamine release in NAc

Question 7

Low dose of anadamine

Answer 7

~ anxiolytic properties
~ relaxation + friendliness
~ impaired STM
~ loss of temporal awareness

Question 8

High dose of anadamine

Answer 8

~ panic
~ toxic delirium
~ psychosis

Question 9

Name locations where CB1 receptors are found.

Answer 9

~ hypothalamus (memory)
~ basal ganglia (movement)
~ cerebellum (movement)

Question 10

CB1 activation causes…

Answer 10

decrease in Ach release

Question 11

Acute toxic psychosis

Answer 11

ST: delirium w/ confusion, hallucinations, acute paranoid state
LT: schizophreniform psychosis, depression, depersonalisation

Question 12

Cannabis + Schizophrenia

Answer 12

genetic disposition to schizophrenia associated with increase cannabis use

Question 13

Cannabis + Addiction

Answer 13

~ 9% of users = abuse + dependence
~ 50% of users = impaired control over use
~ mesolimbic-dopamine pathway (increase of dopamine in NAc)

Question 14

Cannabis Withdrawal

Answer 14

~ occurs in combo w/ decrease in mesolimbic-dopamine function
~ mild comp. other drugs
~ might contribute to cannabis dependence through -ve reinforcement

Question 15

Cannabis Tolerance

Answer 15

~ chronic administration causes global down regulation in activity of cannabinoid receptors
~ lower dopamine release

Question 16

Chronic users paradox

Answer 16

chronic users need less cannabis to get high

Question 17

Possible explanations of chronic users paradox

Answer 17

1) users focus on the effects they want to achieve - novice users unable to appreciate effects
2) fat soluble nature of THC + its metabolites = stored in fast then released gradually = higher basal lvl than novice
3) Liver more efficient at metabolising THC = metabolites more quickly available

Question 18

Symptoms of cannabis withdrawal

Answer 18

~ anxiety
~ weight/appetite loss
~ chills + shaking + sweating
~ depressed mood