Cannabis Lecture 8 Flashcards by Talya Mapara

What are the two popular cannabis plants?

C. indica and C. sativa.

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How do the two plants vary?

They vary in THC content, morphology, conditions of growth, and pharmacodynamics.

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How can cannabis subdivided?

Phytocannabinoids (plants), endocannabinoids (endogenous), and synthetic cannabinoids.

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Why are synthetic cannabinoids made?

To mimic the base structure of a cannabinoid in order to allow for binding or change affinity for various processes.

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What are the three main classes of phytocannabinoids?

THC, CBD and CBD. There are technically 110 known compounds.

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What is the legality of THC in Canada?

[THC] <10ppm

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Why was there a decline in cannabis use in the past?

Poor storage methods, abuse when used recreationally, and the varied potency which is dependent on the preparations.

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What are the important dates?

1837: marijuana tax act criminalizes drug
1942: removed from Pharmacopeia
1940s: structure of cannabidoil isolated from Cannabis
1964: THC structure determined
1985: Pronabinol (synthetic THC) approved for cancer patients
1990s: Endocannabinoids system discovered

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Where is the CB1 receptors located?

Located in the Hippocampus, Basal Ganglia, Cerebellum, Muscle, Liver, Heart, Blood vessels, GI tract, Lung and Pancreas.

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Why is an overdose on Cannabinoids rare?

There is limited receptors in some areas of the brain and cannabinoids cannot bind. There cannot be the same effects as opioids.

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Where are the CB2 receptors located?

Similar recognition of most cannabinoids, but different affinity than compared to CB1. These are expressed in B cells, T lymphocytes, Leukocytes and some peripheral nerves.

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What are the two major endocannabinoids?

Anandamide, and 2- arachodonoglycerol.

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What are endocannabinoids?

They are locally acting molecules synthesized on demand, and short acting in duration. They are thought to reduce pain through pre-synaptic modulation of neurotransmitter release.

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Why is cannabis pharmacology complicated?

There are many plant varieties, concentrations also vary, growing conditions, change in strains and the solvent extraction. The extraction can change the % of cannabinoid that you have.

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Why is cannabis pharmacology complicated?

There are many plant varieties, concentrations also vary, growing conditions, change in strains and the solvent extraction. The extraction can change the % of cannabinoid that you have. Also, phytocannabinoids sometimes have to be synthesized with limited pharmacological activity (THCA, or CBDA).

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What receptors do THC have affinity for?

Both CB1 and CB2.

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What are the effects on an individual with THC?

EDAE. Euphoria and decrease of anxiety and tension.
They also effect color, emotions, time etc.
Additionally it can cause tachycardia, or vasodilation. This is particularly in the conjunctiva (red eyes).

What receptors do CBD have affinity for?

They have low affinity for CB1 and CB2. This is why they don’t have psychoactive properties.

What can CBD do for the body?

If the concentration of CBD and THC are equal, it can potentially reverse the effects of THC.
They interact as agonists. Act as a serotonin agonist which allows for the therapeutic effects as an antidepressants and anxiolytic. They also act as antagonists by inhibiting the breakdown of some endogenous compounds.

What receptors does CBN have affinity for?

They have the affinity for both CB1 and CB2 but with a lesser extent than the THC.

What does CBN do to the body?

They have some analgesic and sedative properties?

Explain the ADME process for Cannabis?

Absorption –> depends on the route of administration. Intravenous or inhalation: Concentration peak in minutes.
Oral: peak in 1-2 hours.
Distribution –> rapidly distributes to to highly vascularized areas. They are very lipophilic in nature. This is important because it prolongs the rate of decline in blood concentration hence limiting the withdrawal symptoms.
Metabolism: Mainly hepatic. They say the plasma half life is about 4 hours, but is really more like a week due to its nature to stay in fatty tissues.
Multiple metabolites: only one is pharmacologically active.
Excretion: Primarily through the feces. Only around 10 to 15 percent excreted in the urine.

What are the dangers of cannabis?

DMAP3CI.
Dysphoria (opposite of euphoria)
Memory loss (short term) 
Anxiety
Panic, paranoia and psychosis.
Lung cancer (if administrated through inhalation) 
Impaired coordination

IQ and Cannabis

Twin study: no correlation
but keep in mind that self reporting can change evidence. For example, memory gaps or hesitance of admittance.
Additionally, genetics, environment, socioeconomic status.

Educational Advancement and IQ

Twin study: no correlation Does cannabis use cause drop out, or does drop out cause cannabis use? Other influences: other drugs, childhood experiences, baseline school performance, parental educational status, and socioeconomic status.

Cannabis and learning/memory

There are three areas of interest: under the influence (acute/short term) also known as transient - recall is easier than manipulation - previously formed memories when not on the drug are not seriously affected - strain of cannabis is important

What is episodic memory?

recalling things from when you were on the drug

Cannabis and learning/memory

Amidst period of long term use: - you don't have to be under the influence at the time of interest - effects from short term are mirrored - altered brain function may only be present in the heaviest of drug users - there may be stronger effects in adolescents because their brains are still growing

Cannabis and learning/memory

Following cessation: - for adult users --> cognitive impairments can reverse after 4-6 weeks * *this may not apply to adolescents because their brains may still be growing**

What is the dependence and withdrawal symptoms like?

Sudden cessation is unlikely due to its lipophilic nature and slow release mechanism. 50% of people will experience withdrawals after daily use. Sleep problems, anger, irritability, dysphoria and nausea.

When does withdrawal usually peak?

After 2-6 days, and lasts up to two weeks.

Is cannabis addictive?

No, it is not a very reinforcing drug. Lifetime exposure to the drug will only pose 9% risk for developing abuse.

What are the therapeutic uses for Cannabinoids?

Synthetic cannabinoids known as Dronabinol, Nabilone and Rimobobant.

What does Dronabinol do?

This drug is effective for treating chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. The THC triggers the CB1s in the intestine.

Appetite Stimulant

Counteract loss of appetite as a result of medications such as AIDS or cancer. This works only at low doses.

How come Rimonabant is not a useful obesity supplement?

(CB1 Antagonist). Causes psychiatric effects, opposite to what THC is meant to do.

What does Sativex do?

Pain relief. 1:1 CBD and THC ratio.

Glaucoma

Although there is limited effectiveness, Cannabinoids can be effective and reducing interocular pressure. High interocular pressure can cause nerve damage.

Epilepsy

Some patients don't respond to other epilepsy treatments. For example GABA agonists. Epidolox is a CBD extract that treat two types of epilepsy: Lennox Gastaut and Dravet.

What kind of people should not use drugs with cannabinoids?

Those who have or are prone to have severe personality disorders, adolescents, pregnant women, those with addictions or the elderly (who may be prone to high BP).