THC Pharmacology

Question 1

What is the principle route of cannabis administration?

Answer 1

Smoking

Question 2

What does blood concentration of THC depend on when smoking?

Answer 2

Number, duration and spacing of inhalations
Inhalation volume

Question 3

When can THC be measured in blood after smoking?

Answer 3

Within seconds after the first inhalation

Question 5

How does absorption and concentration of THC differ when taken orally?

Answer 5

Slower absorption and lower and delayed peak concentration

Question 6

When does peak THC occur when eaten?

Answer 6

1-3 hours after administration

Question 9

What is the volume of distribution of THC?

Answer 9

10 L per kilogram

Question 11

Why is THC retained in fat?

Answer 11

Because it is highly lipid soluble

Question 12

What is the half-life of THC?

Answer 12

Up to four days in chronic users

Question 13

What contributes to THC’s long half-life

Answer 13

Slow release from fat

Question 14

What active substance is THC metabolized to?

Answer 14

11-OH-THC

Question 15

What is the typical concentration of 11-OH-THC?

Answer 15

10% of THC concentration

Question 16

What is the major inactive metabolite of THC?

Answer 16

Carboxytetrahydrocannabinol THC-COOH

Question 17

What causes blood concentration of THC to begin to decline?

Answer 17

This happens as a result of metabolism in the liver and accumulation in the body’s fat stores

Question 18

Why is plasma levels of THC from oral use low and variable?

Answer 18

Probably due to degradation in the stomach and first pass metabolism

Question 19

In the residual cannabis levels in blood, urine and oral fluid following heavy cannabis use paper, for how long was blood THC detectible

Answer 19

For up to seven days after admission

Question 20

Does THC excrete well into oral fluid?

Answer 20

No

Question 21

Why might individuals have oral fluid concentrations of THC that exceeded the cut off for short periods of time?

Answer 21

Due to residual deposits in the oral cavity

Question 22

Give examples of physiological effects of THC [5)

Answer 22

Increased heart rate
Reddening of the eyes
Dry mouth
Increased appetite
Vasodilation

Question 23

What is the most consistent finding in studies of acute cannabinoid exposure?

Answer 23

Memory impairment

Question 24

Besides memory impairment, what are some other mentioned side effects of THC use

Answer 24

Deficits in verbal learning, attention, inhibitory control, and psycho motor function

Question 25

Can passive inhalers of marijuana smoke be misjudged for cannabis use during a routine drug screening

Answer 25

No, because THC levels in the body due to passive inhalation, do not reach the cut off point

Question 26

Can postmortem changes occur for THC

Answer 26

Yes

Question 27

What does a positive urine screen result for THC indicate?

Answer 27

Prior exposure

Question 28

What is a positive oral test result for THC indicate

Answer 28

Recent drug use

Question 29

What is the standard blood plasma concentration ratio for THC?

Answer 29

0.55

Question 30

What is not indicated in a THC test (four)

Answer 30

Route of administration Amount of drug taken When the drug was last taken Any impairing effects

Question 32

In what type of cases may you see the issue of timing of drug use versus effects of THC be explored

Answer 32

Criminal cases Corners in quests Civil cases

Question 33

What is a long-term supervision order?

Answer 33

A sentencing off to extend the length of time that the correctional service of Canada will supervise and support an offender in the community

Question 34

What are the typical requirements of a long-term supervision order?

Answer 34

Individual is required to abstain from the consumption of alcohol or other intoxicating substances Or The consumption of drugs except in accordance with a medical prescription