CANNABIS

Genus of flowering plants (Cannabaceae) that include 3 species

Cannabis sativa, C. indica and C. ruderalisIndigenous to Central Asia and South AsiaCannabis has long been used for HempFoodMedicinal purposesPsychoactive drug

Cannabis

Cannabis plants produce a unique family of terpeno-phenolic compounds called cannabinoids

60 cannabinoids have been isolated from the hemp plant and there are naturally occurring cannabinoids in most species called endocannabinoids, in a similar fashion as endorphins (opiates) have been found.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and/or Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

ratio of THC to CBD

There are two main receptors for cannabinoids in humansCB1(in brain) if stimulated produces

EuphoriaImpaired short term memory and sense of time

CB2 (in spleen, peripheral sites) if stimulated producesImmunosuppressant activityNot psychoactive

MARIJUANA

HASHISH

HASH OIL

THC

CANNABIS PREPARATONS

PREPARTION OF CANNABISMarijuana

Not a single drug but a complex mixture of over 400 chemicals

Dried flowering tops and leaves of the plantTHC

concentration 0.5% - 5% in the past, now up to 20 – 25%

It can be baked into cookies or cakes.

Dried cannabis buds

Dried, sticky resin of Cannabis plant.

Sold in solid pieces, ranging in colour from light brown to black; ; in texture from dry and hard to soft and crumbly.

Usually crumbled and smoked in pipe or hand-rolled cigarette with tobacco or marijuana.

THC concentration, 2 - 8% or higher

Hashish, hash

Thick, greenish-black, reddish-brown or yellow oil.

obtained by extracting hashish with an organic solvent.

Usually wiped onto a cigarette or rubbed into tobacco and smoked.

THC concentration 15 - 50%

Hash Oil oil, honey oil

delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Δ1-THC

Noncrystalline, waxy liquid at room temperature

11-hydroxy THC 11-Nor-9-carboxy THC (-) Trans-isomer (Marinol) is 6 to 100 times

more potent than (+) trans-isomer(Dronabinol)Water insoluble

Tetrahydrocannabinol

Reduces the nausea and loss of appetite associated with chemotherapy

Can reduce pain signaling Can be used to treat the discomfort of AIDSCan reduce the pressure increases in the

eye associated with glaucomamultiple sclerosis, epilepsy

Therapeutic Actions

How is it used?Leaves and flowering tips are dried

SmokedConsumed as teaMixed into food

Resin from flowering headsSmokedMixed with tobaccoAlcohol extract (cannabis oil) is mixed with tobacco

and smoked

Effects of smoking are felt within a few minutes and last two to four hours. Effects from ingestion (e.g., eaten in baked or cooked foods) appear more gradually and last longer, and the person may feel dull and sluggish for some time afterwards.

Brain regions in which cannabinoid receptors are abundant

Cerebellum

Hippocampus Cerebral cortex,

especially cingulate, frontal, and parietal

regionsNucleus accumbensBasal ganglia

Body movement coordination

Learning and memoryHigher cognitive

functions

RewardMovement control

Calm, relaxed, talkative and sometimes drowsy. Concentration and short-term memory are markedly

impaired.Sensory perception seems enhanced, colours are

brighter, sounds are more distinct.Sense of time and space is distorted. Appetite increases, especially for sweets.impaired coordination and balance, rapid heartbeat,

red eyes, dry mouth and throat.Some experience hallucinations with larger doses

and symptoms worsen in persons with psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia.

decreased motivation and interest, as well as difficulties with memory and concentration.

The respiratory system is damaged by smoking

There is some evidence that tolerance develops in regular high-dose users.

Psychological and physical dependence on cannabis can occur in people who use heavily or regularly.

Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, sleeping problems, sweating and loss of appetite.