Cannabis and Substance Withdrawal Strategies

The primary cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). They are responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis and play a role in memory, motor coordination, and perception.

Cannabinoid receptors primarily located outside the CNS, mainly in the immune system. They are involved in immune responses, inflammation, and potential neuroprotective effects.

A naturally occurring endocannabinoid that binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Similar to THC, it can produce psychoactive and analgesic effects.

Another naturally occurring endocannabinoid that acts as a full agonist at both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Plays a role in various physiological processes.

The process by which endocannabinoids are released from postsynaptic neurons and travel back to presynaptic neurons to regulate neurotransmitter release.

Endocannabinoids are released on demand and act as retrograde messengers. They inhibit the release of GABA and glutamate, helping to maintain neuronal balance and prevent over-excitation.

The amount of THC absorbed depends on several factors, including the amount in the marijuana, the depth of inhalation, and how long the smoke stays in the lungs.

THC travels throughout the body and accumulates in areas rich in fatty tissue, such as the brain, placenta, and other organs.

The highest psychoactive effects of THC occur within 2 hours after use, declining slowly over the next 2-3 hours.

The liver's enzymes break down THC into an active metabolite (11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC) before converting it into an inactive metabolite (carboxy-THC) that's excreted in urine.

THC is stored in body fat and slowly released, potentially leading to detectable levels in the blood for weeks, especially in obese individuals, prolonging and intensifying subsequent marijuana use.

Persistent low THC levels can be potentiated by subsequent smoking, leading to increased psychoactive effects.

THC can affect blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner, increasing, decreasing, or remaining unchanged depending on the user's posture.

Deep inhalation of unfiltered marijuana smoke can be harmful to lung tissue and potentially lead to bronchial irritation and inflammation.

THC may interact with immune cells and potentially increase susceptibility to illness.

THC can influence sexual stimulation, alter expectations related to testosterone levels, and potentially impact testicular health and menstrual cycles.

Cannabis easily crosses the placenta, potentially harming the fetus, especially when combined with nicotine.

Exposure to cannabis during pregnancy may lead to smaller infants with potential withdrawal signs, abnormal responses to stimuli, and neurobehavioral issues.

Cannabis can alleviate pain by affecting the central and peripheral nervous system, reducing inflammation, and potentially reducing the need for opioids.

Cannabis stimulates appetite by activating CB1 receptors, which are involved in regulating hunger and food preferences.

A cannabis-based spray containing THC and cannabidiol used for pain relief, particularly for muscle spasms.

Nabilone and Dronabinol, synthetic cannabinoids, are used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

THC can potentially protect neurons from damage by reducing glutamate release and oxidative stress, which are involved in brain injury.

The effects of cannabis vary depending on dose, individual factors, and environment, ranging from mild euphoria to altered perceptions.

A type of therapy that helps people identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to substance use.

A behavioral therapy approach that involves providing rewards or incentives for desired behaviors, like abstaining from substance use.

Therapy that involves family members in the treatment process to address the impact of substance use on family dynamics and provide support.

A therapy approach that helps individuals explore their ambivalence about change, build motivation, and develop a plan for addressing substance use.

A medication that contains synthetic THC, similar to nicotine replacement products, but not proven effective for nicotine withdrawal.

Cannabis can impair memory processes like encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. This is linked to CB1 receptors in the hippocampus, a brain area crucial for memory.

Cannabis can affect focus, making it harder to filter out distractions and concentrate. This can lead to difficulty in paying attention.

Cannabis can disrupt speech and make thoughts fragmented and disjointed. It can also lead to intrusive thoughts and difficulty following conversations.

Cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. Up to 15% of users may experience psychosis, and heavy use can be a risk factor.

Experienced users develop sensitization, meaning their sensitivity to cannabis effects increases with continued use, rather than decreases.

About 1 in 10 cannabis users develop dependence. This involves withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, craving, and sleep disturbances.

Stopping cannabis use can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, craving, sleep problems, and mood changes.

Very high doses of cannabis can cause acute depressive reactions, panic attacks, mild paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and altered sensory perception.