Cannabis Lecture 17 - Pharmacology and History
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Questions and Answers

Which cannabinoid receptor is primarily found in the central nervous system?

  • CB2
  • Anandamide
  • CB1 (correct)
  • 2-AG
  • What primary function do endocannabinoids like Anandamide and 2-AG serve?

  • Regulate mood only
  • Enhance gastrointestinal activity
  • Modulate appetite and memory (correct)
  • Stimulate neurotransmitter repulsion
  • Which area of the brain is associated with memory due to the presence of CB1 receptors?

  • Hypothalamus
  • Cerebellum
  • Hippocampus (correct)
  • Brainstem
  • What is a key therapeutic use of cannabinoids in medical practice?

    <p>Stimulating appetite in cancer patients (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge is associated with the use of cannabinoids in therapy?

    <p>Potential psychological disturbances (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the recreational use of cannabis?

    <p>It is the most commonly used illegal recreational drug globally. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function regulated by endocannabinoids?

    <p>Psychological stability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the notable effects of the endocannabinoid Anandamide?

    <p>Produces bliss-like effects (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cannabinoid is effective in reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma?

    <p>THC derivatives (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The discovery of cannabinoid receptors occurred in what year?

    <p>1992 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant potential side effect of Rimonabant?

    <p>Gastrointestinal disturbances (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which argument is often made against the legalization of cannabis?

    <p>Potential for addiction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the proposed research needs regarding cannabis?

    <p>Refining understanding of endocannabinoid systems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the historical uses of cannabis mentioned?

    <p>As a truth serum (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding cannabis compared to alcohol and tobacco?

    <p>Cannabis is less harmful (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is a balance between scientific progress and societal acceptance important for cannabis?

    <p>To ensure evidence-based development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a concern related to the psychological impact of cannabis?

    <p>It can act as a gateway drug (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential benefit of cannabinoid receptor inhibition?

    <p>Weight loss (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of cannabis is closely tied to its psychoactive effects?

    <p>Its chemical components (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What medium was used to produce the US Declaration of Independence?

    <p>Hemp paper (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most psychoactive compound found in cannabis?

    <p>THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical figure advocated for the medicinal use of cannabis?

    <p>Queen Victoria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the cannabis plant is primarily processed to create hashish?

    <p>Flowers/Leaves (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does THC have on short-term memory?

    <p>Induces amnesia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical use of cannabis is NOT mentioned?

    <p>Industrial fuel (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between Cannabidiol (CBD) and THC?

    <p>CBD is less psychoactive than THC. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one early use of cannabis in relation to the US Declaration of Independence?

    <p>Producing hemp paper (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of cannabis greatly influences its medical acceptance?

    <p>Public perception (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one challenge associated with emerging psychedelic medicines mentioned?

    <p>Public stigma surrounding their use (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which compound is considered a breakdown product of THC?

    <p>Cannabinol (CBN) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    CB1 Receptor

    A type of cannabinoid receptor primarily found in the central nervous system, responsible for regulating functions like appetite, memory, and coordination.

    CB2 Receptor

    A type of cannabinoid receptor found outside the central nervous system, particularly in immune cells, influencing immune responses and inflammation.

    Anandamide

    A naturally occurring endocannabinoid, often called the 'bliss molecule', which produces feelings of euphoria and well-being.

    2-AG

    Another naturally occurring endocannabinoid, similar in effects to Anandamide but less potent.

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    Endocannabinoids

    Naturally produced chemicals in the body that bind to cannabinoid receptors, influencing various physiological processes.

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    Cannabis Receptor Locations: Cerebral Cortex

    CB1 receptors are found in the cerebral cortex, influencing sensory awareness and perception.

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    Cannabis Receptor Locations: Cerebellum

    CB1 receptors are present in the cerebellum, responsible for coordination and motor control.

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    Medical Uses of Cannabinoids

    Cannabinoids have applications in managing pain, nausea and vomiting, stimulating appetite, treating glaucoma, and managing symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

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    Challenges of Medical Cannabis

    Potential psychological disturbances, addiction risks, and difficulty in separating beneficial effects from unwanted psychoactive effects are challenges.

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    Recreational Cannabis Use

    Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal recreational drug globally, with an estimated 162 million users.

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    Rimonabant

    A drug used for weight loss that works by inhibiting cannabinoid receptors. It reduces appetite but can cause gastrointestinal and psychological side effects.

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    Gateway Drug Theory

    This theory suggests that using certain drugs, like marijuana, increases the likelihood of using harder drugs later on.

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    Medicinal Benefits of Cannabis

    Cannabis has potential therapeutic uses, including pain relief, reducing nausea, and managing certain medical conditions.

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    Cannabis vs. Alcohol/Tobacco

    Cannabis is argued to have lower dependence and harm rates compared to substances like alcohol and tobacco.

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    Targeted Cannabis Drugs

    Research aims to develop drugs that maximize the therapeutic effects of cannabis while minimizing psychoactive effects.

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    Endocannabinoid System

    This system in our body is involved in regulating appetite, pain perception, mood, and other functions. Understanding this better could lead to improved clinical applications.

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    Hemp Paper

    Hemp, a variety of cannabis, was used to create the paper for the US Declaration of Independence.

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    Cannabis as a Truth Serum

    During WWII, cannabis was experimented with as a truth serum, a substance believed to make people reveal truthful information.

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    Historical Use of Cannabis

    Historical figures like Shakespeare may have used cannabis recreationally, suggesting its historical prevalence.

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    Careful Cannabis Development

    The medicinal potential of cannabis requires careful, evidence-based research and development.

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    Cannabis sativa

    A plant species from the hemp family known for its diverse uses including fiber production, psychoactive effects, and medicinal applications.

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    THC

    The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the 'high' associated with marijuana use.

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    CBD

    A non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, known for its potential therapeutic benefits.

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    What are some early uses of cannabis?

    Historically, cannabis was used for textiles (like hemp paper for the US Declaration of Independence), in spiritual rituals, and even mentioned by Greek historians for its trance-inducing effects.

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    What is the significance of Queen Elizabeth I's and Queen Victoria's involvement with cannabis?

    Queen Elizabeth I encouraged cannabis cultivation, while Queen Victoria's doctor praised its medicinal uses. This highlights the changing perception of cannabis over time.

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    What is the difference between THC and CBD?

    THC is the psychoactive compound that causes the 'high', while CBD is non-psychoactive and potentially therapeutic.

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    What makes cannabis controversial?

    Its changing legal status and public perceptions, influenced by historical usage, medicinal properties, and perceived social risks, make cannabis a controversial plant.

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    What are the usable parts of the cannabis plant?

    The stalk provides fiber for textiles, the flowers/leaves are used for crude preparations like marijuana, and the resin is processed into hashish.

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    What are the psychoactive effects of THC?

    THC alters perception, enhances sensory awareness, induces relaxation, and can affect short-term memory, coordination, and appetite.

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    What are the challenges of the emerging psychedelic medicines like psilocybin and LSD?

    These medicines face public stigma, concerns about safe administration, and ongoing scientific research to understand their potential therapeutic applications.

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    Study Notes

    Cannabis - Lecture 17

    • Introduction to Pharmacology and Historical Context
      • Analgesic progress began with crude opium extracts, advancing to isolating active ingredients and modern opioid-based analgesics.
      • Cannabis pharmacology focuses on understanding chemical components, active ingredients, and medical applications.
      • Public perception is crucial for medicine development and acceptance.
      • Psychedelics (psilocybin and LSD) show promise as antidepressants but face public stigma and safety administration challenges.

    Overview of Cannabis

    • Plant Description
      • Cannabis sativa is a member of the hemp family.
      • Usable parts include the stalk (textile fibers) for products like hemp.

    Historical Usage

    • Originating in Central Asia (4,500 years ago), early uses include textiles (e.g., hemp paper in the US Declaration of Independence.) and spiritual rituals.
    • Greek historians noted trance-like states from inhaling burning hemp.

    Controversial History

    • Historical figures like Queen Elizabeth I penalized land owners for not growing cannabis, though today it's often restricted.
    • Queen Victoria's doctor recognized cannabis' medicinal potential, even though its pharmacological properties weren't fully understood.

    Chemical Components of Cannabis

    • Main Active Compounds

      • THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol): Highly psychoactive and potent.
      • CBD (Cannabidiol): A less potent precursor to THC.
      • CBN (Cannabinol): A breakdown product of THC.
    • Psychoactive Properties

      • THC alters perceptions, elevates sensory awareness, and promotes relaxation impacting short-term memory, coordination, and appetite (e.g., "munchies").

    Cannabinoid Receptors

    • Types of Receptors
      • CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system.
      • CB2 receptors exist outside the central nervous system, in immune cells for instance.
      • Cannabinoids bind to these receptors and modulate functions like appetite, memory, pain, and coordination.

    Receptor Mapping

    • CB1 receptors are mapped in areas like the cerebral cortex (sensory awareness), cerebellum (coordination), brainstem (pain and vomiting reflexes), hypothalamus (appetite), and hippocampus (memory).

    Endocannabinoids

    • Discovery
      • First identified in 1992 at the University of Aberdeen.
      • Key endocannabinoids include Anandamide (bliss-like effects) and 2-AG (less potent but similar effects).
    • Functions
      • Regulate cardiovascular function, digestion, appetite, and pain thresholds.
      • Effects are subtle compared to exogenous cannabinoids like THC.

    Medical Applications

    • Therapeutic Uses
      • Treat nausea and vomiting (e.g., during chemotherapy).
      • Boost appetite in cancer and AIDS patients.
      • Reduce intraocular pressure (glaucoma) and multiple sclerosis symptoms.
      • Provide pain relief and anxiety management.

    Recreational Use and Societal Impact

    • Recreational Popularity
      • Globally, cannabis is the most commonly used illicit recreational drug.
    • Social and Cultural Influence
      • Is associated with creativity and pop culture (e.g., Shakespeare, The Beatles)
      • Faced government bans and stigma in the 20th century.

    Pharmacological Approaches

    • Activating Cannabinoid Receptors
      • Include THC derivatives and applications like appetite stimulation, pain relief, and nausea treatment.
    • Inhibiting Cannabinoid Receptors
      • Examples including Rimonabant, aimed at reducing appetite but with possible gastrointestinal and psychological side effects.

    Controversies and Future Directions

    • Arguments Against Legalization

      • Concerns about psychological effects, the "gateway drug" theory, and potential for addiction.
    • Pro-Legalization Arguments

      • Medicinal advantages outweigh risks when used correctly.
      • Lower dependence and harm rates compared to other substances (alcohol, tobacco).
    • Research Needs

      • Develop targeted drugs maximizing therapeutic effects with minimal psychoactivity.
      • Further understand endocannabinoid systems for improved clinical applications.
    • Trivia and Fun Facts

      • Hemp paper was used for the US Declaration of Independence.
      • Cannabis was trialed as a truth serum during WWII.
      • Shakespeare and other historical figures may have used cannabis recreationally.
    • Key Takeaways

      • Cannabis offers potential medical benefits requiring careful evidence-based development.
      • Psychoactive effects are tied to its chemical components and receptor interactions.
      • Balance between scientific progress and societal acceptance in its future use is essential.

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    Cannabis - Lecture 17 PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the pharmacology of cannabis, tracing its historical context from early uses to modern applications. Delve into the chemical components, public perception, and the significance of cannabis in both medicinal and cultural realms.

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