Cannabis - Lecture 17 PDF

cannabis - lecture 17 Created @December 10, 2024 10:11 PM Class drug discovery and disease Introduction to Pharmacology and Historical Context 1. Progress in Analgesics: Began with crude opium extract...

cannabis - lecture 17 Created @December 10, 2024 10:11 PM Class drug discovery and disease Introduction to Pharmacology and Historical Context 1. Progress in Analgesics: Began with crude opium extracts. Advanced by isolating active ingredients, leading to modern opioid-based analgesics. 2. Cannabis Pharmacology: Focus on understanding the chemical components, active ingredients, and medical applications. Importance of public perception in the development and acceptance of medicines. 3. Emerging Psychedelic Medicines: Psilocybin and LSD show potential as antidepressants. Challenges: Public stigma around psychedelics. Ensuring safe administration. Overview of Cannabis 1. Plant Description: Cannabis sativa: Member of the hemp family. Usable parts: Stalk: Textile fibers (e.g., hemp-based products). cannabis - lecture 17 1  Flowers/Leaves: Crude preparations (e.g., marijuana). Resin: Processed into hashish. 2. Historical Usage: Originated in Central Asia (4500 years ago). Early uses: Textiles (e.g., hemp paper for the US Declaration of Independence). Psychoactive effects in spiritual rituals. Greek historians reported trance-like states from inhaling burning hemp. 3. Controversial History: Queen Elizabeth I fined landowners for not growing cannabis, whereas today growing cannabis is penalized. Queen Victoria’s doctor praised cannabis for its medicinal potential, although its pharmacological properties were not well understood at the time. Chemical Components of Cannabis 1. Main Active Compounds: THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol): Most psychoactive and potent. Cannabidiol (CBD): Precursor to THC, less psychoactive. Cannabinol (CBN): Breakdown product of THC. 2. Psychoactive Properties: THC alters perception, enhances sensory awareness, and induces relaxation. Affects short-term memory, coordination, and appetite (e.g., "munchies"). Cannabinoid Receptors 1. Types of Receptors: cannabis - lecture 17 2  CB1: Found in the central nervous system. CB2: Found outside the CNS (e.g., in immune cells). 2. Mechanism of Action: Cannabinoids bind to these receptors, modulating various functions like appetite, memory, pain, and coordination. 3. Receptor Mapping: CB1 receptors in: Cerebral cortex (sensory awareness). Cerebellum (coordination). Brainstem (pain and vomiting reflexes). Hypothalamus (appetite). Hippocampus (memory). Endocannabinoids 1. Discovery: First identified in 1992 at the University of Aberdeen. Key endocannabinoids: Anandamide: Produces bliss-like effects. 2-AG (2-Arachidonoylglycerol): Less potent but similar effects. 2. Functions: Regulate cardiovascular function, digestion, appetite, and pain thresholds. Subtle effects compared to exogenous cannabinoids (e.g., THC). Medical Applications 1. Therapeutic Uses: Treat nausea and vomiting (e.g., during chemotherapy). Stimulate appetite in cancer and AIDS patients. cannabis - lecture 17 3  Reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma. Manage symptoms of multiple sclerosis (e.g., pain, spasticity). Pain relief and anxiety management. 2. Challenges: Potential adverse effects, such as psychological disturbances and addiction risks. Difficulty separating beneficial physiological effects from unwanted psychoactive effects. Recreational Use and Societal Impact 1. Recreational Popularity: Most commonly used illegal recreational drug globally (162 million users). 2. Social and Cultural Influence: Associated with creativity and pop culture (e.g., Shakespeare, The Beatles). Government bans and stigma in the 20th century. Pharmacological Approaches 1. Activating Cannabinoid Receptors: Example: THC derivatives. Applications: Appetite stimulation, pain relief, treating nausea. 2. Inhibiting Cannabinoid Receptors: Example: Rimonabant (used for weight loss). Reduces appetite but may induce gastrointestinal and psychological side effects. Controversies and Future Directions 1. Arguments Against Legalization: cannabis - lecture 17 4  Concerns over psychological impacts and the "gateway drug" theory. Potential for addiction and long-term disturbances. 2. Pro-Legalization Arguments: Medicinal benefits outweigh risks when used appropriately. Cannabis has lower dependence and harm rates compared to substances like alcohol and tobacco. 3. Research Needs: Develop targeted drugs that maximize therapeutic effects while minimizing psychoactivity. Refine understanding of endocannabinoid systems for better clinical applications. Trivia and Fun Facts Hemp paper was used for the US Declaration of Independence. Cannabis was trialed as a truth serum in WWII. Shakespeare and other historical figures may have used cannabis recreationally. Key Takeaways Cannabis has significant medicinal potential but requires careful, evidence- based development. The psychoactive and physiological effects are deeply tied to its chemical components and receptor interactions. A balance between scientific progress and societal acceptance is critical for its future use. cannabis - lecture 17 5