Extracts of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa, the hemp plant contains an interesting compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Various parts of this plant are used with different names but all these compounds contain the same chemical, THC. These compounds are,
Marijuana- prepared using dried leaves and flowers used as a smoking mixture
Hashish – The extracted resin
A metabolite of THC, 11-hydroxy-THC is much more active that the original compound.
Cannabis is probably the most widely abused substance in the word although its use is illegal in almost all the countries. This widespread use is due to the fact that it can be grown fairly easily in tropics and only requires a small space. 15% of the adult population in Western Europe has taken Cannabis at least once in their life.
Action and pharmacological effects
Cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), acts centrally and peripherally.
With its central action it produces,
Feeling of relaxation and well-being
A feeling of sharpened sensory awareness
It also,
Impairs short term memory
Impairs motor coordination
Causes catalepsy
Has an antiemetic action
Causes increased appetite
Its main peripheral effects are,
Tachycardia- Increased heart rate
Vasodilatation- Causes blood shot
Bronchodilatation
Cannabis / Cannabinoid / tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) receptor
Cannabinoids are highly lipid soluble and earlier it was thought Cannabis / Cannabinoid / tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) act in the same way as the local anesthetics. But now it is clear that Cannabinoids have a specific receptor. The receptor is coupled to G-proteins and linked to adenylate cyclase, sodium channels and calcium channels.
Brain Cannabinoid / tetrahydrocannabinol/ THC receptor also known as CB1 subtype is abundant in hippocampus, cerebellum, substantia nigra and mesolimbic system. This receptor,
Impairs short term memory
Impairs motor coordination
Causes catalepsy
Has an antiemetic action
Causes increased appetite
The peripheral Cannabinoid / tetrahydrocannabinol/ THC receptor also known as CB2 is located mainely in the lymphoid system and responsible for the inhibitory effects on the immune function.
Tolerance and dependence to cannabis
Fortunately tolerance and dependence to cannabis occurs in a very small proportion of the abusers and only in heavy users. Abstinence symptoms are nausea, agitation, irritability, confusion, tachycardia, sweating etc.
Some interesting questions…..
Do people die due to cannabis overdose?
Actually this is a tricky question. Straight answer is no. But cannabis and all other abused substances, Marijuana, Hashish, are capable f producing drowsiness and confusion. These are due to the effects of Cannabinoid / tetrahydrocannabinol/ THC. It does not have any cardiovascular or respiratory effects which threaten the life.
Can cannabis cause cancers?
With the current knowledge this question is difficult to answer. But the epidemiological studies have not shown any association between cannabis usage and cancers. But cannabis does cause chromosomal breakdowns. S further research needed to be done in this area.
Can cannabis cause fetal malformations?
Epidemiological studies have not shown any significant association. But further studies needed to be done for a conclusion.
Can cannabis cause male / female infertility?
Cannabis is not known to cause infertility. But due to its effects on the endocrine system definitely it can cause sub fertility. Studies have shown 50% decrease in serum testosterone and sperm count in males.
Can cannabis cause long lasting psychological effects?
This is very difficult to test but there is a hypothesis that cannabis ca cause schizophrenia. This can gradually leads to a state of apathy and underachievement.
Medical uses of cannabis.
Under current regulations cannabis cannot be used to treat patients in western medicine. But in ayurveda cannabis is an essential component of many drugs and it is effective in treating patients.
In UK official drug trials are underway. Canada has legalized the use of cannabis for some conditions.
Marijuana- prepared using dried leaves and flowers used as a smoking mixture
Hashish – The extracted resin
A metabolite of THC, 11-hydroxy-THC is much more active that the original compound.
Cannabis is probably the most widely abused substance in the word although its use is illegal in almost all the countries. This widespread use is due to the fact that it can be grown fairly easily in tropics and only requires a small space. 15% of the adult population in Western Europe has taken Cannabis at least once in their life.
Action and pharmacological effects
Cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), acts centrally and peripherally.
With its central action it produces,
Feeling of relaxation and well-being
A feeling of sharpened sensory awareness
It also,
Impairs short term memory
Impairs motor coordination
Causes catalepsy
Has an antiemetic action
Causes increased appetite
Its main peripheral effects are,
Tachycardia- Increased heart rate
Vasodilatation- Causes blood shot
Bronchodilatation
Cannabis / Cannabinoid / tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) receptor
Cannabinoids are highly lipid soluble and earlier it was thought Cannabis / Cannabinoid / tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) act in the same way as the local anesthetics. But now it is clear that Cannabinoids have a specific receptor. The receptor is coupled to G-proteins and linked to adenylate cyclase, sodium channels and calcium channels.
Brain Cannabinoid / tetrahydrocannabinol/ THC receptor also known as CB1 subtype is abundant in hippocampus, cerebellum, substantia nigra and mesolimbic system. This receptor,
Impairs short term memory
Impairs motor coordination
Causes catalepsy
Has an antiemetic action
Causes increased appetite
The peripheral Cannabinoid / tetrahydrocannabinol/ THC receptor also known as CB2 is located mainely in the lymphoid system and responsible for the inhibitory effects on the immune function.
Tolerance and dependence to cannabis
Fortunately tolerance and dependence to cannabis occurs in a very small proportion of the abusers and only in heavy users. Abstinence symptoms are nausea, agitation, irritability, confusion, tachycardia, sweating etc.
Some interesting questions…..
Do people die due to cannabis overdose?
Actually this is a tricky question. Straight answer is no. But cannabis and all other abused substances, Marijuana, Hashish, are capable f producing drowsiness and confusion. These are due to the effects of Cannabinoid / tetrahydrocannabinol/ THC. It does not have any cardiovascular or respiratory effects which threaten the life.
Can cannabis cause cancers?
With the current knowledge this question is difficult to answer. But the epidemiological studies have not shown any association between cannabis usage and cancers. But cannabis does cause chromosomal breakdowns. S further research needed to be done in this area.
Can cannabis cause fetal malformations?
Epidemiological studies have not shown any significant association. But further studies needed to be done for a conclusion.
Can cannabis cause male / female infertility?
Cannabis is not known to cause infertility. But due to its effects on the endocrine system definitely it can cause sub fertility. Studies have shown 50% decrease in serum testosterone and sperm count in males.
Can cannabis cause long lasting psychological effects?
This is very difficult to test but there is a hypothesis that cannabis ca cause schizophrenia. This can gradually leads to a state of apathy and underachievement.
Medical uses of cannabis.
Under current regulations cannabis cannot be used to treat patients in western medicine. But in ayurveda cannabis is an essential component of many drugs and it is effective in treating patients.
In UK official drug trials are underway. Canada has legalized the use of cannabis for some conditions.