Transcript Cannabinoids

Cannabis
• Where does it come from?
*cannabis sativa, a type of hemp plant
* Hash comes from resin of plant-a bit more
potent; has more of the active ingredient THC
or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
* Hash oil
• History
- smoked or used for literally thousands of years; it
served religious functions in India & used for medical
reasons in China
Cannabis - History
 in Colonial America, cannabis was farmed for its fiberous
material, hemp, and was important crop until after Civil War
 hash and marijuana brought to attention of western world in
1800s
 primarily used in US as a medicine for various ills, not for
its mind altering properties
 prohibition sparked increased usage in 1920s (tea pads)
 by 1937, most states had laws forbidding non-medical use
of marijuana
 Marijuana Tax Act of 1937
 penalties grew more strict, even in 1960s when smoking pot
was popular until early 1970s when laws eased
Cannabis
Strict laws and social taboos on use of the
drug despite commission reports and
scientific findings throughout this century
stating that marijuana not that harmful to
user or society; nor has it been found to be
as seriously “addictive” as other
psychoactive drugs
Cannabis
• Effects
Physiological: smoking is most efficient way to use it
(holding it in…); peak levels in 30-60 minutes, with highs
usually lasting 2-4 hours
raises serotonin levels; lowers ACH; increases heart rate; dry
mouth, hunger, sedation and drowsiness may occur
Anandamide, a naturally occurring brain chemical, and THC
bind to same protein in brain cells; 2-AG is another chemical
similar to THC that exists in our brains
Cannabis
 Psychological / Reasons for use
 medical reasons for usage: in 1996, California and
Arizona were first to pass laws permitting medical use of
marijuana
1. Nausea (aids, chemo pts.)
2. as appetite stimulant
3. glaucoma
**pot not in pill form is still a Schedule I drug except in a
few states; synthetic versions of THC, such as
Marinol, are absorbed more slowly
Cannabis - Prevalence
• the most frequently used illegal drug in US
• 33% have used it at least once in their lifetimes,
including president and politicians!
- pot use hit a peak in late 70s and has declined in all
age groups since then
NHSDA Marijuana Use % (2004)
Lifetime Past yr Past mo
Total
40.2
10.6
6.1
12-17
19.0
14.5
7.6
18-25
52.8
27.8
10.1
26 & older 41.0
Male
45.4
7.0
13.1
4.1
8.0
female
8.2
4.3
35.4
Cannabis
 Negative effects
- withdrawal symptoms that may occur after heavy use
include:
1.
nausea
2.
irritability
3.
sleep problems
- apathy, decrease in motivation
- short-term memory impairment (hippocampus, 2-AG
may play role in memory loss)
- impaired driving
- may trigger paranoia, usually mild forms
Cannabis - Negative Effects
- chronic use associated with low sperm count, abnormal
sperm formation and motility, and possible male impotence;
enlarged breasts in males has also been reported.
- in females, failure to ovulate has been noted
-if used during pregnancy may be associated with low birth
weight, premature birth (but these women may also be
smokers, drinkers)
- lung damage; associated with cancer?
- pot as a “gateway” drug? (Adolescents tend to use drugs in
this sequence: cigarettes, alcohol, pot, cocaine-heroin) **
MEDIA SPOTS