Cannabis (drug)

Historical and Cultural Aspects

• Cannabis etymology traced back to Latin and Ancient Greek origins.
• First reference to marihuana found in Mexican newspapers in 1842.
• Cannabis plants have been cultivated since at least the 3rd millennium BCE.
• Sacred status of cannabis in various religions, including its use in the Indian subcontinent and by the Rastafari movement.
• Spiritual use of cannabis as a sacrament and aid to meditation.

Medical and Therapeutic Uses

• Cannabis used both recreationally and medicinally.
• Medical cannabis shown to alleviate symptoms like nausea, lack of appetite, and chronic pain.
• Scientific study of cannabis as medicine limited by restrictions.
• Legal medical use in specific territories with prescription requirements.
• Increased potency of illicit cannabis since the 1970s.

Consumption Methods and Varieties

• Various ways to consume cannabis, including smoking, vaporizing, and edibles.
• Different parts of the cannabis plant contain varying levels of THC.
• High CBD-to-THC strains showing potential benefits in cognitive function.
• Illicit cannabis potency increasing over time, affecting THC and CBD levels.
• Preparation methods like hashish, hash oil, and tinctures for consumption.

Adverse Effects and Risks

• Short-term adverse effects, such as anxiety, impaired attention, and memory.
• Long-term effects like memory impairment and deficits in cognitive functions.
• Cannabis dependence rates and factors contributing to dependence.
• Adverse effects on physical health, mental health, and emergency department visits.
• Risks associated with cannabis use during pregnancy and its impact on reproductive health.

Chemistry and Pharmacology

• THC as the main psychoactive component, formed through decarboxylation of THCA.
• Cannabis containing over 483 compounds, including cannabinoids like CBD.
• Pharmacological effects of THC and CBD on CB receptors in the brain and peripheral tissues.
• Physical effects of chronic marijuana smoking and mental health implications.
• Detection methods for THC and its metabolites in various bodily fluids.

Cannabis (drug) Data Sources