Effects of cannabis

The effects of cannabis are diverse, affecting both the brain and body. Key cannabinoids like THC and CBD play significant roles in these effects, with THC being the primary psychoactive component. Cannabinoids interact with the brain’s receptors to influence functions such as signal transduction and neurotransmitter release. The metabolism of cannabinoids is notable for their long elimination half-life, attributed to their fat solubility. Health risks associated with cannabis use include potential for poisoning, especially in children, and cardiovascular strain. Despite its therapeutic potentials, the need for more research and understanding of cannabis smoke’s effects is emphasized.

Chemistry and Composition of Cannabis

• Structural formulas of key cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol, and cannabivarin.
• Mention of non-psychoactive compounds such as CBD, CBV, CBDV, and cannabinolic acid.
• THC being the most prevalent psychoactive substance in cannabis, with some varieties containing up to 34% THC.

Biological Effects of Cannabinoids

• Impact of cannabinoids on the brain’s signal transduction and the inhibition of certain activities by cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2).
• Evolution of cannabinoids over 500 million years.
• Mechanisms like the decrease in adenylyl cyclase activity and the impact on calcium and potassium channels in the brain.

Metabolism and Detection of Cannabinoids

• Long elimination half-life of cannabinoids due to their fat-solubility.
• Detection of THC in drug tests for up to 10 days, with long-term users potentially testing positive for months.
• Mention of Redwood Laboratories confirming THC detectability and the common use of cannabis drug testing.

Toxicity and Health Risks Associated with Cannabis Use

• Increased cases of cannabis poisoning in children, symptoms, and potential contribution to sudden death due to cardiovascular strain.
• Comparison of toxicities between THC and other substances, as well as the alteration of drug metabolism by cannabis.
• Health risks related to smoking cannabis, including exposure to harmful chemicals, lung cancer risk, and potential for mixing with tobacco.

Research Gaps and Addiction Comparisons

• Lack of research on the effects of cannabis smoke alone, with limited studies and the need for further investigation.
• Comparison of addiction potential between cannabis and tobacco, highlighting milder withdrawal symptoms from cannabis and the episodic nature of cannabis use.
• Critique of the reliability of medical sources, emphasizing the importance of critical evaluation of research sources and considering expertise and biases in medical information evaluation.

Effects of cannabis Data Sources