Understanding Cannabinoids And Their Effects

In the United States, marijuana for medical purposes has gained more prevalence in current political discourse than in previous years. Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a flowering plant that originally came from South and Central Asia. For centuries, the cannabis plant has been used for many natural products such as seed oils, seed, fiber that is used to make hemp products and contains over four hundred chemicals, some of which have an antibiotic like effect (Nordqvist, 2013). Studies have shown that two of the chemicals, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), have a positive effect on humans for mild to moderate painkilling effects and sedative effects (Nordqvist, 2013). The purpose of this paper is

According to the authors, recent studies have shown that there is another compound in marijuana that is increasing the attention of both scientists and medical marijuana providers known as cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD is not an intoxicating product, and does not produce a high when alone, but some researchers claim it may calm the anxiety produced by THC. Some research suggests that marijuana with a better balance between CBD and THC is less risky than the high-THC, low-CBD strains that now dominate the upper end of the marijuana market (Caulkin 9). With scientists discovering the new compound CBD, it makes them more interested in doing further research in order to discover more roles of other compounds

Researchers tested the five most common cannabinoids (compounds containing cannabinol and active constituents of cannabis) on different strains of a “superbug” which had become increasingly resistant to antibiotics (King, 2009). All five substances showed extreme antibacterial activity against cannabinoids (King, 2009). The scientists showed that these substances found in cannabis, appear to kill bacteria by mechanisms different from those of conventional antibiotics, making them more likely to avoid bacterial resistance (King, 2009). Of the five cannabinoids tested, at least two of them have no known mood altering effects, suggesting they could be developed into marijuana based drugs without experiencing the “high” from the drug (King,

Marijuana in the late 1960s’ had only one percent of tetrahydrocannabinol, compared to present day where Health Canada has discovered there is at least 10 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol and 30 percent in some cases. The tetrahydrocannabinol is a strong chemical and works immediately after one has inhaled it. Tetrahydrocannabinol mimics the neurotransmitter anandamide, which fills in the synapse between neurons and this disrupts the brain’s regular functions. In a normally functioning brain, anandamide activates the cannabinoid receptors but when smoking marijuana tetrahydrocannabinol activates these receptors which are in the hippocampus, cerebellum and basal ganglia. This affects the short-term memory, coordination, and learning and problem-solving skills for an individual. Brain development is also affected by the use of cannabis. Dr. Harold Kalant conducted a study in the 1980s’ with rats and cannabis use. He separated the rats into two groups; rats exposed to cannabis at adolescents and rats exposed to cannabis in adulthood. Kalant observed the rats exposed to cannabis as adolescents, had difficulty with memory and learning even after nine years of no exposure. In comparison, the rats who were adults when exposed to cannabis didn’t have long term effects. It is evident that brain development was disrupted by the use of cannabis in the growing years. Also, Dr. Andra Smith saw in her functional magnetic resonance imaging of brain activity of regular cannabis smokers and non-smokers, that the smokers had a more brain activity. She stated it was due to the brain having to work hard to “respond accurately”. It is obvious that brain function and development is harshly impacted by the use of

To see how this works we visualize the cannabinoid as a three dimensional molecule, where one part of the molecule is configured to fit the nerve or immune cell receptor site just like a key in a lock. There are at least two

A system was recently discovered to exist in the human body that consists of ligands and cannabinoid receptors. It is called the

It has been found that there are at least two active chemicals that researcher’s believe have medicinal application. It includes Cannabidiol (CBD), which impacts the brain, with no highs. Then, there is Tetrahydro Cannabinol (THC), which consists

The overall goal of my research is to better understand the roles that fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs), specifically epidermal-FABP (FAPB5) and brain-FABP (FABP7), play within regulating the endocannabinoid system and to understand the role of FABP in addiction. The endocannabinoid system is linked with the rewarding effects of abused drugs. Central to the endocannabinoid system is the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R), which is expressed ubiquitously throughout the brain. Within the brain reward circuit, activation of CB1Rs regulates the strength and plasticity of glutamate and GABA synapses. Specifically, dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a critical role in reward

Chapter III: The Science of Cannabis: Nature and Effects Before we start studying in detail the effects of Cannabis on human nervous system, we need to understand a few details about the Endocannabinoid system. The effects of Cannabis are due to the fact that there are receptors in our brain which allow certain active molecules found in Cannabis to bind to those sites. These receivers are called Cannabinoid receptors and the many different cells and tissues which allow Cannabinoids to bind to them are responsible for the diversity and varied physiological results of marijuana consumption. This process of binding of cannabis compounds to the receptors found in our brain is depicted in the structural representation given below : Ever since Drs.

There have been more than 17,000 published stories and articles on the human body’s cannabinoid receptors and the evidence that favors the use of marijuana to provide symptom relief in many illnesses, including nausea, vomiting, cachexia, muscle spasms, and pain. Marijuana has delivered relief from specific symptoms associated with cancer, severe wasting, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), multiple sclerosis, and other debilitating diseases

High incidences of continued or worsening psychiatric or mood disorders, adventitious side-effects leading to poly-pharma. Often there is a high stigma with admitting to having a psychiatric condition that inhibits or delays care and leaves a vulnerable population untreated. Cannabinoid therapies offer and autonomous and readily available approach to doctors, patients and their families. Patients would potentially be able to self-medicate without the “stigma” of seeking professional help. Which may allow service and treatment to a greater population. (Maa & Figi,

In 1990, cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) was discovered and is a part of a class of receptors called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors sit within the cell membrane and are found to be located at the synapses of the central and peripheral nervous systems. When activated, they start a signaling domino effect within the cell, that ushers specific desired effects such as controlling movement and posture, perception

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis isn’t just a single drug molecule, like alcohol or cocaine, but a mix of over 420 different chemical components. 61 of the called cannabinoids are unique to marijuana. THC is the chemical that triggers cannabis’ main drug action and effects in the body and brain. THC is like a feel-good chemical bomb that explodes on contact, and then breaks up into at least 80 different by products (or metabolites) before it’s eliminated from the body. The process starts as soon as THC enters the blood stream, and begins zeroing in on cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system Once it checks into the brain, THC takes its own time in checking out. Unlike many other drugs, which are excreted from the body within hours, THC metabolites stick around--stored

All cannabinoids including CBD, connect themselves to specific receptors in our body to initiate their effects. The human body generates some cannabinoids on its own. It contains two receptors for cannabinoids known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, CB1 receptors are present all around your body, but many of them are present in the brain. The CB1 receptors present in your brain are responsible for emotions,

Many regions of the brain contain cannabinoid receptors, of which anandamide molecules, concerned with regulating mood, appetite and emotions, naturally bind to. Cannabis contains an active ingredient known as ‘delta-9-tetrahydrocannabonic’ (THC), and when smoked or eaten, the THC imitates the activity of anandamide by binding to cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells, and therefore influences