What is marijuana?
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is the flower portion of the female cannabis plant that is indigenous to Central and South Asia but has been cultivated in all nations of the world. Three distinctive subspecies of cannabis plant exist; cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis.
Evidence of marijuana use dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE and has been used for industrial purposes, religious and spiritual rituals, and as medical treatments. Marijuana cultivation and possession was criminalized in various countries starting in the 20th century, but has since then seen an upward trend in decriminalization and legalization.
The principle psychoactive agent in marijuana is known as 9-delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a molecule that belongs to a family of molecules known as cannabinoids, some of which are naturally synthesized within our bodies. Levels of THC in cannabis range from 3%-22%, with the highest concentrations on the leaves and flowers. THC is a lipophilic substance, binding to and dissolving in fat-rich substances but not in water.
-CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain
-CB2 receptors are found primarily in peripheral tissue
It acts as an agonist to receptors (stimulates secondary messenger) and produces its effects by indirectly increasing dopamine release. The major metabolite (which is used to detect use of marijuana via drug screenings) is THC-COOH and can be measured predominantly in blood and urine. The effects of marijuana usually last a few hours but can remain within your body for an extensive period of time, up to over a month.
When THC is inhaled, it rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream where it is then carried to the brain and other organs where receptors are found. Strength of effect is directly correlated to the amount of THC consumed in a dose-dependent manner.
What are the effects of marijuana?
- Euphoria, heightened mood
- Increase in appetite
- Decrease in short term memory
- Dry mouth and reddening of eyes
- Impaired motor skills, coordination, and concentration
- Relaxation of muscles
- Paranoia, anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Lowered blood pressure
What are the forms of marijuana?
Dried Flower: consists of flowers, leaves, and stems - most widely consumed form
Kief: powder form that can be sifted from cannabis plants
Hashish: concentrated form of kief that results in a resin-like substance
Hash Oil: solvent extraction from plant is evaporated and produces a concentrated oil
Infusion: plant material is mixed with solvent (fatty substance), pressed, and filtered so that pharmacological component binds to fat
Tincture: extract of cannabis plant made into alcoholic substance
How is marijuana consumed?
Smoke: inhaling cannabinoids from water pipe or wrapped items (joints, blunts) by burning the actual plant
Vapor: inhaling cannabinoids after heating the plant so pharmacological component evaporates into vapor (without actual burning of marijuana)
Edibles: infusion of cannabis is used as an ingredient to create a variety of foods
Tea: pharmacological component is absorbed by a fatty substance (cream, milk) and mixed with water to form a tea
How is marijuana used?
Medical Use - modern research suggests that cannabis is a valuable aid in the treatment of a wide range of clinical ailments
Industrial Use - hemp (derivative of cannabis plant) contains minimal amounts of THC and is instead used for its fibrous structure in the making of textiles, paper, paints, clothing, plastics, cosmetics, and more
References
- Mahmoud A. ElSohly (2007). Marijuana and the Cannabinoids. Springer. p. 8. ISBN 978-1-59259-947-9.
- Ethan B Russo (2013). Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Potential. Routledge. p. 28. ISBN 978-1-136-61493-4.
- UNODC. World Drug Report 2010. United Nations Publication. p. 198. Retrieved 2010-07-19.
- Mitch Earleywine (2002). Understanding Marijuana: A New Look at the Scientific Evidence. Oxford University Press. p. 24. ISBN 978-0-19-513893-1.
- Leslie L. Iversen (2000). The Science of Marijuana. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-515110-7.
- Castle/Murray/D'Souza (2004). Marijuana and Madness. Cambridge University Press. p. 35. ISBN 879-1-139-50267-2.
- J. E. Joy, S. J. Watson, Jr., and J. A. Benson, Jr. (1999). Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base. Washington, D.C. National Academy of Sciences Press. ISBN 0-585-05800-8.
- http://www.drugs.com/illicit/marijuana.html
- http://norml.org/marijuana
- http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
Image Sources
- http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/06/28/cannabis-indica-vs-cannabis-sativa-differences/
- http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=637
- http://students.expression.edu/medicalbenefits/2013/06/19/effects-of-cannabis-on-body-chart/
- http://dailyhealthpost.com/9-states-awaiting-marijuana-legislation-in-2014/
All your information are new and interesting. I didn't know that I didn't know that it was previously used for religious and spiritual rituals. I have heard about the medical uses of marijuana by patients and that it was legalized in several states. However, I am still skeptical of the medical uses because of its side effects.
ReplyDeleteChrist, how are you going to get seven more blog posts out of this topic- I think you already covered everything! But seriously, this is laid out extremely well and was very cohesive. I learned a lot about the chemical structure and function of the plant that I had never even considered before. I agree with Ruqia- I never knew there were religious rituals associated with it (though it doesn't surprise me). By the way- your grammar is impeccable which is a welcome change from what I usually deal with. :)
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