Week 12 - Cannabis and Hallucinogens -
Substances That Alter Perception
Cannabis
THC - Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the active incredient in
the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa, the oldest non-food cultivated
plant
Unlike Sativa, The Cannabis Indica plant is only grown for its
psychoactive properties
Female contain more resins (concentrated THC), and are
preferred by growers
Cannabis - Varieties
Hashish - a concentrate of resins of the flowering tops of
female plants
Sinsemilla - a seedless version of cannabis, and is considered
high grade due to increased concentration of THC
Cannabis - Concentrations
A 70's joint: 10 -15 mg. of THC
A 90's joint: up to 150 mg. Of THC (more if laced with
hash)
Hashish: about 50 - 200 mg. THC
Sensemilla: about 60 - 150 mg. THC
Cannabis - History
Hashishi = Assassin
Used by European artists and authors in the 1800's
Popularized in the USA in the 1920's by organized crime,
leading to new laws
Cannabis - Pharmacology
Much of the marijuana is burned off during smoking
The irritating smoke also prevents absorption
Bongs draw the smoke through water, cooling it, and removing
some of the irritating ingredients
Absorption is rapid when smoked, slower when eaten
Excretion is slow (some THC remains in fat cells for more than
1 week following use)
Cannaboid receptors exist in various parts of the brain. May
also fit into steroid receptors.
Seems to act on the Dopamine Reward Pathway
Affects the production and absorption of serotonin
Cannabis - Effects
Marijuana has both depressant and hallucinatory
properties
Specific effects are related to dosage
"Reverse Tolerance" occurs with regular use
Halluncinogens
Marijuana has both depressant and hallucinatory
properties
Specific effects are related to dosage
"Reverse Tolerance" occurs with regular use
Adrenergic Hallucinogens (act on norephinephrine)
Mescaline - (from Peyote cactus) Enhances NE effects and
produces vivid hallucinations without delirium or clouded
consciousness (last for up to 24 hours)
Serotonergic Hallucinogens (Blocks then then releases
5-HT)
Lysergic acid diethylamide - (LSD) Causes visual
hallucinations, dissociation, out-of-body experiences, distortion
of sensation, profound introversion and a sensation of being
renewed.
Cholinergic Hallucinogens (acts as on Ach to cause
vivid dreams, delirium, sedation)
Muscarine - found in the fly agaric mushroom. Causes pleasant
excitement, a sensation of lightness and agility, frenzied dancing
and talking and voices or visions.
Atropine Belladonna (deadly nightshade) - Causes cheerfulness
followed by confusion and loss of speech. Also creates a sensation
of flight.
Mandrake - Alleviates tension and produces sleep at low doses.
Once thought to be a fertility drug.
Anesthetic Hallucinogens (sedative which cause
cognitive and sensory disorganization)
Ketamine - ("Special K") Used as an anesthetic in Vietnam.
Causes a sensation of floating, dissociation, stimulation/
hallucinations.
Phencyclidine (PCP - Trade name Sernyl). A derivative of
ketamine. Causes stimulation, a sensation of floating, a sense of
incredible strength and mental distortions. User feels "like a
rubber doll."
Amphetamine Derivative Hallucinogens (Chemically
related to amphetamines)
2,5-dimethoxy-4-methamphetamine (DOM or STP for Serenity,
Tranquillity, and Peace) - produces euphoria and mescaline-like
hallucinations
3,4-methylene-dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy or "XTC") -
Causes a sensation of being closer to people, with enhanced
empathy