Cannabis and Hallucinogens - Substances That Alter
Perception
Drugs and Behavior
Dr. Renjilian
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
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