PSYD35H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Cannabinoid Receptor, Cytochrome P450, Partial Agonist
Document Summary
Most commonly used illegal drug in the world: estimated 125-203 million users worldwide, about 17. 4 million americans use. First drug of use among u. s. residents (2011): of the 3. 1 million that initiated drug use, 68% reported marijuana as their first drug: not including alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine. Hashish and charas: dried resinous exudates of the female flowers; most potent 10 to 20% Ganja and sinsemilla: dried material, from tops of female plants; 5 to 8% thc. Bhang and marijuana: dried remainder of plant; 2 to 5% thc. The endogenous ligand (neurotransmitter) of the cannabinoid receptor is anadamide. Basal ganglia = motor performance: cerebellum = motor performance, hippocampus = memory, prefrontal cortex = attention, memory, concentration. Very little binding in brain site areas that control breathing (pons and medulla) very low toxicity: expected for a drug that does not produce a lethal respiratory depression.
