Cannabis psychopharmacology: it’s more complex than you might imagine

Yarygin/shuttershock.com 3.5 out of 5 stars The Cannabis sativa Versus Cannabis indica Debate: An Interview with Ethan Russo, MD. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 2016 Jan;1:44-46 Full Text This short interview with Ethan Russo MD should be of interested to toxicologists and other clinicians who might counsel patients on issues regarding medical marijuana. It contains some interesting information about the different biologically active chemicals contained in cannabis plants, and their effects. These chemicals include: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – main psychoactive chemical in Cannabis cannabinol – breakdown product of THC with approximately 25% of its potency tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) – CB1-receptor antagonist at low doses, agonist at high doses cannabidiol (CBD) – component with anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory effects There are also many additional components of cannabis that may increase or modify the effects of these major chemicals. These include terpenes such as myrcene — a strong sedative that may be responsible for the couch-lock effect caused by some strains of cannabis — and alpha-pinene, a component that may counter the tendency of THC to impair short-term memory. Dr. Russo argues that while Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica strains are morphologically different, the common notion that C sativa is “uplifting and energetic” while C indica is sedating is completely wrong: “. . .almost all ...
Source: The Poison Review - Category: Toxicology Authors: Tags: Medical cannabidiol cannabinol cannabis cannabis indica cannabis sativa marijuana myrcene pinene THC Source Type: news