Archive for August, 2011

All drugs have side effects. A number of then have been deemed legal only for certain uses, because of the possibility of drug addiction. Cannabinoids are among these heavily regulated drugs. It is important that you understand more about the effects and learn about how devastating it can be if abused. There are several factors to consider to ensure safety.

Overview: Cannabinoids are described as a class of terpenophenolic compounds that appear in Cannabis and generally occur in the immune and nervous systems of animals. The wider description of cannabinoids pertains to a group of substances that are related structurally to THC or tetrahydrocannabinol or those that link with cannabinoid receptors.

The chemical description includes an array of unique chemical classes: the non-classical cannabinoids, the classical cannabinoids associated to THC structurally, the eicosanoids linked to the endocannabinoids, the aminoalkylindoles, quinolines, arylsulphonamides and 1,5-diarylpyrazoles. Other compounds bind to cannabinoid receptors, but are not included in these standard groups.

The Term: The term cannabinoids comes from the unique group of secondary metabolites located in the cannabis plant. These trigger the unique pharmacological effects of the plant. There are 3 main types of cannibinoids today namely endogenous cannabinoids, phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids. Endogenous cannabinoids are created inside the body of animals and human beings. Phytocannabinoids are present inside the cannabis plant. Synthetic cannabinoids are similar compounds created inside laboratories.

About the Receptors: Cannibinoids used to be thought of as capable of producing their own behavioral and physical effects through nonspecific activities with cell membranes, instead of just relating with specific receptors. The first cannabinoid receptors were discovered during the 1980′s. The receptors are present in animals like mammals, birds and reptiles. The two known types are called CB1 and CB2.

Type 1 and 2: Cannabinoid receptor type 1 or CB1 are located mainly inside the brain, specifically in the hippocampus, basal ganglia and limbic system. These are located in the cerebellum and inside both the male and female reproductive systems. There are fewer risks involving cardiac or respiratory failure because of the receptors’ absence in the medulla oblongata. The anticonvulsive effects and euphoric actions of cannabis are thought to be triggered by CB1 receptors.

CB2 receptors are almost only located in the immune system. Majority of the density is inside the spleen. These are generally located only in the peripheral nervous system. These seem to trigger the therapeutic and anti-inflammatory actions of cannabis.

About Phytocannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Synthetic Compounds: Phytocannabinoids are not completely soluble in water. These are soluble, however, in non-polar organic solvents, alcohols and lipids. Phenolate salts that are water-soluble can be formed when on potent alkaline conditions.

Endocannabinoids are created inside the body and trigger the receptors. Scientists started to look for the receptor’s endogenous ligand after the first receptor was discovered. New compounds are not associated to natural cannabinoids.

Synthetic cannabinoids can be very helpful in tests to find out more about the correspondence between the activity of the cannabinoid compounds and the structure. Molecules of cannabinoids are modified and systematized to learn more about the different relationships

The Effects: Neurotransmission can be limited by cannabinoids. The effects of the drugs can change depending on the location. The functions of each affected brain region will change depending on the dosage and extent. Some of the changes that the taker may experience include loss of motor coordination and control, emotional changes, changes in memory and cognitive capabilities, analgesia, nausea and vomiting.

Some of the clinical effects of the drugs include anti-emetic effects, relief of muscle spasms, pain relief, epilepsy, glaucoma, movement disorder and appetite enhancement. The FDA or Food and Drug Administration approves of Dronabinol, a synthetic cannabinoid.