Cannabinoids, regulated drug

• April 16, 2024

All drugs have side effects. A large number of them have been classified as legal only for certain uses, due to the risk of addiction. Cannabinoids are in this category of regulated drugs. It is important to understand more about its effects and learn how devastating they can be if abused. There are several factors to consider to increase your safety.

Overview

Cannabinoids are described with a class of cannabis compounds and generally occur in the immune and nervous systems of animals. The broadest description of cannabinoids belong to a group of substances that are structurally related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or those linked to cannabinoid receptors.

The chemical description includes an arsenal of classes: the nonclassical cannabinoids, the classical cannabinoids associated with the structure of THC, the icosanoids linked to the endocannabinoid. Other compounds are linked to cannabinoid receptors, but are not included in these standard groups.

The term

The term cannabinoid comes from the unique group of secondary metabolites located in the cannabis plant. These cause the unique pharmacological effects of the plant. There are 3 main types, nowadays called endogenous cannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids. Endogenous cannabinoids are created inside the body of animals and humans. The phytocannabinoids are present in a cannabis plant. Synthetics are similar compounds created in laboratories.

About the receivers

It used to be thought that they were able to produce their own physical and behavioral effect through non-specific activities with cell membranes, instead of just relating to specific receptors. The first cannabinoid receptors were discovered during the 80's. These receptors are present in animals such as mammals, birds and reptiles. The two known types are called CB1 and CB2.

Type 1 and 2

The cannabinoid receptor 1 or CB1 is located mostly within the brain, specifically in the hippocampus, basal ganglia and limbic system. These are located in the cerebellum and within both reproductive systems. There are few risks involving heart or respiratory failure due to the lack of receptors in the medulla oblongata. It is thought that the anticonvulsant effects and euphoric actions of cannabis are caused by CB1 receptors.

The CB2 receptors are located almost exclusively in the immune system. The majority of the density is inside the spleen. These are usually located only in the peripheral nervous system. These seem to provoke the therapeutic and anti-inflammatory response of cannabis.

On Fitocannabinoides, Endocannabinoides and Synthetic compounds.

Phytocannabinoids are not completely soluble in water. However, they are in non-polar organic solvents, alcohols and fats. Phenolic salts that are soluble in water can be formed when they are in powerful alkaline conditions.

Endocannabinoids are created inside the body and cause the receptors. Scientists began looking for bound endogenous receptors, after the first receptor was discovered.

Synthetic cannabinoids can be very helpful in tests to discover more of the correspondence between the activity of cannabinoid compounds and their structure. The cannabinoid molecules are modified and systematized to learn more about their different relationships.

The effects

Neurotransmitters can be limited by cannabinoids. The effect of these drugs can change depending on their location. The functions of each affected region of the brain will change depending on the dose. Some of the changes that the user may experience is the loss of motor coordination and control, emotional changes, changes in memory and cognitive abilities, nausea and vomiting.

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