Cannabis Science - How It Works

KGB - Cannabis Science - How It Works

Some interesting points from the article:

*Marijuana is composed of over 400 compounds, including about 60 cannabinoids, which are a class of molecules unique to the cannabis plant

*Cannabinoid receptors are found in very large quantities in many different parts of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves that carry signals between the brain and body.

*In 1988 an American research team discovered the part of the brain that picks up THC and other cannabinoids. Dubbed CB-1 receptors, they seem to be responsible for the euphoric and anticonvulsive effects of cannabis.

*CB-1 receptors are found in many parts of the nervous system and reproductive system, but are virtually absent from areas that control the lungs and heart. Marijuana bypasses these symptoms, making it essentially non-toxic. Most drugs, even aspirin or coffee, act on these vital systems, which means at high enough doses, they can be toxic or fatal to humans.

*Scientists identified a second group of cannabis receptors known as CB-2 receptors. These are found in the immune system, primarily the spleen, but also in other organs. They appear to be responsible for the anti-inflamatory and stress reduction effects of marijuana. The CB-2 receptors may hold the key to many other therapeutic effects that this plant offers, such as immune modulation and tumor reduction.

*naturally occuring chemicals "anandamides" after the Sanskrit word for bliss (ananda). Technically, they are described as "endogenous ligands". They activate the cannabinoid receptors. The effects of the natural chemicals are similar to THCm but act less powerfully and disappear far faster.

*their sole purpose is not to allow humans to get high from cannabis. The cannabinoid system appears to be very ancient, and exists in nearly all species of animals so far investigated - mammals, reptiles and birds, even very simple ones like the microscopic hydra.

*anandamides may play a critical role in controlling many of the body's biochemical systems, including reproduction, sleep, fight-or-flight and appetite cycles. The presence of these naturally occuring "anadamides" gives new meaning to the saying "get high on life". Our bodies naturally take advantage of this feel-good chemistry for their own regulatory purposes.

*The body absorbs pot when the cannabinoids are released and inhaled as smoke or vapor. They pass thru the lining of the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Blood circulates through the heart, then heads straight for the brain and on to other parts of the body, resulting in a rapid onset of effect.

*Once THC passes through the liver, it is chemically modified into 11-hydroxy-THC. Because digestion and absorption are relatively inefficient and slow, the effects are delayed for 30-60 minutes from consumption, but once they begin, they last longer.

*since most of the eaten THC will be modified by the liver. Also, only about 30% of the THC is absorbed when eaten, while 50-75% is absorbed when pot is inhaled, whether smoked or vaporized.

*It was discovered that longer breath holding time was more important than the number of puffs taken of the "puff volume". That's right. Roll your eyes at your smoking pals when they seem on the verge of exploding from holding an inhale - science is on their side.

*Scientific researchers have indicated four main groups of psychological categories that make up the high:

Emotional - euphoria, easy laughter, decreased anxiety.
Sensory - increased or altered perception of external stimuli; increased awareness of one's own body.
Somatic - feeling of floating or sinking, impaired balance.
Cognitive - distortion of time perception, memory lapses, difficulty concentrating.

*Since 2002, cancer researchers have identified cannabinoids responsible for tumor reduction, triggering the natural cell death that keeps tumors from growing and cutting off the blood supply to tumors that have already deeloped.

Lets keep going science!! theres an answer somewhere in maryj!!