Cannibinoid Receptors

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The authors address how the controversial use of marijuana (specifically THC) has brought new insight concerning the works of our brain. Previous investigations into the use of cannabis and its affects on the human brain, gave thought to the harmful side affects from use of this drug and the emotional state a user gained while under its influence, this became the central focus taken into account. (Article) First I would like to introduce some history on this drugs, cannabis sativa used for THC extraction, beginnings. Hemp has been grown here in America, since approximately 1720, for making rope. The consumable type of marijuana was brought to the east by slaves, via Portuguese merchants, through Brazil. This sociable form was introduced to the U.S. by black jazz musicians along the eastern sea board. It was during the 1850’s that the first prescriptions for the plant usage were given in the U.S. The first primary use of the drug was to help “defiantly behaved” poor African American farmers. It seems abuse has been an ongoing issue since its introduction and has brought on many factors of study into its use and abuse. (pg’s 4-5 Marihuana and Medicine, Edited by Gabriel Nahas, MD, PhD, DSc; Kenneth Sutin, MD, PhD; David Harvey, PhD; Stig Agurell, PhD, PharmD, DSc; Nicholas Pace, MD; Robert Cancro, MD. Humana Press Totowa, New Jersey: (615.7827 M338m))

When smoking any type of drug the amount inhaled is challenging to assess or to manage. During tests conducted with THC amounts it was found that people will inhale at different rates. An experienced smoker will be capable of inhaling more per drag than an inexperienced smoker. Thus, each puff will deliver different amounts to each individual depending upon their capacity to inhale. Amounts tested within individuals may also be affected when the concentration amounts of THC is different in different plants. This is why researchers are more likely to use THC in its pure form for experimental use than to use the plant form. (http://www.hivpositive.com/f-Nutrition/MedicalMarijuana/MM-ClinPharmacology.html)

One interesting fact found in researching the testing of this drug has gone so far as to include tests on communities of Ants. Examiners found that Ants increased work of foraging in