How do cannabinoids in the human body and what influence do they have on the organism? Pharmacologists have been dealing with this question for a long time. Already a few years ago, Dr. Franjo Grotenhermen summarized his thoughts on the subject in a scientific article.
Dr. Franjo Grotenhermen is a practicing physician and is considered an expert in the treatment of cannabis. This is not only shown by numerous scientific publications and book publications. The general practitioner is a highly respected speaker at various cannabis events, where he lectures on cannabis in medicine. In addition, he is an important part of the Working Group on Cannabis as Medicine (ACM). The working group offers interested parties the possibility of independent counseling and further education on the medical use of cannabis. At www.cannabis-med.org you can find information about cannabis in medicine, science, law and politics.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Pharmacokinetics is a branch of pharmacology that deals with the effects, distribution and metabolism of a consumed drug in the body as a function of time. This includes all processes that a substance undergoes in the body. Including the absorption of the active substance, distribution in the body, biochemical processing and excretion.
In contrast, pharmacodynamics deals with the influence of a drug on the organism or what biochemical and physiological effects it has on the body. The pharmacodynamic effects of a
drug can be subdivided into desirable and undesired effects.
Cannabinoids
In simple terms, cannabinoids interact with receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which are found in important organs, in the brain, the immune system or in the central nervous system, among other things. This affects the concentration of certain neurotransmitters in the ECS, which has a special effect.
Of particular interest for the pharmacological effect of cannabis is THC or delta (9) -tetrahydrocannabinol. In addition, the acidic metabolite THC-COOH, the non-psychoactive
cannabidiol (CBD), several cannabinoid-like substances and newly discovered modulators of the body's cannabinoid system, which have promising potential for the therapeutic use of cannabis.
The effect of cannabinoids is mainly due to the activation of G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors in the brain and peripheral tissues. There are also indications of receptor-independent mechanisms. Usually, cannabinoids are dissolved and inhaled or cannabis products taken orally. Rectal use, sublingual or transdermal application, and eye drops as an application have only been studied in a few studies and are of little importance in today's practice.
The pharmacokinetics of THC vary depending on the mode of administration. In the case of pulmonary uptake of THC, the concentration of the active substance content in the blood plasma can be measured within minutes; psychotropic effects are noticeable within seconds to less minutes. They reach a maximum after 25-30 minutes and gradually decrease within 2-3 hours. When taken orally, the psychoactive effect begins after 30-90 minutes. It reaches its maximum after 2-3 hours and lasts about 4-12 hours depending on the dose and specific effects.
In doses that exceed the psychotropic threshold, cannabis intake usually results in increased well-being and relaxation with an intensified perception of common sensory experiences. The main acute side effects of overdose include anxiety and panic attacks, as well as physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and blood pressure changes.
It can not be ruled out that regular cannabis use can lead to mental dependency and mild withdrawal symptoms. Controversial are the occurrence and intensity of possible long-term harmful effects on psyche and perception, the immune system, fertility and pregnancy.
The indicators of medical use of cannabis include, but are not limited to, pain relief, muscle relaxation, immunosuppression, sedation, mood enhancement, appetite enhancement, intraocular pressure reduction, bronchodilation, neuroprotection and initiation of cancer cell death.
