Cannabinoids

Any chemical that activates the body’s cannabinoid receptors.
Most commonly understood through the use of the Cannabis plant, marijuana (a dry, shredded green and brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves).
Arguably the most controversial and commonly abused drug.

A. Recent use of cannabis.
B. Clinically significant maladaptive behavioral or psychological changes (e.g., impaired motor coordination, euphoria, anxiety, sensation of slowed time, impaired judgment, social withdrawal) that developed during, or shortly after, cannabis use.
C. Two (or more) of the following signs, developing within 2 hours of cannabis use:
- (1) conjunctival injection
- (2) increased appetite
- (3) dry mouth
- (4) tachycardia
D. The symptoms are not due to a general medical condition and are not better accounted for by another mental disorder.
Specify if:
- With Perceptual Disturbances
Bodily effects of Cannabis
- Eyes:
  - Reddening
  - Decreased intra-ocular pressure
- Mouth:
  - Dryness
- Skin:
  - Sensation of heat or cold
- Heart:
  - Increased heart rate
- Muscles:
  - Relaxation

The main active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabinoid.
It acts on the cannabinoid receptors, namely the:
- CB1 (Primarily found in CNS neurons)
- CB2 (Primarily found in PNS immune cells)

Psychoactive
- alteration of conscious perception, euphoria, feelings of well-being
- 20-30% of users experience panic attacks
- marked distortions in the perception of time and space
- depersonalization and derealization
Withdrawal
- Occurs in long-term abusers.
- Symptoms:
  - irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving
- It starts 1 day following abstinence, peaks at 2-3 days, and subsides within 1 or 2 weeks following drug cessation.

Mental Disorders Due to Use of Cannabinoids

Marijuana (marihuana) is a colloquial term for dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.).
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is responsible for the psychoactive properties of the cannabis plant.
Complex physiological functions of the cannabinoid system: motor coordination, memory procession, control of appetite, pain modulation, and neuroprotection.
Summary of adverse effects:
- acute: anxiety, panic, impaired attention, memory, reaction time and psychomotor performance and coordination, increased risk of road accidents, and increased risk of psychotic symptoms among vulnerable persons.
- chronic: chronic bronchitis, a cannabis dependence syndrome, subtle impairments of attention, short-term memory, and ability to organize and integrate complex information.