AOTD

In addition to being expressed by neurons in the brain, CB1 receptors are also expressed in parts of the peripheral and autonomic nervous system. CB1 receptors are also expressed on several other tissues, including heart, lung, reproductive organs, thymus and spleen.

A recent study published in JAMA examined the magnitude and duration of driving impairment following vaporization of cannabis containing various concentrations of THC and CBD. The results of the study indicated that the impairment of driving after consuming vaporized THC-dominant and 50:50 THC/CBD cannabis compared with placebo was significantly greater at 40-100 minutes but not at 240-300 minutes after vaporization. There were no significant differences between CBD-dominant cannabis and placebo found, but the doses tested may not represent common usage.

In addition to acting on cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), cannabinoids may modulate pain by interacting with the G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) and GPR18 and other G protein-coupled receptors such as serotonin and opioids receptors. Cannabinoids also interact with TRPV-1 receptors. CBD and THC (along with the endocannabinoid, Anadamide) activate glycine receptors, and as a result, lead to analgesia in inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Yes. Ketoconazole Inhibits the metabolism of THC and CBD and can significantly increase concentrations of THC and CBD. In contrast, drugs such as rifampicin, carbamazepine and St John’s Wort induce cytochrome enzyme activity and lower THC and CBD concentrations.

Patients who have previously experienced an allergic reaction to tobacco or tomato are at increased risk for developing an allergy to the products from the cannabis plant.

Yes, there is a possibility that a patient will experience another allergic reaction. The severity of an allergic reaction can vary from mild to life-threatening, and often depends on the route of exposure. Respiratory reactions, including rhino-conjunctivitis and asthma, usually occur when cannabinoids are consumed via inhalation. Touching parts of the cannabis plant may lead to a skin reaction, including hives or rash. An anaphylactic reaction may develop after ingestion of hempseed or from drinking a marijuana-infused liquid.

It may. Reports have indicated that smoking marijuana may increase the clearance of theophylline. Note: this effect appears to be a direct result of the hydrocarbons found in marijuana smoke rather than the cannabis-based products, as there is a lack of evidence for enzyme induction when cannabis-based drugs are consumed via oral ingestion.

Possibly. Similar to cigarette smoke, the hydrocarbons in marijuana smoke appear to induce the activity of some cytochromes, including CYP1A2.

According to a 2019 Mayo Clinic publication, the following 4 questions should be asked, and the answers to each of the questions should be “yes” : 1. Does the hemp product meet the quality standards of the Current Good Manufacturing Practices Certification from the FDA, or the European Union, Australian or Canadian organic certification, or the National Science Foundation International Certification? 2. Does the manufacturer have an independent review adverse event reporting system? 3. Is the product certified organic or ecofarmed? 4. Have the company’s products been lab tested to confirm THC levels to be < 0.3% and to confirm that no pesticides or heavy metals are present?

No. “Whole plant” products contain fats, waxes and fibrous materials not found in “full spectrum” products.