Cannabis 101 for Nurses

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Introduction

The healthcare industry is experiencing continuous growth and expansion.This  development has resulted in the emergence of novel therapeutic approaches within the field. Incorporating cannabis has emerged as a supplementary approach within treatment methods(Volkow & Weiss, 2020). The utilization of cannabis within the medical domain has generated considerable controversy. Nevertheless, marijuana has emerged as a potent pharmaceutical agent for alleviating pain in individuals, particularly those afflicted with chronic ailments. The ensuing discourse will delve into an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms by which cannabis operates and the diverse methods employed for its consumption.

How cannabis works in the body

The most frequent name for cannabis is marijuana. The plant has 500 parts, 104 of which are cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are marijuana’s major components(Yarar, 2020). Because THC impacts herb strength, it can explain its proactive qualities.

Patients have generally used cannabis for medical purposes. Traditional Chinese medicine employed marijuana for anti-emetic, anti-nociception, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Cannabis’s main effect is boosting the endocannabinoid system (ECS) mental function. The ECS holds endocannabinoid receptors in the mind, connective tissues, and resistant cells. ECS controls and tracks several psychological processes, including sensation, mood, and appetite. EC receptors make tetrahydrocannabinol more responsive, which benefits the body. The only EC receptors are CB1 and CB2(Yarar, 2020). Gonads, glands, connective, and neurological systems have CB1 receptors. Most immune cells have CB2 receptors. The body creates six endocannabinoids to stimulate receptors. Cannabis contains phytocannabinoids, which replicate endogenous endocannabinoids, which mature in the body and fit into receptors. However, cannabinoids in marijuana generate psychotropic effects in human EC systems(Volkow & Weiss, 2020).

Before smoking cannabis, anandamide and dopamine regulate cognition, hunger, mood, and motor skills. Smoking marijuana blocks anandamide and dopamine binding by attaching phytocannabinoids to CB1 and CB2 receptors (Cherkasova et al., 2022). Tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids give cannabis its euphoric high. The orbitofrontal cortex and hippocampus are also affected by severe marijuana use. These components improve brain cognition and memory.

Tetrahydrocannabinol also stimulates a key brain pathway that regulates strong positive predispositions like sex. Cannabis enhances dopamine release by boosting the brain’s reward structure. Cannabis users are joyful because dopamine secretion increases. Cannabis users with endocannabinoid deficit syndrome have lower cannabinoid secretions than needed for health. Endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome is caused by ECS dysfunction and insufficient endocannabinoids(Cherkasova et al., 2022). The deficient syndrome disrupts several bodily systems, such as the digestive system, and impacts sleep and psychological state. Endocannabinoid deficiency condition causes fibromyalgia, migraines, and irritable bowel disorder.

Four different delivery routes that patients may use for cannabis

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, dose and administration affect cannabis’ pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Patients can choose from four cannabis delivery techniques. Inhaling marijuana is first. Cannabis must be smoked using dried leaves(Farokhnia et al., 2020). This method induces drunkenness after two minutes and has greater effects after 30 minutes. Despite the risk of extended memory loss, Human brains retain the effects of inhalation-related poisoning for four hours. Vaporizing herbal cannabis is more efficient than smoking. Herbal vaporizers absorb 33% of marijuana when inhaled. This route minimizes combustion spin-offs, which can cause respiratory issues and cancer. In contrast to herbal marijuana products, concentrated marijuana products encourage consumers to take larger quantities, intensifying the negative effects.

The oral method can be used to take marijuana. Palatable cannabis is oral(Farokhnia et al., 2020). Eatable grass was often blended into a compound used in rituals and medicine. Some countries have legalized cannabis, and dispensaries sell cannabis-infused food and drinks. Oral marijuana metabolization is too unpredictable, causing the first-pass effect. Cannabis has THC effects after two to four hours, which can last up to eight hours, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Cannabis’ long half-life in the body is a downside of oral use. This method preserves oil cannabis’ anticancer effects and lasts longer than vaporized marijuana.

Rectal cannabis consumption is third. Rectal marijuana medications are administered(Farokhnia et al., 2020). Although it works similarly to oral marijuana use, the rectal route takes up to 10 minutes to take action. This method boosts marijuana bioavailability by avoiding first-pass metabolism, unlike oral administration. The rectal approach has downsides, including a delayed bodily response rather than vaporization.

Finally, cannabis topically absorbs it(Farokhnia et al., 2020). When marijuana is adequately packed in carriers, topical absorption is orderly. The body absorbs topical cannabis creams, lotions, and oils inefficiently. One of marijuana’s benefits is treating localized pain and inflammation topically. On the other hand, slow absorption reduces cannabis’ effects.

Conclusion

The increasing acceptance of cannabis in healthcare is attributed to its advantageous properties, such as its efficacy in managing chronic pain. Consequently, medical practitioners must comprehensively understand the mechanisms through which cannabis interacts with the human body. Various administration methods are employed by cannabis consumers, including ingesting by mouth, rectal treatment, topical application, and oral absorption. When administering cannabis, selecting a route that minimizes potential drawbacks and aligns with the patient’s preferences and comfort level is vital.

References

Cherkasova, V., Wang, B., Gerasymchuk, M., Fiselier, A., Kovalchuk, O., & Kovalchuk, I. (2022). Use of cannabis and cannabinoids for treatment of cancer. Cancers, 14(20), 5142. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14205142

Farokhnia, M., McDiarmid, G. R., Newmeyer, M. N., Munjal, V., Abulseoud, O. A., Huestis, M. A., & Leggio, L. (2020). Effects of oral, smoked and vaporized cannabis on endocrine pathways related to appetite and metabolism: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, human laboratory study. Translational Psychiatry, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-020-0756-3

Volkow, N. D., & Weiss, S. R. (2020). Importance of a standard unit dose for cannabis research. Addiction, 115(7), 1219-1221. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.14984

Yarar, E. (2020). Role and function of Endocannabinoid system in major depressive disease. Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, 4(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1159/000511979

Cannabis 101 for Nurses

Paper details

Cannabis 101 for Nurses

Write a 700 words essay addressing each of the following points. Be sure to completely answer all the questions for each bullet point. There should be two main sections, one for each bullet below. Separate each section in your paper with a clear heading that allows your professor to know which bullet you are addressing in that section of your paper. Support your ideas with at least three (3) sources using citations in your essay. Make sure to cite using the APA writing style for the essay. The cover page and reference page in correct APA do not count towards the minimum word amount. Review the rubric criteria for this assignment.

• Explain how cannabis works in the body by including information regarding the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome.

• Describe four different delivery routes patients may use cannabis, the onset of action for each, and one pro and one con of each route.

Include a title page and reference page in APA format.  These do not count towards the minimum word count for this assignment.

Use appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions.  A minimum of three (3) scholarly sources and the textbook are required to support your claims.