Cannabis 101 for Nurses

Running head: CANNABIS 101 FOR NURSES 1
Cannabis 101 for Nurses
Name
Institutional Affiliation

CANNABIS 101 FOR NURSES 2
CANNABIS 101 FOR NURSES
How Cannabis Works
Marijuana works through an endocannabinoid (EC) system. The system is named after
marijuana plant Cannabis sativa alongside its ingredient delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). EC
system remains a distinct communication system in body and brain which affects such functions
as how an individual feels, reacts and moves. The body yields cannabinoids, natural chemicals
that interact within the EC system (Schlosser et al., 2017). Like THC, cannabinoids interact with
receptors in the brain for the regulation of such functions. Cannabinoids work distinguished from
other neurotransmitters. The EC system will communicate its messages uniquely since it
functions “backward.” The EC system’s cannabinoids are made “on demand” when a
postsynaptic neuron becomes activated from lipid precursors in the neuron (Zamberletti,
Gabaglio & Parolaro, 2017). They are released and travel backward to presynaptic neuron hence
attaching to cannabinoid receptors.
When a patient is administered marijuana, EC system becomes overwhelmed by THC
and rapidly attaching to cannabinoids receptors in the entire body and brain. This disrupts the
natural cannabinoid’s ability to fine-tune communication between neurons thereby throwing the
whole system off-balance (Hietala, 2018). Since these cannabinoid receptors are throughout the
body and brain, THC’s effects are far-reaching. THC affects brain parts which make an
individual feel good which leads to a “high” feeling is.
Endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome is a condition whereby a person yields a lower
cannabinoids amount regarded as necessary in health, well-being and vitality promotion. The
body fails to generate adequate endocannabinoids or sufficient receptors for EC system to
properly function (Vázquez et al., 2015). Thus, the various function is never properly regulated

CANNABIS 101 FOR NURSES 3
making the body to be unbalanced permitting illness to emerge. This deficiency can trigger
migraines since anandamide control receptors linked to migraines, and endocannabinoid firmly
dictates periaqueductal gray matter which is the brain area which generates a migraine. Raising
cannabinoid amount might decrease the endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome. Cannabinoids
inhibit FAAH thereby boosting levels of anandamide in our body. The Cannabinoid oil can be
used to deal with this deficiency (Woodhams, Sagar, Burston & Chapman, 2015). The medical
marijuana will help supply cannabinoids into the body and brain which essential nutrient is
thereby assisting in the minimization of some illness by helping the endocannabinoid system and
making sure that EC system properly functions.
Administration Routes
1. Inhalation/Lungs:
The intake form include vaporization or smoking as seen below:
1.1. Smoking:
This involves inhaling combusted and dried cannabis plant’s flowers. It remains of the
fastest means of feeling medical marijuana effects and most intake form. The onset remains
rapid, instant, and with short period/duration. The pros are the “peak effect’ which results from
high cannabinoids’ bioavailability in smoke and fast cannabinoids in vivo metabolizing. Joints,
pipes alongside water pipes can be used for smoking medical marijuana. Nonetheless, the cons
are that habitually smoking might result in lung damage and “high” habituation triggered by fast