Cannabinoids

The endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system is a unique communications system found in the brain and body that affects many important functions.⁴

It’s made up of natural molecules known as cannabinoids, and the pathways they interact with. Together, these parts work to regulate a number of activities, including mood, memory, sleep and appetite.³

What do cannabinoids do?

Similar to opioids, cannabinoids produce their effects by interacting with specific receptors, located within different parts of the central nervous system. Simply put, cannabinoids regulate how cells communicate—how they send, receive, or process messages.

Types of cannabinoids

• Cannabis - the dried leaves and flowers (buds) of the cannabis plant that are smoked in a joint or a bong. This is the most common form.
• Hemp - the fibre of the cannabis plant, extracted from the stem and used to make rope, strong fabrics, fibreboard and paper.
• Medicinal cannabinoids including pharmaceutical cannabis products that are approved by  the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), including nabiximols (Sativex®) and synthetic cannabinoids such as Dronabinol®.⁵
• HU-210 - a synthetic analogue of THC, first synthesised in Israel in 1988 and considered to have a potency of at least 100 times that of THC. ⁶
• UR-144 - similar effects to THC, though slightly less potent than THC.⁷
• JWH - a series of synthetic cannabinoids created in 1994 by Dr John W. Huffman for studies of the cannabinoid receptors.⁸
• 5F-ADB - a synthetic cannabinoid that was first identified in late 2014 from post-mortem samples taken from an individual who had died after using a product containing this substance.⁸
• CUMYL-PEGACLONE emerged in late 2016 on the German drug market.9 Anecdotal reports suggest that there are a number of adverse effects associated with CUML-PEGACLONE.

What do they look like?

Cannabinoids come in many different forms, including:

• leaves, flowers (buds)
• capsules
• edibles (gummies, brownies etc.)
• creams/lotions
• oils
• oro-mucosal sprays
• tinctures

How are they used?

Illicit and synthetic cannabinoids are usually smoked, vaporised or eaten. Pharmaceutical or medicinal cannabinoids come in a variety of products including raw (botanical) cannabis which may be vaporised for medicinal purposes, as well as oils, liquids and oral sprays. Gels have also been developed for direct application to the skin.⁴

Effects of cannabinoids

The effects of cannabis may be felt immediately if smoked or vaporised, or within an hour or two if eaten. General effects may include:

• euphoria
• feelings of well being
• spontaneous laughter and excitement
• increased appetite
• dry mouth
• quiet and reflective mood.⁹

What are synthetic cannabinoids?

Over the years a number of synthetic cannabinoid products have been produced. They are similar to those of natural cannabis, but these drugs can be more potent and have been associated with a number of adverse effects.¹⁰

Synthetic cannabinoids are molecules designed to mimic the effects of THC. Like THC, these synthetic cannabinoids target the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) in the brain, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC in cannabis.¹⁰

Many of these substances have developed to the extent that they no longer fit with the traditional cannabinoid classification system.¹⁰

Cannabinoids and other drugs

The effects of mixing cannabis with other drugs, including alcohol, prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines, are often unpredictable.

Using alcohol and cannabis at the same time can increase the unpleasant effects, including nausea, vomiting and feelings of panic, anxiety and paranoia.

Some people use cannabinoids to ‘come down’ from stimulants such as amphetamines and ecstasy. The mixing of cannabis and ecstasy has been linked to reduced motivation, impaired memory and mental health problems.¹¹

Reducing harm

Use of cannabinoids is likely to be more dangerous when:

• taken in combination with alcohol or other drugs, particularly stimulants such as crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’)
• driving or operating heavy machinery
• judgment or motor coordination is required
• alone (in case medical assistance is required)
• the person has a mental health problem
• the person has an existing heart problem.¹²

Dependence and tolerance

Regular cannabinoid use, particularly when started in adolescence, is associated with dependence and lasting cognitive impairment (e.g. lower IQ), poor educational outcome, diminished life satisfaction and achievement, and an increased risk of psychotic disorders.¹³

Getting help

If your use of cannabinoids is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

Help and Support Services search

Find a service in your local area from our list. Simply add your location or postcode and filter by service type to quickly discover help near you.

If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au