Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis Use Disorder:

Cannabis produces more than 400 identifiable chemicals of which about 50 are cannabinoids, the most active being Δ-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC). The pistillate form of the female plant is more important in cannabis production.

Recently, a Gi-protein (in other words, inhibitory G-protein) linked cannabinoid receptor has found (especially, in basal ganglia, hippocampus and cerebellum) which inhibits the adenylate cyclase activity in a dose-dependent manner.

Cannabis produces a very mild physical dependence, with a relatively mild withdrawal syndrome, i.e.

• Fine tremors
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Decreased appetite also craving

In detail, this syndrome begins within few hours of stopping cannabis use also lasts for 4 to 5 days. However, some health professionals feel that there is no true physical dependence with cannabis.

On the other hand, psychological dependence ranges from mild (in other words, occasional ‘trips’) to marked (e.g. compulsive use). Furthermore, All the active ingredients called as marijuana or marihuana.

It can detected in urine for up to 3 weeks after chronic heavy use.

Mild cannabis intoxication:

It is characterised by mild impairment of consciousness also orientation, lightheadedness, tachycardia, a sense of floating in the air, a euphoric dream-like state, alternation (either an increase or decrease) in psychomotor activity also tremors, in addition to photophobia, lacrimation, tachycardia, reddening of conjunctiva, dry mouth also increased appetite.
Moreover, Mild cannabis intoxication releases inhibitions, which is expressed in words and emotions rather than in actions.
Besides this, There is often a curious splitting of consciousness, in which the user seems to observe his own intoxication as a non-participant observer, along with a feeling that time is slowed down.

Perceptual disturbances in cannabis disorder

Perceptual disturbances are common in cannabis intoxication and can include depersonalisation, derealisation, synaesthesias (sensation in one sensory modality caused by a sensation in another sensory modality, e.g. ‘seeing’ the music) and increased sensitivity to sound. However, hallucinations are seen only in marked to severe intoxication. These are often visual, ranging from elementary flashes of lights and geometrical figures to complex human faces also pictures.

Flashback phenomenon in cannabis disorder

‘Flashback phenomenon’ has characterised by a recurrence of cannabis use experience in the absence of current cannabis use

The complications of cannabis use can i.e.:

1. Transient or short-lasting psychiatric disorders e.g.:

Acute anxiety, overly suspicious psychosis, vehement fugue-like states, suicidal ideation, hypomania, schizophrenia-like state (e.g. persecutory delusions, hallucinations and at times catatonic symptoms), acute organic psychosis and, very rarely, depression.

2. A motivational syndrome e.g.:

Chronic cannabis use is postulated to cause lethargy, apathy, loss of interest, anergia, reduced drive and lack of ambition. Additionally, The aetiological role of cannabis in this disorder is however far from proven.

3. ‘Hemp insanity’ or cannabis psychosis i.e.:

It was described as being similar to an acute schizophreniform disorder with disorientation and confusion, and with a good prognosis. Furthermore, The validity of this specific disorder is currently doubted.

4. Other complications i.e.:

Chronic cannabis use sometimes leads to memory impairment, either worsening or relapse in schizophrenia or mood disorder, chronic obstructive airway disease, pulmonary malignancies, alteration in both the humoral also cell-mediated immunity, decreased testosterone levels, anovulatory cycles, reversible inhibition of spermatogenesis, blockade of gonadotropin releasing hormone, also increased risk for the developing foetus (if taken during pregnancy).

• Firstly, As the withdrawal syndrome of cannabis disorder is usually very mild, the management consists of supportive and symptomatic treatment, if the patient comes to medical attention.
• Secondly, The psychiatric symptoms may require appropriate psychotropic medication also sometimes hospitalisation.
• Thirdly, Psychotherapy also psychoeducation are very important in the management of psychic dependence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cannabis Use Disorder?

In Cannabis use disorder, Cannabis is derived from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa, which has several varieties named after the region in which it is found.

What is Acute intoxication of Cannabis Use Disorder?

• Impairment of consciousness also orientation
• Lightheadedness
• Tachycardia
• Sense of floating in the air
• Euphoric dream-like state
• Alternation in psychomotor activity and tremors
• Photophobia, also Lacrimation
• Reddening of conjunctiva
• Dry mouth, also Increased appetite

Give complications of Cannabis Use Disorder?

• Either Transient or short-lasting psychiatric disorders
• Motivational syndrome
• Either ‘Hemp insanity’ or cannabis psychosis
• Schizophrenia
• Chronic obstructive airway disease
• Pulmonary malignancies

What is the treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder?

• Firstly, Psychotropic medication
• Secondly, Sometimes hospitalization
• Thirdly, Psychotherapy
• Lastly, Psychoeducation