The word on marijuana.Here are some of the key words you need to understand to discuss the drug marijuana and its effects. Review the glossary. Then, fill in the blanks in the article below. Finally, circle the words you filled in within the word search. GLOSSARY Blunt: slang term for a hollowed-out cigar filled with marijuana Cannabinoid Receptors: sites on the surface of brain cells where the active ingredient in marijuana attaches to produce the drug's effects Cerebellum cerebellum (sĕr'əbĕl`əm), portion of the brain that coordinates movements of voluntary (skeletal) muscles. It contains about half of the brain's neurons, but these particular nerve cells are so small that the cerebellum accounts for : part of the brain involved in coordination of body movement Cerebral Cortex: part of the brain involved in higher-thinking functions Dopamine dopamine (dōp`əmēn), one of the intermediate substances in the biosynthesis of epinephrine and norepinephrine. See catecholamine. dopamine One of the catecholamines, widely distributed in the central nervous system. : a brain chemical (or neurotransmitter) that helps nerve cells in the pleasure and reward pathway communicate with each other Hemp: the plant marijuana comes from Hippocampus hippocampus fabulous marine creature; half fish, half horse. [Rom. Myth. and Art: Hall, 154] See : Monsters : part of the brain's limbic system that helps with learning and memory Joint: slang term for marijuana rolled into a cigarette Neurons: cells in the brain; also found in the spinal cord and other organs THC THC tetrahydrocannabinol. THC n. Tetrahydrocannabinol; a compound that is obtained from cannabis or is made synthetically; it is the primary intoxicant in marijuana and hashish. : tetrahydrocannabinol tetrahydrocannabinol /tet·ra·hy·dro·can·nab·i·nol/ (THC) (-hi?dro-kah-nab´i-nol) the active principle of cannabis, occurring in two isomeric forms, both considered psychomimetically active. , the main active ingredient in marijuana WHAT IS MARIJUANA? WHAT DOES IT DO TO THE BRAIN? The drug marijuana is the dried, shredded leaves of the--plant. While there are several methods of use, marijuana is often rolled into a cigarette, called a --, or stuffed into a hollowed-out cigar, called a --, and smoked. The drug's effects on the brain are caused by the main active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol, or --. This chemical attaches to specific receptors in the brain called -- receptors. When it binds to these receptors, it interferes with the normal communication between brain cells, or --. Several parts of the brain have an abundance of these receptors, including the --, which deals with learning and memory; the --, which helps with coordination of body movement; and the cerebral --, which is in charge of higher-thinking functions. Finally, research shows that THC triggers the release of --, a chemical that stimulates activity in the brain reward pathway. Other drugs of abuse, like cocaine and amphetamines Amphetamines Sympathomimetic amines; sometimes called speed; synthetic chemicals that stimulate the central nervous system. Mentioned in: Weight Loss Drugs amphetamines , also stimulate this pathway. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED Marijuana, p. 3: 1. hemp; 2. joint; 3. blunt; 4. THC; 5. cannabinoid cannabinoid /can·nab·i·noid/ (kah-nab´i-noid) any of the principles of Cannabis, including tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol, and cannabidiol. can·nab·i·noid n. ; 6. neurons; 7. hippocampus; 8. cerebellum: 9. cortex; 10. dopamine. |
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