Psychoactive Pharmaceuticals: An Introduction
Hey y’all!
I’ve got a really interesting topic today.
I wanted to share information on psychoactive pharmaceuticals with you.
These are, quite simply, drugs that “mess with our brains” including substances like caffeine, the prescription medication methylphenidate (Ritalin), as well as psychoactive pharmaceuticals in phases of research like cannabis, LSD, psilocybin and MDMA. The later is what we will be discussing on the blog.
This will be a series and will feature information from a pharmacist colleague and friend of mine, Andrea Randall.
Andrea is an “atypical” pharmacist knowledgeable in “atypical” medication. She is currently a student of the Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation Master’s Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Andrea and I are working together to discuss the future of psychedelic pharmaceuticals and the application of such in the neurodivergent patient and agree in the importance of self-advocacy through accurate information.
Let’s start off the series with a quick introduction to the first agent we will discuss…cannabis!
Cannabis
What Your Pharmacist Wants You to Know
More research is needed for us to understand the full therapeutic indications of cannabis products. Education is critical for safe consumer use. That’s why I’m here! I got you.
It is important you know that CBD and THC products have multiple biological effects and may interact with medications…they are not “just” an uncomplicated dietary supplement.
There are concerns that some CBD products fall short of purity standards required for medication sale and the FDA has drafted guidance for the industry of such products. This makes it difficult to assess their therapeutic and adverse effects.
Be sure to talk to your doctor and pharmacist prior to using cannabis products.
If you use cannabis products, make sure to let your providers and pharmacist know so they can assess for medication and disease state interactions. That way we can keep you safe!
What is it?
The plant, Cannabis sativa, can be found in two main subtypes, sativa and indica. Historically, sativa variation had a greater content of THC than CBD, while the indica variation had a greater concentration of CBD than THC. However, due to interbreeding, this distinction isn’t necessarily accurate and knowing the chemical profile of the individual product is the only real way to know what effects to expect.
Cannabis contains over 120 chemical compounds, called cannabinoids, and the two most abundant and well studied are the cannabinoids THC & CBD.
THC is considered an intoxicant and has therapeutic effects. CBD is considered a non-intoxicant and may reduce the intoxicating effects of THC while enhancing its therapeutic effects.
Product Terms to Know
“Full-spectrum” = a product that contains all of the cannabinoids (and other cannabis plant compounds)
“Broad-spectrum” = a product that contains all of the cannabinoids EXCEPT THC
Therapeutic Effects
THC has been found to have anti-nausea effects (specifically for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting), anti-inflammatory effects, and pain relieving effects.
CBD has been found to relieve muscle spasms and have anti-depressant, anxiety, seizure, and inflammatory effects.
Uses
Commonly approved uses include cancer, seizures, pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, and HIV/AIDs.
Each state and territory is unique in dictating which medical conditions & non-medical conditions are approved for its use.
CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC may be legally sold after the passing of the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act. These products are now widespread. CBD has been hypothesized to support & help anxiety, insomnia, pain, migraines, epilepsy, and alcohol withdrawal
Adverse Effects
THC can alter judgement, short-term memory, reaction time, & coordination, as well as increase anxiety, panic and paranoia. It is can also increase the appetite and can be used therapeutically for patients experiencing loss of appetite and weight.
CBD can elevate liver function tests, decrease appetite, increase drowsiness, and cause diarrhea.
Coming soon, we will chat product legitimacy and its use in the neurodivergent patient! Check back to learn more.
Are you ready for support on your own neurodivergent mental and physical well-being journey? Click here to book an initial consult with ME to see how I can best support you!
Want more psychoactive pharmaceutical information from a trusted provider? Be sure to check out Andrea’s Blog!
Other references:
Schmitz, Natalie. “Cannabinoid Pharmacology.” PHARMACY 674: Cannabinoids in Science and Society. Module 4: Cannabinoid Pharmacology, 24 May 2022, Madison, WI, Online.
Land, Hunter. “Botany of Cannabis.” PHARMACY 674: Cannabinoids in Science and Society. Module 2: Agronomy, Phytochemistry, and Botany, 24 May 2022, Madison, WI, Online.
