Main description:

Although primarily used today as one of the most prevalent illicit leisure drugs, the use of Cannabis sativa L., commonly referred to as marijuana, for medicinal purposes has been reported for more than 5000 years. Marijuana use has been shown to create numerous health problems, and, consequently, the expanding use beyond medical purposes into recreational use (abuse) resulted in control of the drug through international treaties. Much research has been carried out over the past few decades following the identification of the chemical structure of THC in 1964. The purpose of Marijuana and the Cannabinoids is to present in a single volume the comprehensive knowledge and experience of renowned researchers and scientists. Each chapter is written independently by an expert in his/her field of endeavor, ranging from the botany, the constituents, the chemistry and pharmacokinetics, the effects and consequences of illicit use on the human body, to the therapeutic potential of the cannabinoids.

Contents:

Chapter 1. Cannabis and Natural Cannabis Medicines
David P. Watson and Robert C. Clarke

Introduction
Life Cycle and Ecology
Field Crop Production
Glasshouse and Grow Room Production
Resin Gland Anatomy and Development
Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Biosynthesis
Medical Values of Terpenes
Cannabis' Origin, Domestication and Dispersal
The Cannabis Species Debate
Drug Cannabis Breeding
The Introduction of 'Indica'
Advances in Medical Cannabis Research
The Future of Medical Cannabis
Conclusion
References

Chapter 2. Chemistry and Analysis of Phytocannabinoids and Other Cannabis Constituents
Rudolf Brenneisen

Chemistry of Phytocannabinoids and Non-Cannabinoid-Type Constituents
Phytocannabinoids
Introduction
Chemistry
THC Potency Trends
THC in Hemp Seed Products
Non-cannabinoid-type Constituents
Terpenoids
Hydrocarbons
Nitrogen-containing Compounds
Carbohydrates
Flavonoids
Fatty Acids
Non-cannabinoid Phenols
Simple Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones, Acids, Esters, Lactones
Other
Pharmacological Characteristics of Cannabinoids and Other Cannabis
Constituents
Analysis of Phytocannabinoids
Microscopy
Color Reactions
Chromatographic Techniques
Thin-layer Chromatography
Gas Chromatography, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Other Techniques
DNA testing
References

Chapter 3. Chemical Fingerprinting as a Means of Source Identification
Mahmoud A. ElSohly, Donald F. Stanford, and Timothy P. Murphy

Introduction
Chemometrics
Chemical Constituents of Cannabis
Experimental Design
Methodology
Extraction
GC/MS Analysis
Multivariate Data Analysis
Results of Phase II Study
Similarities Within the Model
Identification of Unknowns
Indoor Vs. Outdoor
Daughter Plants Grown in a Different Region
Age and Sex
Storage Conditions
Hashish
'Silver Bullet' Theory
Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References

Chapter 4. Marijuana Smoke Condensate: Chemistry and Pharmacology
Hala N. ElSohly and Mahmoud A. ElSohly

Introduction
Preparation
Production of Smoke Condensate
Fractionation and Analysis of Marijuana Smoke Condensate
Pharmacological and Toxicological Activities
Behavioral Activity
Mutagenicity
Pulmonary Hazards
Interaction with Estrogen Receptor
Inhibition of Dihydrotestosterone Binding to the Androgen Receptor
References

Chapter 5. Pharmacology of Cannabinoids
Lionel P. Raymon and H. Chip Walls

Introduction
Endogenous Ligands
Cannabinoid Receptors
Effects of Cannabinoids on Motor Coordination
Cortical Areas
Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum
Effects of Cannabinoids on the Limbic System
Hippocampus and Memory Impairment
Amygdala and Behavioral Effects
Hypothalamus and Neuroendocrine Effects
Cannabinoids and Analgesia
Cannabinoids and Addiction
Cannabinoids and Cardiovascular Effects
Cannabinoids and Immunomodulation
Conclusions
References

Chapter 6. The Endocannabinoid System and the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids
Billy R. Martin

Introduction
Endocannabinoid System
Appetite
Emesis
Pain
Drug Dependence
Summary
References

Chapter 7. Immunoassays for the Detection of Cannabis Abuse: Technologies, Development Strategies, and Multi-Level Applications
Jane Tsai

Introduction
Commonly-Used Immunoassays for Drugs of Abuse Screening
Homogeneous Competitive Immunoassays
Heterogeneous Competitive Immunoassays
Point-of-Collection Drug Immunoassays
Cannabinoids Immunoassays
Cannabi