Assignment 4

Marijuana is the most commonly illicit drug especially in the United States.

1. What is the most commonly active ingredient of marijuana?

Marijuana comes from a plant called hemp. Its scientific name is Cannabis sativa. The
main, active ingredient in marijuana is THC (short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
This ingredient is found in the leaves and flowering parts of the marijuana plant. Hashish
is a substance taken from the tops of female marijuana plants. It contains the highest
amount of THC.

2. Paste/attach a photo of the structural formula of the active ingredient in marijuana.

3. What functional groups of organic compounds are present in marijuana?

Cannabis is a complex plant containing significant chemicals that have conflicting

effects, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. The discovery of its
constituents led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, a key
neurotransmitter system. This system is broadly dispersed in the brain and the body and
is thought to be responsible for a variety of important processes.
4. What is the effect of this active ingredient in marijuana to a person taking it?

The therapeutic usefulness of Delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and its potential to induce

adverse reactions on humans. Under the clinical point of view, Delta (9)-THC produces
some therapeutic benefits which are beyond reasonable doubt. Thus, the effects on
nausea/emesis due to cancer chemotherapy, as appetite promoter, on some painful
conditions and on symptoms of multiple sclerosis are clearly demonstrated. On the
cognitive domain it impairs the human capacity to discriminate time intervals and space
distances, vigilance, memory, and the performance for mental work. On the psychic
area Delta (9)-THC may induce unpleasant reactions such as disconnected thoughts,
panic reactions, disturbing changes in perception, delusions, and hallucinatory
experiences.