PLSCI 5045

Chemistry and Pharmacology of Cannabis

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2020-2021.

Cannabis sativa is a psychoactive plant used for medical or recreational purposes. Its primary psychoactive component, THC, is one of the >400 known compounds, including at least 65 cannabinoids. CBD, the other major compound, is currently studied for its potential in a variety of medical disorders (e.g., treatment of anxiety, seizure, loss of appetite, chronic pain, etc.). In this course, we will learn past and current uses of cannabis in different cultures. We will become familiar with the chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, mode of action and safety of cannabis. Furthermore, we will review the biosynthesis and distribution of plant secondary metabolites, the techniques used in their isolation and structure elucidation, the value of biological assays, and the steps involved in drug production and approval.

When Offered Spring (weeks 8-14).

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: college-level biology or chemistry course. PLSCI 4190 is recommended.

• Describe the role of cannabis in various parts of the world, in human health and in social contexts in the past and the present.
• Analyze and validate globally the relevance of preservation of biological diversity, native culture, knowledge and languages in human societies.
• Describe the biosynthesis and distribution of plant secondary metabolites in cannabis and other plant species, the use of techniques in isolation and structure elucidation of natural products, and biological assays used in the discovery of chemicals with pharmacological activity
• Explain the chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, mode of action and efficacy demonstrated in scientific trials of cannabis, which organ(s) it affects in the human body and the mechanisms of the diseases targeted with these treatments.
• Integrate concept from botany, biochemistry, bioprospecting, indigenous knowledge, pharmacology, toxicology and conservation.

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