Which statement best lists the effects associated with cannabinoids (THC, marijuana)?

Which statement best lists the effects associated with cannabinoids (THC, marijuana)?

• A. Increased appetite, euphoria, dysphoria/panic, slow reflexes, impaired time perception, dry mouth, conjunctival injection
• B. Paranoia with respiratory stimulation
• C. Hyperactivity and insomnia without cognitive effects
• D. Severe hypertension with tachycardia

Answer: (A)

Cannabinoids produce a characteristic mix of acute psychoactive effects due to activation of CB1 receptors in the brain. These effects include increased appetite, mood changes such as euphoria or anxiety/panic in some individuals, slowed reflexes and impaired coordination, altered time perception, dry mouth, and red eyes from conjunctival injection. The appetite rise comes from stimulation of the hypothalamic hunger pathway; the mood and perceptual changes involve limbic and cortical circuits; motor slowing and impaired reflexes reflect cerebellar and basal ganglia involvement; time perception is affected by changes in attention and processing speed; dry mouth is a autonomic effect; and conjunctival injection results from vasodilation of ocular vessels. Paranoia can occur with higher doses, but respiratory stimulation is not a typical or defining effect of cannabis. The other options describe patterns—like hyperactivity without cognitive effects or severe hypertension—that do not match the common acute cannabinoid profile.

Cannabinoids produce a characteristic mix of acute psychoactive effects due to activation of CB1 receptors in the brain. These effects include increased appetite, mood changes such as euphoria or anxiety/panic in some individuals, slowed reflexes and impaired coordination, altered time perception, dry mouth, and red eyes from conjunctival injection. The appetite rise comes from stimulation of the hypothalamic hunger pathway; the mood and perceptual changes involve limbic and cortical circuits; motor slowing and impaired reflexes reflect cerebellar and basal ganglia involvement; time perception is affected by changes in attention and processing speed; dry mouth is a autonomic effect; and conjunctival injection results from vasodilation of ocular vessels. Paranoia can occur with higher doses, but respiratory stimulation is not a typical or defining effect of cannabis. The other options describe patterns—like hyperactivity without cognitive effects or severe hypertension—that do not match the common acute cannabinoid profile.