Amphetamine & Marijuana
Amphetamine is a powerful stimulant primarily affecting the central nervous system (CNS). It primarily enhances the activity of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This is achieved through several mechanisms:
- Increased Release: Amphetamine promotes the release of dopamine and norepinephrine from their storage vesicles in neurons, leading to an increased concentration of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft.
- Reuptake Inhibition: It blocks the reuptake (re-absorption) of dopamine and norepinephrine, allowing them to remain active in the synaptic space for an extended period.
- Reversal of Transport: Amphetamine can reverse the direction of neurotransmitter transporters, leading to an outward flow of dopamine and norepinephrine instead of their usual recapture.
Marijuana, containing the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), acts on the CNS by engaging the endocannabinoid system. This system is composed of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes that produce and degrade endocannabinoids. THC primarily binds to CB1 receptors located in the brain and affects neurotransmitter release through these interactions. The effects include:
- Altered Brain Function: By activating CB1 receptors, THC modulates neurotransmitter release and can inhibit the release of certain neurotransmitters, leading to changes in perception, mood, consciousness, and behavior.
- Psychoactive Effects: Users typically experience altered states of consciousness, euphoria, relaxation, altered perception of time, and increased appetite.
When combined, these substances can interact in ways that may alter the effects of each, sometimes unpredictably:
- Synergistic Effects: Amphetamine's stimulating properties can be enhanced or modulated by marijuana's relaxing effects, potentially leading users to feel both highly alert and calm or euphoric.
- Contradictory Effects: For some, the sedative effects of marijuana might counteract the stimulant effects of amphetamine, leading to reduced effectiveness of the stimulant or confusing bodily signals, which can be distressing or disorienting.
- Increased Cardiovascular Stress: Both substances can increase heart rate, though through different mechanisms, which might compound and lead to significant cardiovascular strain.
- Higher likelihood of psychological effects. Amphetamine can heighten anxiety and increase the risk of repetitive thought patterns and paranoia, potentially leading to impaired judgment and unpleasant experiences.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including hypertension and tachycardia.
- Increased risks of dependency or substance use disorder, as the combination may be used more frequently to modulate the effects of one or the other drug.
This combination requires experience with substances separately, compliance with minimum dosages, rare repetition and a meaningful approach.
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