Cocaine Cannabinoids Green Red Discussion: Cocaine & Cannabinoids

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Cocaine & Cannabinoids​

Cocaine works primarily by affecting the brain's reward system, altering the way nerve cells communicate. It is a powerful stimulant, and its effects result from its ability to increase levels of certain neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

When neurons in the brain communicate, they release neurotransmitters like dopamine into the synapse, which is the gap between neurons. Dopamine is responsible for feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward. Under normal circumstances, once dopamine is released, it binds to receptors on the neighboring neuron, transmitting the signal. Afterward, the dopamine is usually reabsorbed by the releasing neuron through a transporter protein, which clears the synapse to stop the signal.

Cocaine interferes with this process by binding to and blocking the dopamine transporter, preventing dopamine from being reabsorbed. This leads to a build-up of dopamine in the synapse, which overstimulates the receiving neuron and creates an intense feeling of euphoria and pleasure. Cocaine similarly inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, leading to additional effects such as increased mood, heightened energy, and alertness.

This disruption in neurotransmitter regulation results in the classic cocaine "high," characterized by feelings of euphoria, increased confidence, heightened energy, and, often, enhanced focus or a feeling of invincibility. However, this high is typically short-lived, lasting from minutes to about an hour, depending on the method of ingestion. As the effects wear off, people often experience a "crash" marked by fatigue, irritability, depression, and a strong craving for more cocaine.

Beyond its effects on neurotransmitters, cocaine also has significant effects on the body. By increasing norepinephrine, which is involved in the body's "fight or flight" response, cocaine leads to physiological changes such as increased heart rate, constricted blood vessels, elevated blood pressure, and raised body temperature.


Synthetic cannabinoids work by mimicking the effects of naturally occurring cannabinoids like THC but often with greater potency and more unpredictable effects. They interact with the same receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, particularly CB1 and CB2 receptors, but with varying degrees of strength and efficacy compared to natural cannabinoids.

The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating many physiological functions such as mood, pain sensation, appetite, and memory. Synthetic cannabinoids, like those found in products such as K2, Spice, or other "designer drugs," are designed to target these same receptors. However, unlike THC, which is a partial agonist (meaning it activates receptors to a certain degree), many synthetic cannabinoids act as full agonists, meaning they bind to and fully activate the receptors, often with much stronger effects. This leads to a higher level of receptor stimulation, which can cause more intense, and often harmful, responses.

For example, a synthetic cannabinoid such as JWH-018 or AM-2201, which are commonly found in these synthetic drug mixtures, bind to CB1 receptors in the brain with greater affinity than THC. The overstimulation of CB1 receptors can affect the release of neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA, which help regulate mood, cognition, and motor control. The imbalance caused by excessive stimulation can result in erratic behavior, cognitive impairments, and even seizures.

Because the chemical structure of these compounds varies widely, the effects on the brain and body can differ significantly from one batch to another. For instance, while THC’s action on the CB1 receptor leads to a relatively well-known set of psychoactive effects, synthetic cannabinoids can cause extreme and varied outcomes.

CB2 receptors, which are found mainly in the immune system, are also affected by synthetic cannabinoids. When synthetic cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they may cause immune dysregulation, contributing to dangerous side effects like organ damage or acute inflammation in different parts of the body.


The combination of cocaine and synthetic cannabinoids can result in highly unpredictable and dangerous effects due to the contrasting ways these substances interact with the brain and body. Here are some potential combined effects:

1. Cardiovascular complications: Cocaine alone increases heart rate and blood pressure. Synthetic cannabinoids can cause even more significant spikes in blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. Combined, they can lead to severe cardiovascular problems like heart attacks, strokes, or arrhythmias.
2. Psychosis and hallucinations: Cocaine can cause agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations at higher doses. Synthetic cannabinoids are known for causing extreme paranoia, anxiety, and psychotic episodes. Together, they can heighten these risks, leading to severe mental disturbances and increased chances of violence or erratic behavior.
3. Seizures: Both drugs have been linked to seizures. Cocaine lowers the seizure threshold, and synthetic cannabinoids, due to their high potency, can trigger seizures as well. The combination significantly raises the likelihood of experiencing seizures or convulsions, which can be life-threatening.
4. Mental health deterioration: Chronic use of both substances can lead to long-term mental health issues. Cocaine can cause depression, anxiety, and cognitive deficits over time, while synthetic cannabinoids have been linked to more severe psychiatric disorders, including prolonged psychosis and suicidal tendencies.

Given the unpredictable nature of synthetic cannabinoids and the stimulant effects of cocaine, combining these substances greatly increases the risk of severe medical emergencies, including death. This combination is especially dangerous due to synthetic cannabinoids’ highly variable chemical structures, which can make their effects on users inconsistent and difficult to manage clinically.

All things considered, we recommend avoiding this combination.