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Cannabis

Introduction
Cannabis is one of the most widely abused drugs among illicit substances currently available for recreational use (Rubino, Vigano, Massi & Parolaro, 2001).   The major active chemical compound found in cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC, has been identified to produce a variety of cognitive, behavioural and physiological effects in humans, as well as in animals (Cadoni, Pisanu, Solinas, Acquas & Chiara, 2001).   Effects include and are not limited to: short or long term psychosis/schizophrenic disorders; paranoia and anxiety; auditory and visual hallucinations; loss of coordination and distorted sense of time; euphoria; and extreme feelings of well-being (Whitlow, Freedland & Porrino, 2003).   Repeated administration of THC has been found to result in tolerance to many of its behavioural and psychological effects (Whitlow et al., 2003).  
According to statistics, 44.5% of Canadians admit to having used cannabis at least once in their lifetime (Canadian Addiction Survey, 2005).   Males are more likely than females to have used cannabis in their lifetime – 50.1% vs. 39.2%.   Younger people (ages 18-24) are also more likely to have used cannabis at least once in their lifetime – 70% reported having done so.   Lifetime cannabis use increases with education – 34.9% of those without completion of high school and 52.4% of those with some post-secondary education reported having used cannabis at least once in their lifetime.   Lifetime cannabis use also increases with income adequacy – 42.9% of those with a low income, 44.6% of those with moderate income and 54.8% of those with high income used cannabis at least once in their lifetime.   Cannabis use among Canadians has been increasing from 23.2% in 1989 to 44.5% in 2004.
This paper will examine the behavioural sensitization of THC.   In doing so, the pharmacokinetics of THC will first be described.   A focus will then be given to the effects of THC on memory, as THC has shown to have the...