Biology · Human Health and Diseases · NEET
Natural cannabinoids are obtained from the inflorescence of the plant Cannabis sativa. The inflorescence is the flower-bearing part (the flower tops). NCERT says the flower tops, leaves and the resin of the cannabis plant are used in different combinations. So the source plant is Cannabis sativa and the main part is the inflorescence.
They are all products of the same plant, Cannabis sativa, made from its flower tops, leaves and resin in various combinations. For NEET you do not need to separate them chemically. Just remember: all four (marijuana, hashish, charas, ganja) are cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa, and all affect the cardiovascular system.
Cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors that are present principally in the brain. So the receptors are mainly in the brain, but the effect NCERT highlights is on the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels). Do not confuse the site of receptors (brain) with the effect stressed for exams (cardiovascular).
No. Heroin is a depressant that slows down body functions and comes from Papaver somniferum. Cannabinoids (marijuana etc.) come from Cannabis sativa and are known for their effect on the cardiovascular system. This is a common NEET match-column trap - keep heroin (poppy, depressant) separate from marijuana (cannabis, cardiovascular).
According to NCERT, cannabinoids are generally taken by inhalation (smoking) and oral ingestion (eating or drinking). This is different from heroin, which is generally taken by snorting and injection. NEET sometimes tests the route of intake, so link cannabis to inhalation/oral.
Match List I with List II: List I: A. Heroin B. Marijuana C. Cocaine D. Morphine List II: I. Effect on cardiovascular system II. Slow down body function III. Painkiller IV. Interfere with transport of dopamine Choose the correct answer:
Match List I with List II: List I: A. Cocaine B. Heroin C. Morphine D. Marijuana List II: I. Effective sedative in surgery II. Cannabis sativa III. Erythroxylum IV. Papaver somniferum Choose the correct answer:
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
Natural cannabinoids are obtained from the inflorescence (flower tops) of the plant Cannabis sativa.
Marijuana, hashish, charas and ganja - all made from the flower tops, leaves and resin of the cannabis plant in various combinations.
NCERT states cannabinoids are known for their effects on the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels).
Cannabinoid receptors are present principally in the brain, and cannabinoids interact with these receptors.
They are generally taken by inhalation (smoking) and oral ingestion.
No. Opioids like morphine and heroin come from the poppy Papaver somniferum. Cannabinoids come from Cannabis sativa - a different plant with a different effect (cardiovascular).
