Which one of the following is derived from the plant 'Cannabis Sativa'?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

Ganja is derived from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa.
Specifically, it consists of the dried flowering tops and buds of the female plant, which contain the highest concentration of psychoactive compounds.
Other preparations from the same plant include Bhang (dried leaves) and Charas/Hashish (resinous exudate).
The primary active ingredient responsible for its psychoactive effects is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Option A: Cocaine is not derived from Cannabis sativa. It is a potent stimulant alkaloid obtained from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca).
Option B: Morphine is an opioid analgesic, not a cannabinoid. It is the most abundant opiate found in opium, which is extracted from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum).
Option D: Opium is the dried latex obtained from the seed capsules of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), the same source as morphine, but it is not derived from Cannabis sativa.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacognosy of Psychoactive Drugs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to recognize the signs of substance use to provide appropriate care. Cannabis use can manifest as red eyes, increased appetite, and impaired coordination, while opioid use (morphine, opium) causes constricted pupils and respiratory depression, and cocaine use leads to dilated pupils and hyperactivity.
Accurate patient history regarding substance use is crucial for safe medication administration and avoiding potentially fatal drug interactions.
What if? A patient presents with constricted (pinpoint) pupils, drowsiness, and slurred speech. The nurse should suspect opioid use (like morphine or opium), not cannabis, and prioritize monitoring respiratory status and preparing for potential naloxone administration.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'derived from' and 'Cannabis Sativa'. This is a direct factual recall question.
Next, systematically evaluate each option against the source plant mentioned in the stem.
Recall or deduce the botanical source for each drug. Ganja is a well-known term for a cannabis product.
Eliminate Cocaine, as it comes from the coca plant.
Eliminate Morphine and Opium, as both are derived from the opium poppy.
This process of elimination leaves Ganja as the only option derived from Cannabis sativa, confirming it as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 151-153

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 2 p. 164-166

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 937-939

Practise the full AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.