Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound found in the resin of cannabis plants.
THC is the most well-known of the 150 cannabinoids present in cannabis, and it activates CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain, giving you that “high” feeling.
THC is commonly misunderstood as the “non-medical” component of cannabis. It does, however, stimulate CB2 receptors in the immune system, making it a potent anti-inflammatory that can help with both chronic and acute pain (like muscle cramps).
It’s also been shown to help with diarrhea and nausea, as well as acting as an appetite stimulant and calming an overactive bladder.
Another fascinating aspect of THC is that we would not have discovered the human body’s endocannabinoid system if we hadn’t studied how it works (ECS).
Tetrahydrocannabinol is also known as trans-delta9-THC or delta-9-THC.
Another fascinating aspect of THC is that we would not have discovered the human body’s endocannabinoid system if we hadn’t studied how it works (ECS).
Tetrahydrocannabinol is also known as trans-delta9-THC or delta-9-THC.
THC in various forms
THC can be consumed in a variety of ways to get the benefits it provides. THC can be consumed in a variety of ways, including:
- Smoking
- Vaping
- Topicals
- Edibles
- Sublingual (A.K.A. underneath the tongue)
THC’s Effects on the Human Body
Several hormones and substances produced by the human body have a part in our sensations of pleasure, and happiness. Anandamide, one of the molecules, is structurally similar to THC.
The activation of CB1 receptors and inhibition of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which increases the amount of anandamide available in the body, are thought to be responsible for THC’s euphoric effects.
THC also causes dopamine to be released by brain cells. Dopamine is commonly thought to be the key hormone linked to pleasure, although this isn’t totally accurate.
Instead of immediately causing pleasure, dopamine is involved in motivation and reward-seeking behavior. Memory, happiness, emotions, thinking, focus, coordination, and sensory and time perception are all affected by this combination.
The activation of CB1 receptors and inhibition of the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which increases the amount of anandamide available in the body, are thought to be responsible for THC’s euphoric effects.
THC also causes dopamine to be released by brain cells. Dopamine is commonly thought to be the key hormone linked to pleasure, although this isn’t totally accurate.
Instead of immediately causing pleasure, dopamine is involved in motivation and reward-seeking behavior. Memory, happiness, emotions, thinking, focus, coordination, and sensory and time perception are all affected by this combination.
How Does THC Get Processed in the Body?
THC takes a circuitous route through the body. THC is consumed first, and then the cannabinoid is absorbed into your circulation. THC is then further metabolized by the body as it travels via the bloodstream to various tissue cells. The way your body alters and converts chemical forms before excreting them is called metabolization.
The way you take THC has an impact on how your body processes it.
THC, for example, enters the intestines, travels through the liver, and is finally processed by liver cells if cannabis is consumed orally. This takes longer than if you vape THC because THC’s effects on the body and brain might happen practically instantly. THC processing is indicated by a rapid heart rate and mood swings.
THC remains active in your system while it is being processed by your body. Until the metabolic process is complete and THC has entered your body, you may experience lasting effects for hours or even days.
The way you take THC has an impact on how your body processes it.
THC, for example, enters the intestines, travels through the liver, and is finally processed by liver cells if cannabis is consumed orally. This takes longer than if you vape THC because THC’s effects on the body and brain might happen practically instantly. THC processing is indicated by a rapid heart rate and mood swings.
THC remains active in your system while it is being processed by your body. Until the metabolic process is complete and THC has entered your body, you may experience lasting effects for hours or even days.
Medical Advantages and Applications
THC has various medical benefits when dosed correctly, and can be used to assist relieve the symptoms and effects of:
- Cancer
- Chemotherapy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Nausea/vomiting
- Insomnia
- Eating Disorders
- Anxiety
- Glaucoma
- AIDS/HIV
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Autoimmune diseases and disorders
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
THC can be used to lessen or eliminate pain, improve sleep quantity and quality, boost appetite, and reduce muscle stiffness and tremors. In elderly persons, little quantities of THC can help with memory and possibly encourage neurogenesis (the creation of new brain cells).
Except in specific medical instances, THC may be beneficial to persons aged 25 and over. This is due to the fact that THC has a deleterious impact on the growing brain. Before providing THC to a minor or if you are under the age of 25, we recommend seeing a doctor.
Except in specific medical instances, THC may be beneficial to persons aged 25 and over. This is due to the fact that THC has a deleterious impact on the growing brain. Before providing THC to a minor or if you are under the age of 25, we recommend seeing a doctor.
