THC breakdown
It is important to emphasize that although more studies are being conducted to determine the efficacy of cannabis and its compounds, research in cannabis is still new and there is much to be learned and discovered. So please, consult a medical professional if you have questions and concerns about the use and effects of cannabis. I am not a medical doctor, or cannabis expert. However, because more states and countries are legalizing cannabis, the goal of these articles is to consolidate and share the most accurate information that is out there (and by accurate, I mean information that has only been provided by medical or governmental studies and research).
With that, let’s break down what is a cannabinoid, and where it fits in the whole realm of cannabis (marijuana).
1. What is THC?
THC is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the main psychoactive compound that comes from the cannabis plant and produces intoxicating effects.
2. How common is it in the cannabis plant?
In “psychoactive” plants, this is the most abundant cannabinoid.
3. What are the common uses and effects of THC?
· THC is most commonly used for medicinal and recreational purposes (8) (9).
· Results vary for everyone, but common effects from ingesting THC are altered sensory and time perception; feelings of relaxation and euphoria; feelings of increased/decreased anxiety and paranoia; altered thinking, concentration, memory and coordination; increased appetite.
· THC releases the signaling chemical dopamine by stimulating neurons in the rewards system of your brain. The flood of dopamine released provides the pleasurable feeling that users may seek (9) (10) (11).
4. What does current research tell us?
We do not receive the intoxicating effects of THC until we ingest or smoke the cannabis plant. There is a compound found in the cannabis plant called THCA that is non-psychoactive and is the “precursor” to THC. THCA is Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. Once heat and light are applied to THCA, it undergoes decarboxylation and transforms into THC, which is what gives you the “high” effect. Decarboxylation means that the compound loses its carboxylic acid, giving way to THC (8) (9).
On its own, studies have shown THCA to provide medical benefits such as analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. THCA is also said to have anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory abilities, and anti-spasmodic properties, helping inhibit cancerous cell growth, and help control seizures (9).
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article intend to highlight alternative studies. They are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of MBS Labs.
By: Jeremy Wasko
Sources
8. Marijuana Break. “What is THCA? Say Hello to the “Other” TCH…” https://www.marijuanabreak.com/thca. Accessed January 14, 2020.
9. United Patients Group. “THC, THCA, CBD, CBC, CBN: Medical Marijuana Composition, The Chemicals in Cannabis.” https://unitedpatientsgroup.com/blog/2014/04/11/thc-thca-cbd-cbn-the-chemicals-in-cannabis. Accessed January 15, 2020.
10. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/how-does-marijuana-produce-its-effects - NIDA. (2019, December 24). Marijuana. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana on 2020, January 25.
11. Anne Straiders. “What is THC? Experts Weigh in on Benefits and Effects.” https://www.thestreet.com/lifestyle/what-is-thc-14655181. Accessed January 11, 2020.