What is tetrahydrocannabinol and what are its effects?

THC is the most well-known cannabinoid, among more than 150 found in cannabis plants, because of its effects. Beyond its recreational use, THC is also used for medicinal purposes in various therapies. To find out more, we will explain what tetrahydrocannabinol is and how it works in our organism.

Tetrahydrocannabinol: what is it?

Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, is a potent compound found in cannabis plants, together with cannabidiol or delta-8-THC; however, THC is the predominant component.

The amount of this substance can vary depending on the plant, up to more than 25% THC.

How does THC affect the body?

When THC comes into contact with our organism, it interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), where the CB1 and CB2 receptors are. Once in the bloodstream, it activates the receptors and inhibits the enzyme Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH); which is responsible for increasing the amount of anandamide available. This substance makes us feel pleasure and great happiness.

In addition, the brain releases dopamine, the principal pleasure hormone, which leads to the activation of the reward circuit. In addition, this affects memory, happiness, and coordination.

Tetrahydrocannabinol’s properties

Here are some of the most important therapeutic properties of THC:

• Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.
• A powerful muscle relaxant.
• Has neuroprotective, antitumour, and antiemetic functions.

What is THC used for?

Although its reputation is more associated with recreational use, it is a cannabinoid used in a variety of treatments:

• Helps with diseases related to muscle rigidity, such as Parkinson or Multiple Sclerosis.
• Alleviates chronic pain is attributable to different pathologies ; the different types are: neuropathic, metastatic, or secondary pain caused by arthrosis.
• Support to chemotherapy.
• Extra to Anti-tumour treatments
• Avoids nausea/vomiting.
• Increases appetite, serving as a treatment for various eating disorders.
• Helps with anxiety, insomnia, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

THC helps to reduce or relieve pain, thus it improves patients life’s quality. Research show that it is useful for those older than 25 years old; otherwise, the impact can be negative, as the brain is not fully formed, so discuss this with your doctor first.

Risks and side effects

Due to the psychoactive properties of THC, it is also possible to experience side effects such as:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate.
• Euphoria
• Bigger chances to suffer breathing problems
• Worsening of breathing diseases.
• Dependence.

In the case of higher amounts, these symptoms can cause various sensations such as lethargy, slurred speech, or decreased coordination. It can also lead to paranoia or anxiety and dizziness.

People with schizophrenia or any other mental health problem that may cause mania or hallucinations should avoid its use.

Other psychoactive cannabinoids

• Cannabinol (CBN): slightly psychoactive and results from THC’s oxidation. Recent research shows that it is beneficial for insomnia.
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): a cb1 receptor antagonist at lower doses and an agonist at higher doses. THCV can diminish or enhance the effects of THC and thus stimulate or induce sedation.
• Tetrahydrocannabiforol (THCP): Tetrahydrocannabiforol (THCP): This cannabinoid is particularly potent and psychoactive, but is not generally present at high concentrations.
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCB): has an affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors, making it a possible partial agonist of CB1 and CB2 receptors, and potentially more psychoactive.
• Delta-8-THC: the difference is simply a few atomic bonds. Although it has a higher affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, it is a less psychoactive compound.

The entourage effect and CBD

Much recent research has focused on understanding the effects of different cannabinoids and their interaction, particularly CBD and THC. However, cannabis plants have a multitude of terpenes that also have various benefits, hence the entourage effect.

The entourage effect is the interaction between other phytocannabinoids such as THC and different elements present in the plants. This can improve the treatment of various pathologies when one component is not enough. Thus, the latest research confirms that CBD and other cannabis components in synergy with THC enhance its benefits and are less toxic than tetrahydrocannabinol.

Tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the most famous cannabinoids in cannabis plants. Indeed, it is used in various treatments to alleviate the discomfort caused by certain conditions or diseases.