Many people have their own beliefs about the effects that THC or tetrahydrocannabinol will have on the body. However, there is more to know beyond the preconceived notions you may have about THC.
Whether you are already using THC or curious about how it may help you, keep reading. In this article, we will cover more about the chemical and dig into what THC does.
What is THC?
THC is a cannabinoid, which is a chemical compound that exists in the cannabis plant and produces various effects within the body. Chemist Raphael Mechoulam first isolated and synthesized THC in 1964 from the hashish plant. Since then, there has been a significant increase in cannabis research. The result has been much more knowledge about the effects of THC.
Cannabis plants contain THC in its non-active form, Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid. It is only once the plant is decarboxylated (performed by drying or heating cannabis) that THC is activated.
What Does THC Do?
THC binds itself to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. The result is a variety of psychoactive effects. The THC chemical structure mimics chemicals that are already naturally created within the body. You may have already experienced an effect similar to the feeling you get from using THC if you exercise. Athletes often experience this as a runner’s high. THC is now used by many to manage a variety of problems.
THC binds with human body’s endocannabinoid receptors. Receptors and THC molecules are fit like a lock and key. Using THC to replace your own body’s endocannabinoids helps regulate stress, activates the immune response and regulates the overall functioning of the body.
THC: Effects on the Body
What THC does can vary from person to person based on an individual’s body chemistry? However, there are many positive effects that using THC provides. These effects include relaxation, pain relief, and energy. However, some people using THC may find it has a negative effect on them. These can include dizziness, memory impairment, and paranoia. It is best to use THC in small doses at first to see how your body will react. THC helps the body in a number of ways:
- Helping feel relaxed as the body releases dopamine
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves appetite
- Improves brain function
What are the Risks of THC?
Some of the most common risks associated with THC include impaired motor skills and decreased memory function. Studies also link THC to a lower IQ when people at a very young age come in contact with THC. If someone uses THC heavily, it can cause the body to become unable to function as it should. According to Amir Englund, a researcher from King’s College of London:
“This can be a way in which the endocannabinoid system gets disrupted by heavy, long-term use of stronger cannabis, and is less able to function as it should.”
People with mental conditions can experience increased symptoms while using THC. Those at risk include people diagnosed with psychosis and schizophrenia. It is important that you understand how THC may affect you before using it as part of a treatment plan.
Medicinal Properties
THC is used to provide many medicinal benefits to those dealing with medical issues. There are a variety of conditions that THC can help manage. Some of the medical problems that THC can solve include:
- PTSD
- Cancer
- ADHD
- Crohn’s Disease
- Nausea
- Inflammation
These are a handful of conditions that THC is believed to help. As research continues, it is likely that more medicinal benefits and positive effects on the body will be discovered.
You can achieve or treat many things within the body with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Still, it is important to use caution when using THC, because what THC does can vary from person to person. Research has uncovered many of the benefits of THC and further exploration of its effects will uncover more ways it can be used.
What is important is that if you plan on using THC, you find the right way to utilize it based on what you need. If you are seeking alternative treatment methods, get started today by filling out your application form.
