What Does THC Do?

Most people are aware that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical compound in marijuana responsible for the euphoric high users often seek. It is a cannabinoid – one of the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with receptors in body and mind to create different effects. While there are many different cannabinoids in marijuana, THC is one of the best known because of its prevalence and psychoactive properties.

When you consume marijuana – by smoking, “vaping,” eating or drinking it – THC and other cannabis chemicals are introduced directly to your body. THC content levels depends on a number of factors, including the strain of the cannabis, the conditions under which it is grown, and the form of marijuana you are consuming.

THC enters the brain via the Endocannabinoid System. There, it stimulates and activates various cells and neurotransmitters, affecting the brain in a variety of ways. THC’s effects depend on the individual. Some people may feel that it promotes strong feelings of calm, peace and elation. Others may experience an increase in anxiety levels. The factors at play include the person’s unique body chemistry as well as the strains and concentrations of THC found in the cannabis.

THC can also affect thinking, memory, perceptions of time and even cause hallucinations. It can increase socialization (making the user more talkative and outgoing) and promote your appetite. Common side effects can include: cognitive and motor impairment, increase heart rate, dry mouth, dizziness and drowsiness.

THC’s immediate effects are usually experienced 10 to 30 minutes after smoking, or 30 minutes to upwards of 2 hours when taken in the form of an edible. But as a lipid (a fatty acid or a derivative), it likes to hang around in your body’s fatty tissues, including the brain, after it is consumed, travelling there via your lungs and bloodstream. This means that THC does not exit your body quickly after consumption, and you may test positive for the substance even 30 days after the fact.

Possible long-term effects of heavy THC consumption can include lung issues (such as bronchitis), heart problems, cognitive impairment, addiction and withdrawal.