What’s THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the main cannabinoids (chemical compounds in the cannabis plant) that creates various mental and physical effects by interacting with the human brain and body. Though there are over 100 cannabinoids present in cannabis, THC has garnered the most attention due to its psychoactive effects.

First discovered in 1964 by Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam, its initial synthesis from Lebanese hash resulted in the finding of many other cannabinoids as well as cannabinoid receptors in the body.

How THC Gets Us High

THC binds to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2 receptors) found in the human brain, the immune system and the central nervous system to produce a host of psychoactive effects. For some, THC will induce a calm, sleepy, euphoric effect, while for others paranoia and anxiety can ensue. The latter unpleasantness can be chalked up to THC interacting with the brain’s amygdala, which controls our fear and fight or flight responses. The differences in individual body chemistry, dose amount, and strain of cannabis also play a role in the effect it has.

Can THC Change Your Brain?

It can! Researchers have found a link between frequently consuming THC and alterations in the corpus callosum region of the brain, which connects the two cerebral hemispheres. It was discovered that daily THC users had greater brain structure differences in this region than non-users, though the differences could not be linked to conditions like psychosis.

Does The Body Build Up A Tolerance To THC?

It does! If regular use occurs over long periods of time, THC’s effects will be diminished and higher consumption will be required to get the same high feeling. Abstaining for a while can restore tolerance to original levels.

Medicinal Benefits

THC has many medical benefits for a variety of conditions including PTSD, chronic pain, Insomnia, Nausea, Inflammation, Migraines, Glaucoma, ADHD, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Can THC Make Me a Slacker?

It can! A July 2013 study showed that regular, long-term THC consumers produce less dopamine, the brain neurochemical linked to motivation and reward. Brain scans of the cannabis users indeed revealed that their dopamine levels were lowest for those who began using THC at an early age. This can also cause a disorder called “amotivational syndrome.”

Can THC Cause Psychosis?

THC is at greatest threat to cause psychosis in individuals who are already predisposed to the condition from a genetic standpoint. In these users, THC consumption can trigger psychotic symptoms three years earlier than they would have normally appeared.

Can THC Affect My Memory?

Yes! A March 2016 study showed that extended THC consumption lead to a decrease in verbal cognitive function. In fact, for every five years of use, participants lost memory of one word on a fifteen word list.

Since THC has a host of potentially unwelcome psychoactive and health effects, users who still want the medicinal effects of cannabis use should stick to strains that are high in CBD (cannabidiol; the other main cannabinoid in cannabis).