THC

Cannabinoids – THC

Trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC or simply THC) is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and it is the most abundant cannabinoid in most strains nowadays – although in recent years there are more and more strains specifically bred to contain more CBD (Cannabidiol) at the expense of THC.

Origin

THC is created in cannabis plant when a plant-produced precursor, a tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), loses a carboxyl group due to heat (burning, cooking, sunlight exposure, etc.) and becomes tetrahydrocannabinol.

Effects

When used by humans, either through ingestion or inhalation, THC binds to CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain. This is how tetrahydrokanabinol helps with pain reduction, stimulates appetite or reduces nausea, and animal trials along with mounting anecdotal evidence even suggest that (not only) THC may be very effective in the treatment of various types of cancer.

Higher doses may cause the infamous “high” associated with altered perception of time and space, feelings of happiness and euphoria, but may also cause depression, sadness or fatigue – the effects are very individual and there are many related factors such as user’s state of mind, previous experience, genetic predisposition to mental disorders, etc.