What is THC?

Cannabis

Cannabis and marijuana became household words upon their legalization in the United States. What some consumers may have less familiarity with, however, is cannabis’ active cannabinoid compound THC. Short for tetrahydrocannabinol, it’s the primary chemical in cannabis and is responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. In other words, THC makes you feel high.

This article explores every facet of cannabis’ psychoactive chemical, THC, from its chemical structure to its medicinal uses and effects on the body.

Cannabis and THC – An Illustrious History

Cannabis is one of the oldest drugs in human history. Its use dates back thousands of years. The first recorded use of cannabis can be dated back to ancient Chinese, Mediterranean, and Hindu civilizations, where it was used for medicine, textiles, and food. Eventually, it reached Europe, later becoming popular throughout the United States. It continues to be used in medical, therapeutic and recreational purposes.

THC – For Health, Vitality, And Happiness

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. It binds with brain receptors and stimulates cells in the brain to release the euphoria-inducing neurotransmitter dopamine. Not only this, but it also interferes with how the hippocampus processes information and affects memory.

THC can be detected in the body for longer than other drug compounds. However, the psychoactive effects only last a few hours, often kicking in within a few minutes to an hour after consumption. However, the impairment effects of THC, which impact a person’s motor skills and reaction time, may continue for a short while after that. In short, the longevity of THC’s effects depend on the method of consumption.

THC’s adverse side effects may include anxiety, issues with memory recall, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and increased appetite. Adverse side effects tend to be rare, but are worth keeping in mind, especially for new users. It’s recommended that new users start with a small dose, or a cannabis product that contains a lower-than-standard percentage of THC (typically, under 10%).

Pain Relief

Pain is the alarm of disease, a symptom announcing that there is something not right with the human body. It’s the most common reason why people see medical assistance. Over 1.5 billion people globally live with chronic pain, primarily nerve-related and neuropathic pain.

According to research, patients treated with THC are more likely to experience a clinically significant reduction in pain symptoms in adults with chronic pain. The oral THC preparations dronabinol and nabilone have been available for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Moreover, concentrations of THC have been effective in reducing pain.

The short-term efficacy of THC has been proven efficient for relieving neuropathic pain, as highlighted by a study.

Eases Vomiting and Nausea

Did you know that there is an FDA-approved THC pill?

Marinol, a synthetic THC, has been proven to treat nausea and vomiting among patients suffering from cancer since the 1980s. One of the first instances where medical THC was accepted and integrated into medical practice was for nausea and vomiting.

Marinol comprises delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), approved by the national Food and Drug Administration for oral administration as an antiemetic for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Anxiety Management

Evidence shows that individuals with a social anxiety disorder who took THC cannabinoid drugs had less anxiety. THC is proven to have anxiolytic effects in humans.

Another study suggests that THC may be helpful for people with anxiety disorders. The pharmacological management of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) was a significant problem before the prevalence of THC-related cannabis drugs and medications.

Protecting Brain Cells

While most drugs are neurotoxic, THC is one that’s neuroprotectant, meaning it actually protects brain cells from damage. Here’s one mind-blowing study of the hospital: the death rate after traumatic brain injury was lower among people who tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol THC.

Treating Sleep Problems

A recent study showed that THC played an important role in helping people combat sleeping problems. Indeed the THC impacts positively on people suffering from sleep-related issues. Research has revealed that the use of THC leads to better sleep quality, decreased time in falling asleep, and fewer sleep disturbances.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma includes a group of diseases that damages optic nerves of the eyes, causing blindness or loss of vision. It all happens due to lower pressure in the eye, which slows the progression of the disease. Undeniably, early treatment can help avoid severe loss of vision.

A recent research showed that THC-related medicines applied directly to the eye may help with the pressure and lower the development of Glaucoma.

Epilepsy

Cannabinoids, primarily THC, have been quite beneficial in treating seizures associated with forms of epilepsy. THC comes in handy in controlling seizures that are difficult to control with other medications. The FDA has approved the oral use of cannabis and THC to treat epileptic seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

Most Reliable Means Of Obtaining THC – Pure Oasis

THC is the active ingredient in marijuana that causes psychoactive effects and is responsible for making you feel high. It has gained popularity and legal status in many states across the USA.

As stated above, various studies have proven its effectiveness in treating a wide range of conditions.

Pure Oasis is Boston’s first recreational cannabis dispensary offering a user-friendly experience, highly knowledgeable staff, and superior cannabis products. It is committed to bringing positive change within the community by providing high-quality marijuana products.

Learn more about Pure Oasis’s recreational dispensary and various cannabis products. Click here to shop for products or reach out to our professional staff at 617-420-6837.