What is THC?

Have you ever wondered about the recreational use of marijuana? Ever thought about the component which can make you feel high? Or ever heard about a magical chemical known as THC? Are you still trying to learn about THC?

Worry not. In this article, we will tell you all about THC. Beginning from the fundamental question, “What is THC?”. So buckle up for getting familiar with the fascinating world of THC.

What is THC?

THC is the short form of tetrahydrocannabinol, a component that belongs to a family of chemicals known as cannabinoids. These chemicals are known to interact with a body’s endocannabinoid system. THC is famous for its psychoactive effects; in simple words, it has the potential to get you high.

Its chemical formula is C21H30O2, similar to another well-known compound, CBD. The primary difference between THC and CBD is that both have a different arrangement of atoms, and CBD does not produce high.

Legal State of THC in the USA

In 1964 THC was identified as the main component of cannabis. With growing concerns about its potential psychoactive effects, it was classified as a Schedule-I-drug in 1970.

Till now use of THC has been illegal under federal law. However, several states allow the medicinal use of THC. Some others permit its recreational use as well. It is advised to confirm the legal state of THC before purchasing or using any THC product.

How does THC Interact with the brain?

Our body has its own family of cannabinoids known as endogenous cannabinoids. These cannabinoids work as chemical messengers between neurons throughout our bodies. This whole system of endogenous cannabinoids is known as the endocannabinoid system.

This system is associated with different bodily functions like learning, memory, perception, hunger, etc. THC has a similar structure to endogenous cannabinoids, and thus when in the body, it acts as a neurotransmitter and alters the brain functioning by working on the endocannabinoid system.

Benefits of THC

Typically, THC is infamous for its powerful psychoactive effects. Therefore, most people overlook its various health benefits.

Due to the illegal status of THC, our knowledge about its medicinal use is somewhat limited. Some of the scientifically proven health benefits of THC are as follows:

Relieving Chronic Pain

THC alleviates the most severe types of pain resulting from cancer, arthritis, or even neuropathic pain. Research has shown that THC in low amounts can block the pathway related to sending pain signals.

More research has to be done to determine the exact dose of THC for its pain-relieving effect.

Protecting Brain Cells

Recent findings have proven the effect of THC in neuroprotection, which means that a moderate amount of THC inside the body can protect your brain cells from any injury or damage. Research conducted in 2014 proves that people with THC in their system are more likely to survive traumatic head injuries.

Promoting Brain Growth

THC also plays a role in promoting brain growth. It does so by activating CB-1 receptors of the brain. On activation, these receptors enhance a process known as long-term potentiation, increasing the brain’s ability to learn.

Increasing Appetite

Researchers at Washington State University conducted experiments on rats. The essential purpose of the research was to find out the effect of THC on appetite. They found out that low doses of THC promoted hunger in rats.

These findings are significant as it is now believed that THC can be instrumental in inducing hunger in patients suffering from eating disorders.

Inducing Sleep

If you are sleep-deprived or even insomniac, worry not; THC can help you sleep like a baby. Some studies have shown that THC can help in inducing fast sleep. It calms down heart rate, breath, and mental activity, thus stimulating the sleep cycle.

Other Benefits of THC

Some other benefits of THC are:

• It can reduce nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy
• THC can also help you with muscle spasms and severe pain resulting from it
• It is instrumental in reducing anxiety and enhancing the senses
• THC also has anti-bacterial effects
• THC works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

  Medicinal Use of THC for different Diseases

  From Alzheimer’s to Insomnia, THC can be used to cure or lessen the symptoms of several diseases.

  Alzheimer’s

  Research has shown that THC, along with CBD, has a positive effect on curing or slowing down the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. THC helps promote the growth of brain cells and learning ability.

  Anorexia Nervosa

THC has been found to induce hunger in patients suffering from anorexia nervosa, helping them gain weight.

Epilepsy

People who suffer from epilepsy claim that their seizures were either stopped or reduced after using THC and CBD. However, more research is needed to prove the therapeutic effect of THC on epileptic seizures.

Insomnia

THC helps induce sleep in people who have Insomnia. Research has shown that THC can affect the heart rate, breathing, and mental activity in insomniac people regulating their sleep cycle.

Asthma

Some studies show that THC also acts as a bronchodilator. This property of THC helps the asthmatic patient. Moreover, it can also reduce inflammation of the air passageway resulting from asthma.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is difficult to treat in a conventional medical way. A person who has PTSD relives his painful past again and again. Now recent studies have shown a positive effect of THC in reducing symptoms of PTSD.

Research shows that THC can reduce the activity of the amygdala, part of the brain related to anxiety and fear. PTSD patients who have used THC maintain that it has reduced the signs of PTSD in them.

Other Diseases

Some other diseases in which THC can be effective are:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Glaucoma
• Crohn’s disease
• HIV/AIDS Conclusion

  Over the years, THC has become popular. There are many THC products available on the market today. People addicted to THC argue that it positively affects different medical conditions.

  But due to its illegal state, we have limited data available for the medical use of THC. However, we cannot deny the therapeutic importance of THC.