Nine Realms THC cannabis flower

What is THC?

Skriven av: Jans Beloglazovs

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Tid att läsa 13 min

Introduction

So, you're curious about what is THC, huh? Well, let me tell you, it's something I know a lot about, and you're in the right place to learn more. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, and it's the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. In simpler terms, it's what gives you that "high" feeling. But what is THC really, beyond just getting you stoned? It turns out, there's a lot more to this compound than meets the eye, from its chemical structure and effects on the body to its potential health benefits and risks.


This cannabis compound has been making headlines for years, both for its recreational use and for its potential therapeutic applications. The landscape is always shifting as research emerges, laws change, and new cannabis products hit the market. But one thing's for sure - THC is here to stay. And it's definitely worth understanding.

A Deep Dive into THC

THC isn't a new kid on the block unlike THCP or HHC. According to the US National Cancer Institute, this active ingredient in marijuana has a medicinal history stretching back over 3,000 years. This is pretty mind-blowing when you think about it. People have been tapping into the power of THC for centuries, but only recently has science begun to unlock its secrets.

Understanding the THC Chemical Structure and What It Means

Before we get into THC's wild ride through the body, let's nerd out for a second on its chemical makeup. Picture this: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms, all arranged just so to form the THC chemical structure. Now, hold on to your hats because this molecular makeup is surprisingly similar to those naturally produced by our body, called endocannabinoids.


Think of them as our brain's own internal messaging system, playing a crucial role in things like memory, appetite, mood, pain perception, and even fertility. It's wild, right? So when we consume THC, it essentially hijacks this messaging system, attaching itself to those endocannabinoid receptors like a key in a lock.


Here's the twist: While THC interacts with our endocannabinoid system, it doesn't exactly play by the rules. The way these carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms are arranged is slightly different, leading to that signature psychoactive effect - the high. THC essentially turns up the volume on our brain's internal symphony, causing those feel-good vibes, changes in perception, and sometimes even a touch of anxiety.

THC structure

The THC Meaning and Why it's More Than Just a "High"

People often associate THC only with recreational marijuana and the euphoric feeling that comes with getting high. Although the psychoactive properties are what make it famous, the compound has a bunch of effects throughout the body, and it does this primarily through those cannabinoid receptors. We already touched upon the fascinating similarities between THC's molecular formula and our own endocannabinoids, but here's where things get even cooler.


These receptors aren't just hanging out in our brains, they're scattered throughout our entire bodies, including in the immune system, digestive system, and even reproductive system. This means THC has a ripple effect, influencing way more than just our mood or perception.


Now, this is where it gets a bit technical but hang in there. Researchers have identified two main cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, which is like our brain and spinal cord's command center, and this is where THC's psychoactive party happens. But CB2 receptors are primarily found in the peripheral nervous system, which is everything else - nerves, organs, muscles, and the immune system.


Think of CB2 receptors as those chill friends who aren't interested in the raucous brain party. Instead, they're hanging out in the body, mediating THC's impact on things like inflammation, pain perception, and even potentially cell growth. So while CB1 receptors get all the attention for the mind-altering effects of THC, those low-key CB2 receptors are doing crucial work behind the scenes.

Female smoking Nine Realms cannabis in bed

Further Readings

→ What are the risks and dangers of THC?

→ What are the therapeutic benefits of THC?

"A weed is no more than a flower in disguise."

James Russell Lowell

THC Effects on the Body

Alright, buckle up because here's where the THC fun begins. Remember how I said THC messes with our brain's messaging system? It's like turning the dial way up on some channels while muting others, which results in some wild, sometimes unpredictable, changes in perception and body functions.


Here's the lowdown: when you consume THC, it travels through your bloodstream, hits those CB1 receptors in your brain, and starts throwing a rave. Dopamine, that feel-good neurotransmitter, floods the dance floor, leading to those euphoric and relaxed vibes many seek. But, and this is a big one, THC can be a bit of a wildcard. You know those unpredictable friends who sometimes crash the party and stir things up? That's THC - it's a mixed bag. Some folks might experience pure bliss, giggly good times, and a relaxed state.


But others might find themselves feeling a little anxious, paranoid, or with that racing heartbeat feeling - those aren't so fun. What's even trippier is that your surroundings, your mental state, even the potency of the THC can all influence your experience. It's a rollercoaster ride, and that unpredictability is one reason many stick with other products containing cannabis such as HHC gummies or THCP vapes, flowers and even edibles for that matter as they are developed in a lab with controlled potency achieving predictable high 100% of the time.

The Good, the Bad, and the Controversial - THC's Potential Effects

THC has been sparking debates for decades, particularly in regard to mental health. University of Montreal found that early and heavy use of THC could mess with teenagers' cognitive functions. Now, this isn't to say that everyone who's tried cannabis as a teen will automatically face long-term issues. This is something we all should understand.


What it does suggest, though, is that this developing brain is more susceptible to THC's interference, which makes those early teenage years crucial in the conversation around this cannabis compound. Researchers even conducted a study in New Zealand, finding those who went overboard with cannabis as teens actually lost an average of 8 IQ points.


This is just nuts when you think about it, but those lost mental abilities didn't entirely return even after they stopped using marijuana as adults. Yikes, right? I have personally seen those same trends play out with people around me who overused THC at an early age. It is really important that parents and young adults are mindful of the effects and be responsible.

Teen rolling a joint

Addressing the Risks - Potential Concerns about THC's Impact

This research on marijuana's effects has a huge challenge because of strict EU regulations. I'm telling you, it's been tough for researchers because cannabis is a Schedule 1 drug, forcing scientists to dance around red tape to conduct studies. But despite this, several key concerns have surfaced from these studies and reports.

Mental Health Concerns and THC's Potential Role

First up - mental health, an area that's seen some heated debate regarding THC. You've probably heard those whispered concerns about a connection between marijuana use and the onset of psychosis. The US National Institute on Drug Abuse has reported rats exposed to THC early in life actually have trouble with memory and learning as they age. That’s scary if you think about it, and studies on humans have yielded mixed results so far.


One thing's clear, though, the potential is there for this cannabis compound to act as a trigger for schizophrenia symptoms in individuals predisposed to these mental health conditions. And younger folks, whose brains are still rapidly evolving and maturing, seem to be at higher risk, experiencing intensified anxiety, paranoia, and even short-lived psychosis after consuming high doses of THC.

THC and Motor Skills - Driving Impairment Concerns

Here's another important thing to think about - your ability to drive or operate machinery safely after THC. The psychoactive effects can mess with your coordination, reaction time, and decision-making, making you feel relaxed but also impairing your judgment behind the wheel. In fact, there are reports that after alcohol, THC is the second-most common substance found in drivers involved in accidents. Even folks using THC for medicinal purposes need to take precautions before getting behind the wheel to make sure those psychomotor skills haven't taken a THC-induced hit.

THC Dependence and Addiction - Addressing the Elephant in the Room

This is an area often overlooked, and it's something that really needs to be addressed - the potential for THC addiction. Look, let's get real for a minute - cannabis use has gone mainstream, but there's a flip side to this surge in popularity. About 30 percent of folks who indulge end up grappling with an addiction to marijuana. Those early teenage years, you know, the same ones when the brain is particularly vulnerable, increase this risk even more, making those first few cannabis encounters crucial.


Here's the thing - THC essentially activates our brain's reward circuitry, hijacking that dopamine system, which makes us crave those pleasurable feelings over and over. It can turn into a cycle of dependence, leaving users chasing the high despite facing negative consequences in other aspects of their lives. 

Nine Realms cannabis joints in ash tray

Other Health Considerations

Here's something people don't talk much about - long-term THC usage might trigger a bizarre phenomenon known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Ever had a bad case of food poisoning with those gut-wrenching waves of nausea and vomiting? Now imagine experiencing that same gut chaos as a side effect of too much THC.


Those are hallmark symptoms of this disorder, causing some folks to even wind up in the hospital for severe dehydration and endless barfing. It's a cruel irony when you think about the medicinal benefits often attributed to THC for nausea relief.


In addition, THC can interact poorly with other medications or certain conditions. Although you may want to find relief through all-natural means, you have to make sure it's compatible with any medication. This is why consulting your doctor is always crucial before incorporating THC products into your daily regimen. It's about responsible cannabis consumption and avoiding those sneaky health complications.

Key Takeaway:

THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, has potential risks and concerns, especially for young users. Early and heavy use may negatively impact cognitive functions and mental health, with possible long-term effects. There are also concerns about driving impairment, addiction potential, and other health issues like cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. While cannabis use has become more mainstream, it's crucial for users, particularly teenagers and young adults, to be aware of these risks and practice responsible consumption.

"If you substitute marijuana for tobacco and alcohol, you'll add eight to 24 years to your life."

Jack Herer

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of THC

THC, for all its controversial baggage, also carries some promising medicinal potential. Although marijuana itself isn't approved by law in EU, certain forms like GMP have actually been given a green light for specific applications, including appetite stimulation and combatting nausea. It's amazing to consider how this same compound responsible for a chill, euphoric feeling could be so effective in alleviating suffering.


While these benefits have solid research backing, ongoing studies and anecdotal accounts are pointing to an ever-expanding range of uses. And a lot of research on these properties, you guessed it, is focused on the interaction of THC with those two superstar cannabinoid receptors - CB1 and CB2. Those little molecules seem to hold the key to some of the greatest discoveries about THC’s healing power, particularly with its interaction with the peripheral nervous system. Those nerves and cells, remember how CB2 receptors reign over them? Well, that’s where THC might have even more of a significant impact, helping relieve a bunch of other conditions.

Old lady holding Nine Realms cannabis

THC's Potential in Managing Chronic Pain

One of the big research areas focuses on THC's ability to soothe those chronic aches and pains that just won’t quit. Research, such as the one published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, points to the potential of this cannabis compound in managing everything from those agonizing nerve pains often associated with multiple sclerosis to the intense flare-ups that plague individuals battling arthritis.


Here's where the two-star cannabinoid receptors come into play. CB1, our old friend in the central nervous system, likely intercepts pain signals from the body, sending them to the brain, creating a “dimmer switch effect” and making them less intrusive.


Meanwhile, our unsung hero, CB2, kicks in out there in the body, acting as a sort of fireman to dampen down the flames of inflammation, especially in our joints and muscles. Imagine this for a second: soothing both the pain signals and the source of that pain at the same time. That’s what makes THC such a powerful contender for fighting stubborn, persistent discomfort.

THC's Influence on Appetite Stimulation

This is one benefit already FDA-approved in the USA - THC is an incredible tool to rev up someone’s lagging appetite. Think about those going through chemo with a constant wave of nausea. Sometimes they can’t keep even the smallest bite of food down, which leads to severe weight loss, weakened immune systems, and difficulty bouncing back from this harsh treatment. A study that we can access in PubMed on Mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetics of cannabis demonstrates how THC acts as a supercharger, targeting those brain regions involved in hunger and revving up their activity.


You know how your stomach sometimes starts grumbling when you're stressed or catch a whiff of something delicious? THC flips that switch intentionally, flooding those key areas with neurotransmitters associated with cravings. This ability makes it a lifeline for folks facing debilitating health conditions.

THC's Anti-Nausea Properties and Chemo Relief

We've talked a lot about nausea as a side effect of THC, but here's a flip side that often surprises folks: It might actually be highly effective against nausea in different applications, particularly during chemotherapy. I know it seems contradictory but think about this for a second. In high doses, it triggers nausea but what about lower, more targeted doses? Remember how THC interacts with our brain’s own endocannabinoid system? Research by The US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests these THC receptors in this intricate system likely play a vital role in those pathways related to nausea and vomiting. THC likely interrupts those messages being sent between your brain and digestive system, creating a soothing, antiemetic effect. Pretty wild how this one compound can both induce and combat nausea.

Navigating the World of THC - How Potency Affects Your Journey

THCP Potency is one aspect of THC that causes the most confusion. It plays a significant role in everything, from the type of "high" you experience to how your body responds in the long run. Remember, it’s all about understanding your needs, doing your research, and enjoying it responsibly. The potency of THC you get with cannabis depends on many factors.


As someone who has used cannabis for years, I’ll let you in on a little secret - I learned this the hard way early on in my explorations. This potency is like THC's volume control, dictating its impact. The higher it goes, the more amplified those psychoactive effects become, delivering intense euphoria and relaxation.


Now, this is not a problem if you know what you’re getting yourself into. If you’re seeking a mellow, more manageable experience? Stick to lower doses of THC, particularly those coming from cannabis plants. You’ll find this common in things like CBD-dominant products such as HHC Vapes, HHC Edibles or any of the THC-like products, for example, THCP or THCJD. These contain those legal 0.2% THC limits mandated by the EU while still offering therapeutic potential with that psychedelic punch. That low-dose route allows folks to reap those relaxing and mood-boosting benefits. For more intense effects - those THC-heavy strains and concentrates provide a high volume adventure into that euphoric space. Remember, the key here is informed and responsible use, listening to your body’s feedback and pacing yourself.

Nine Realms cannabis flower under lamp

The Potential Risks of High-Potency THC

High-potency THC may seem appealing, and for many experienced users, there are a lot of positives. For newcomers or those susceptible to its impact, there are risks to remember. These dangers associated with sky-high levels of THC are real. I’ve seen a ton of friends freak out, suffer bad paranoia episodes.


You have to take those long-term health risks into account, too, because pumping your body with excessive THC might affect the developing brain, those same teenage brains. This can make them prone to mental health issues like psychosis. If you are seeking more benefits and are new to THC - talk to your doctor. Start low and slow.

Conclusion

You've learned about what is thc, how this compound creates that famous high and its interactions with our brain's inner workings. You understand the impact of THC, from the risks and side effects that we have to keep in mind. We've explored those synthetic forms of THC showing great promise in alleviating pain, battling those brutal chemotherapy side effects, and helping restore appetite. You also have an awareness now about that often confusing web of state and federal laws surrounding THC. And remember, informed cannabis use, being aware of the risks of what is THC, starting low, and seeking expert advice when in doubt are always the best choices in this exciting and still mysterious THC journey.

A man smoking Nine Realms vape

Author: Jans Beloglazovs

Emerging from Europe's strict cannabis landscape, Jan has become a known figure in the European cannabis industry through vast experience in cannabusiness and a keen understanding of the shifting trends in Europe. Co-founding the Nine Realms cannabis brand, he leverages his expertise to advocate for progressive cannabis policies and educate a broad audience.