Most of the pyshcological effects associated with marijuana are due to THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), THC works similarly to endocannabinoids produced naturally by the body.
THC binds to cannabinoid receptors, which are located in specific sections of the brain concerned with thinking, memory, pleasure, coordination, and time perception. According to NIDA, when THC binds to these receptors, it activates them.
THC is one of many chemicals obtained from the resin produced by cannabis glands. More glands of this kind are present around the plant’s reproductive organs than any other portion. This resin is also rich in cannabinoids, which are unique to marijuana. CBD, one cannabinoid, is non-psychoactive and actually inhibits the high associated with THC, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
THC Effects on the body
The brain’s endocannabinoid system, which responds to THC, is found throughout the body. The cannabinoid receptors in this area affect memory recall and hippocampal function by sending THC signals.
Short-term cannabis use can result in altered mental processes, including hallucinations, confusion, and delusions. The effects typically last two hours and begin 10 to 30 minutes after intake, while psychomotor slowdown may continue after the perceived high has ended.
According to a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, cannabinoids other than CBD and terpenes (plant chemicals that give plants their scent and taste) can modulate and minimize undesirable effects of THC.
THC Risks
Marijuana is a popular drug because of its effects; it is one of the world’s most widely used illegal drugs. However, some mental health advocates are concerned about these effects. According to NIDA, one cause for concern is a possible correlation between THC and schizophrenic symptoms.
Another danger of using THC is impaired motor skills. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that marijuana is the second-most frequent psychoactive drug found in drivers (after alcohol). It may impair driving and other activities for roughly three hours after ingestion. Patients taking medical cannabis are warned against driving until it is determined that they can tolerate the drug and perform basic motor activities.
Marijuana use may have negative consequences for people of all ages, although it’s most harmful to those under the age of 25. THC has been linked to lower intelligence, memory, and cognition in young people, as well as other issues. However, there is still much debate regarding the long-term consequences of marijuana use because of the limited research to date. There’s a possible link to a decrease in fertility in men and women and the obstruction of airways, but the data is insufficient.
In 2016, a study published in the journal Development and Psychopathology (University of Montreal) reported that marijuana use early on may have a negative impact on teenagers. Smokers who begin before age 14 perform worse on some cognitive assessments than non-smokers. According to a study of almost 300 pupils, marijuana users also had a significantly higher dropout rate. Those who delayed starting until after age 17 did not appear to have the same problems.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that rats who were exposed to THC before birth, soon after birth, or during adolescence had difficulties with specific learning and memory activities as adults.
And of course, like other drugs, marijuana might have drug interactions with other medicines.
THC Medicinal uses
For almost 3,000 years, marijuana has been used for medical purposes (according to the National Cancer Institute). More than 50% of the United States now allows people to use medicinal marijuana, and several states have legalized recreational use.
Cannabinoid acids, such as THC, can be extracted from marijuana or created in a lab. Dronabinol, which is approved by the FDA, is one example. According to the US National Library of Medicine, Dronabinol can be used to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatments, and to enhance appetites in people with AIDS.
Other research suggests that, when used correctly, THC may provide a slew of additional medical advantages. According to a 2016 mouse study, THC may be able to enhance memory in tiny doses.
Marijuana is often favorably compared to prescription drugs because it is “all-natural.” This may be misleading, as “natural” doesn’t always mean beneficial – or even safe. Poison oak, for example, can be dangerous. It doesn’t matter that it grows in the dirt; what matters is how it might affect you.
THC Overdose
In states that have legalized marijuana, edibles (foods that contain THC) have become a major concern due to accidental overdoses.
Edibles can cause overdoses since consumers frequently eat the whole cookie rather than a recommended smaller amount. It’s tempting (and simply easier) to eat the whole edible, and it’s especially appealing to younger people and those who don’t want to smoke.
Edibles can be highly potent, and when taken orally, the drug may survive longer and with greater intensity. THC’s effect lasts between 45 minutes to a few hours when inhaled, while the effects experienced with edibles can last for up to eight hours. They are also more likely to lead to ER visits due to overconsumption.
The median lethal dose of THC in people is unknown. Dogs and monkeys were given up to 9000 mg/kg of THC in a 1972 study, with no fatalities. Within 72 hours of receiving up to 3600 mg/kg, some rats died.
Concentrations of THC in cannabis
When exposed to air, THC oxidizes into cannabinol – a cannabinoid that has psychoactive properties apart from THC. The amount of THC in the cannabis plant depends on its growth technique and strain.
Hemp is a kind of cannabis that has a low amount of THC, with traces as low as 0.5 percent, according to the North American Industrial Hemp Council. Hemp is used for industrial and medical applications.
Some strains of marijuana have as little as 0.3 percent THC by weight. THC makes up 20% of the weight in a sample in other varieties, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. On average, the THC concentration in marijuana is 1 to 5%, hashish has a range of 5 to 15%, and hashish oil has an average percentage of 20%. THC concentrations in recreational doses of marijuana are highly unpredictable, and the lower the THC level, the more cannabis must be consumed to achieve desired results.
