Understanding THC: A Cannabinoid Which is Often Misunderstood!
We take a thorough look at THC
Ever since the recreational use of cannabis became legal in Canada, it has induced a fresh wave of changes in the industry. In fact, cannabis has a long history of use in Canada. The settlers used it as a cash crop long before Canada officially became a country.
So, it marked a popular presence across the Canadian timeline. With legalization, came the laws. While the rules and regulations are an inseparable part of any legalization process, there is one important element which has always kept cannabis high in demand. Wondering what?
It’s THC!
A major chunk of the population smokes and ingests marijuana because of this miraculous compound. While cannabis has over 400 chemicals, THC gets all the attention. The reason? It’s uplifting and it has psychoactive effects. Despite this, the ride has not been as smooth as it seems. THC is often misunderstood.
There are many benefits to the use of cannabis and sometimes, it can get overused. Anything in excess is bad for you. The key to deriving the benefits of cannabis lies in using it within healthy limits.
Before we dive into the benefits, let’s look at THC in detail.
Understanding THC
What exactly is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in the Cannabis Sativa plant; which is, responsible for the ‘high’ associated with weed. With a chemical makeup of C21H3002, it is pretty similar to its counterpart, Cannabidiol (CBD).
Typically, the THC content averages between 0.3% and 25%, depending on the strain of the plant. The potency can further be altered by modifying the climate and the genetics of the plant.
The effects of THC can be understood from the fact that THC mimics anandamide, a chemical naturally produced in the brain. It manifests itself by affecting thinking, pleasure, coordination, appetite, movement and time perception.
THC induces the release of a chemical called dopamine, which is responsible for the characteristic high and pleasure felt. In fact, the effect of cannabis depends on the potency, the medium by which you are ingesting the drug and how the individual responds to the plant. In general, when cannabis is smoked, THC is directly absorbed from the bloodstream, via the lungs — a faster way than ingesting edibles.
While THC is vouched for its uplifting effects, it is not entirely about that. There are various medicinal benefits which cannot be ignored.
What are the Medical Benefits of THC?
It’s high time the myths surrounding THC need to be busted. Let’s discuss the medical properties that you cannot ignore.
It Shields Brain Cells
One of the more popular myths about THC was that it killed brain cells. Well, this is far from true. In fact, THC acts as a powerful neuro-protectant. It also helps in neurogenesis (the creation of brain cells); thereby, increasing the production of neurons in the brain.
Moreover, THC acts as a powerful antioxidant, to reduce any oxidative stress (cancer-causing agents) and offer the protection that brain cells need to survive and thrive.
THC Relieves Pain
Pain relief is one of the most noted benefits of the compound. THC, when given in low doses, is known to have miraculous effects in reducing pain. In fact, this study confirmed again that THC is effective at pain relief. Many studies are also confirming the role of using THC as an effective treatment for opiate addiction and recovery.
No matter what method you chose, THC plays an important role in alleviating pain and providing much-needed relief.
It Eases Nausea & Vomiting
One of the major breakthroughs that science has established about cannabis is that it offers relief against nausea and vomiting and can stimulate the appetite. With these unpleasant symptoms generally related to cancer treatment, ingesting cannabis is a very necessary and relieving benefit to these patients and others that suffer from these debilitating conditions.
In addition, THC helps relieve nausea and vomiting by attaching to the endocannabinoid receptors, located all over the human body; but specifically, in the digestive system and relieves the regulates the feeling of nausea and vomiting.
Moreover, the popular pharmaceutical drug in use to combat the symptoms of chemotherapy is Marinol. While it mimics THC, it has common side-effects, including; confusion, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, mood changes, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble concentrating and many others. Why not use the all-natural, real deal?
THC Increases Appetite
If you ever ask a marijuana smoker, they are bound to tell you that it makes them hungry. Well, this is true. And, the compound responsible for this is THC.
Furthermore, there are many medical conditions, such as, certain cancer treatments, dementia, HIV, hepatitis, eating disorders and many others; which drastically reduce a person’s diet. Cannabis proves useful by becoming an agent of increasing appetite.
The mechanism that effects appetite is that THC interacts with the receptors of the hypothalamus, located in the brain; which release Ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger. With its hunger-inducing benefits, THC can surely prove to be a saviour for people suffering an excessive loss of appetite.
It Works as an Effective Sleep Aid
Marijuana and sleep are a perfect match. Cannabis users are known to sleep better than non-users. This can be attributed to the presence of active compounds in the plant — THC and CBD. These interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in the body to induce relaxing effects, which helps in generating better sleep.
Sleep is essential and cannabis ensures you get the best of it.
So, with the clear benefits THC offers, it cannot be ignored. There is substantial research, which supports the many health benefits it provides. The dosage depends on the cannabis potency and the tolerance of the person using it.
As a healthy measure, you can contact a 420 clinic, to get a medical marijuana card online. Alternatively, you can visit DispensaryGTA.com, day or night, to reap the benefits of our coupon page and many deals found on our store, populated with our dispensary partners, nationwide. This will ensure you are guided properly in reaping the best health benefits of cannabis.
Cannabis is a blessing and THC is one important aspect of it!
Have any questions about the many health benefits of THC? Please leave us a detailed message below in the comments!
Last Updated on December 10, 2021 by Bud
