Cannabis, also known as marijuana among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used primarily for medical or recreational purposes. The main psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of the 483 known compounds in the plant, including at least 65 other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. With chemical name (−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol, the term THC also refers to cannabinoid isomers. The term THC is often used to refer to the most famous cannabinoid, Delta-9-THC, which is the variety most associated with the plant’s psychoactive properties.
History of THC
The history of THC and cannabis goes back thousands of years. The use of cannabis as a mind-altering substance has been documented by archaeological finds in prehistoric societies in Eurasia and Africa. The oldest written record of cannabis usage is the Greek historian Herodotus’s reference to the central Eurasian Scythians taking cannabis steam baths.
THC was first isolated in 1964 by Israeli scientists Raphael Mechoulam, Yechiel Gaoni and colleagues at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Since then, it has become one of the most extensively studied cannabinoids.
Early Use and Cultivation
The early use and cultivation of cannabis has been traced to ancient China, where the plant was grown for its strong fibers. Cannabis was also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The psychoactive properties of THC were not widely recognized until much later.
Throughout history, cannabis has been cultivated and used for its medicinal, industrial, and recreational properties. It has played a significant role in many cultures around the world, from the ancient Chinese to the modern Western societies.
Modern Discoveries and Research
The discovery of THC and other cannabinoids in the mid-20th century led to a surge of interest and research into cannabis. Scientists began to study the effects of THC on the human body, leading to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating a wide range of functions and processes.
Today, research into THC and other cannabinoids continues. Scientists are particularly interested in the potential therapeutic uses of THC, such as in the treatment of pain, nausea, epilepsy, and other conditions.
Chemical Structure and Properties of THC
THC is a member of the class of compounds known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are characterized by their ability to act on the cannabinoid receptors that are part of the endocannabinoid system in the human body.
THC is a lipid found in cannabis, the molecule features a cyclohexene ring, a phenol group, and a side chain of five isoprene units. The compound is soluble in organic solvents but not in water. At room temperature, THC is a glassy solid.
Isomers of THC
THC has several isomers, including Delta-8-THC, Delta-9-THC, and Delta-10-THC. These isomers differ in the placement of the double bond in the THC molecule, which can affect their psychoactive properties.
Delta-9-THC is the most well-known isomer of THC and is the most abundant cannabinoid in most strains of cannabis. It is also the most psychoactive isomer. Delta-8-THC is less psychoactive than Delta-9-THC and is less commonly found in the cannabis plant.
THC and the Endocannabinoid System
THC acts on the endocannabinoid system by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and central nervous system, while the CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral organs and cells associated with the immune system.
When THC binds to the CB1 receptors, it can produce a range of effects, from euphoria and relaxation to anxiety and paranoia, depending on the dose and the individual’s sensitivity. The effects of THC on the CB2 receptors are less well understood, but they are thought to play a role in the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of cannabis.
Effects of THC
The effects of THC can vary widely depending on the dose, the method of consumption, the individual’s tolerance, and other factors. Some of the most common effects include euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perception, increased appetite, and impaired memory and coordination.
At higher doses, THC can cause anxiety, paranoia, and even hallucinations. Some people may also experience negative side effects such as dry mouth, red eyes, and increased heart rate. However, it is important to note that the effects of THC can vary greatly from person to person.
Short-term Effects
The short-term effects of THC can include euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perception, and increased appetite. These effects typically begin within minutes of inhalation or within 1-2 hours of ingestion and can last for several hours.
Other short-term effects can include impaired memory and coordination, dry mouth, red eyes, and increased heart rate. These effects can be more pronounced in inexperienced users or those who consume high doses.
Long-term Effects
The long-term effects of THC are less well understood and can vary depending on the frequency and duration of use. Some studies suggest that long-term use of THC can lead to cognitive impairment, particularly in those who begin using cannabis at a young age.
Other potential long-term effects can include dependence and withdrawal symptoms, mental health problems, and lung problems if cannabis is smoked. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of THC.
Medical Uses of THC
THC has been studied for its potential therapeutic uses in a variety of conditions, including pain, nausea and vomiting, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. It is also used in some countries as a prescription medication for conditions such as chronic pain and nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
However, the use of THC for medical purposes is a controversial topic, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.
Pain Relief
One of the most common medical uses of THC is for pain relief. THC has been found to be effective in treating a variety of types of pain, including neuropathic pain, cancer pain, and pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
THC appears to work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating pain. However, more research is needed to fully understand how THC works to relieve pain and to determine the most effective doses and methods of administration.
Nausea and Vomiting
THC is also used to treat nausea and vomiting, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy. In fact, the synthetic THC medication dronabinol (Marinol) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this use.
THC appears to work by activating the CB1 receptors in the brain, which can reduce the sensation of nausea and the urge to vomit. However, more research is needed to fully understand how THC works to relieve nausea and vomiting and to determine the most effective doses and methods of administration.
Legal Status of THC
The legal status of THC varies widely around the world. In some countries, THC and cannabis are completely illegal. In others, they are legal for medical use, and in some places, they are even legal for recreational use.
In the United States, THC is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it is illegal under federal law. However, many states have passed laws allowing for the medical or recreational use of cannabis, creating a complex legal landscape.
United States
In the United States, THC is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, many states have passed laws allowing for the medical or recreational use of cannabis, creating a complex legal landscape.
As of 2021, 36 states and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of cannabis, and 15 states and the District of Columbia have legalized the recreational use of cannabis. However, because federal law supersedes state law, the use, possession, and distribution of cannabis remains illegal under federal law, even in states where it is legal under state law.
International
The legal status of THC and cannabis varies widely around the world. In some countries, such as Canada and Uruguay, cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use. In others, such as the Netherlands, cannabis is decriminalized, meaning that while it is technically illegal, the laws are not enforced in certain situations.
In many other countries, including many in Asia and the Middle East, cannabis and THC are completely illegal and penalties for possession, use, and trafficking can be severe. However, the global legal landscape is rapidly changing, and many countries are considering reforms to their cannabis laws.
Conclusion
THC is a complex and fascinating compound that has played a significant role in human culture and medicine for thousands of years. While it is best known for its psychoactive properties, THC also has a range of potential therapeutic uses, including as a treatment for pain, nausea and vomiting, and certain neurological disorders.
However, the use of THC also carries risks, including the potential for abuse and dependence, cognitive impairment, and other negative side effects. As such, it is important for individuals to use THC responsibly and to be aware of the laws in their area.
