Intro to Cannabis: What is THC?
In this blog, Genesis Grow Corp. will be walking you through the introductory basics of THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.
The Basics of THC
To begin, THC is the abbreviation that is used for the chemical, Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, and it is the chemical component that produces the “high” experienced from cannabis products.
Although scientists are not yet certain of the exact reasons that cannabis plants produce THC, they have some speculations. One possibility lies in the fact that many animals other than humans also have cannabinoid systems in their bodies. The thought is that cannabis plants began producing THC as a sort of defensive mechanism that would make animals who had consumed the plant forget where they found it.
Other possibilities lie in the fact that THC is UV radiation resistant, and likely protects cannabis plants, as they need ample amounts of sunlight to grow. Additionally, THC has antibiotic properties, which could also serve to protect plants.
How THC Works
In the human body, there is an extensive endocannabinoid system which essentially helps us maintain homeostasis. Within this endocannabinoid system, there are CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Today, we’ll be focusing on the CB1 receptors.
CB1 receptors are the major component that produces the high effect when in contact with THC. When you’re not stoned, CB1 receptors (which exist in high quantities in your brain) are responsible for regulating things like memory, pleasure, appetite, motor function, and your perception of pain.
They do this by interacting with a neurotransmitter called Anandamide, which binds to CB1 receptors, enacting a chain of communication that will ultimately communicate your needs by letting you know if you’re hungry, in pain, pleased, etc. Additionally, this is the molecule that is responsible for what has been referred to as the ‘natural high’ or ‘runner’s high'.
Now, when you are stoned, THC replaces Anandamide, perfectly binding to CB1 receptors in its place, inhibiting regular neurotransmissions. This inhibition creates the iconic high that is associated with cannabis products, creating feelings of euphoria, as well as affecting your appetite, memory, and spatial awareness to only name a few things.
In order for the THC to make its way to the CB1 receptors, it enters through the bloodstream and travels to the brain. But how does it get to the bloodstream? Well, that depends on the mode of consumption.
When smoking cannabis, THC enters the respiratory system via the lungs, where it is then absorbed into the bloodstream. If it’s a topical or edible THC product, the THC is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream (topicals) or through the digestive system and into the bloodstream (edibles). After entering the bloodstream, the THC travels to the brain and binds to CB1 receptors.
The way that THC interacts with the human endocannabinoid system is extremely complex and intricate, and there is a plethora of information about exactly what it does to your biochemistry that we have not covered in this blog. However, we have provided an introductory explanation regarding the basics of THC and how it works to cause the high that we know and love.
At Genesis Grow Corp., we are dedicated to creating luxury cannabis products that are produced to the highest standards of the cannabis industry. If you’re interested in learning more, or if you’re interested in trying some of our amazing products for yourselves, visit our website or one of our retailers today!