Things You Need To Know About The THC In Cannabis

Many are still wondering about the primary component that’s mainly responsible for causing the psychoactive effect in cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), also known as delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is that active ingredient that brings the “high” feeling.

However, things are beginning to unravel that THC carries plenty of positives when used properly. It’s true that THC is the root cause of the ecstatic high when you consume a heavy dose of marijuana. But recent systematic studies seem to suggest that THC packs a load of health and medicinal benefits.

What is THC?

The marijuana plant has become an interesting subject for scientific experiments. In the course of extensive research, it was discovered that cannabis is pretty distinct. It contains unique chemicals and compounds that are not found in other plant life.

Scientists and medical researchers analyzing the anatomy of cannabis have identified five primary components1. Tetrahydrocannabinol is one of them and is obviously the most popular chemical compound. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second well-known compound but unlike THC, it is non-psychoactive.

The marijuana or cannabis plant carried a notorious image for almost a century because of the mind-altering effects of THC. As a result, the federal government deemed that cannabis rightfully belongs in the list of Schedule I Controlled Substance2.

Drugs, chemicals or substances have two things in common: 1) there is no accepted medical use; and 2) it causes severe psychological effect or induces physical dependence.

Cannabis joins the company of heroin, LSD, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), Methaqualone, and Peyote in the list of the most dangerous drugs. Cocaine is a rung lower than marijuana and is listed as a Schedule II Drug.

THC can stimulate or trigger psychoactivity. And since it is potent enough to affect the mind, it can be as dangerous as heroin. Therefore safety issues persist. Cannabis earned the distinction of being the most popular illicit drug on earth because of the characteristics of THC.

The chemical structure and properties of THC

Being a cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol possesses a unique chemical structure3 but not quite simple. THC is basically a molecule containing twenty-one atoms of carbon, thirty of hydrogen and two of oxygen. It goes by the chemical formula C21H30O2.

Scientists were able to isolate and extract the active ingredient. They discovered that THC an oily compound that is produced naturally. This major cannabis compound is highly soluble in lipid-based solvents but insoluble in H2O or water.

THC is a phytocannabinoid which falls under the classification of terpenophenolic compounds. These compounds are considered complex organic molecules. Two major classes of naturally-occurring chemical compounds known as terpenoids and phenols are the main elements.

When a complex chain reaction between the leaves and resin glands occur, THC is produced. In the fledgling leaves, a phenol known as olivetolic acid reacts with the compound geranyl pyrophosphate to form cannabigerolic acid.

The physical properties of THC

The appearance is glassy solid in its purest form but turns pasty and gummy when burned or cooked. THC has a very low solubility in water. However, it has good solubility in most organic solvents.

When THC attaches to the binding sites, it has a longer staying power than the human’s natural cannabinoid chemicals. THC can remain in the system of frequent marijuana users within several days.

Apart from its effects when smoked or cooked, THC serves an important purpose for the plant itself. Since cannabis grows wild in tropical climates and temperate or even harsh environments, the plant needs protection in order to survive in various atmospheric conditions.

THC is basically a lipid that performs the role of defender against insect herbivores, frost, and water loss. It is capable of preventing overheating when exposed to dry weather or the piercing ultraviolet rays of the sun.

It also functions as a deterrent to pollinators. In effect, protecting the plant is a salient feature of cannabinoid.

The medicinal value of THC

Recreational marijuana users are after the euphoric high which only THC can exclusively provide. Based on recent studies on medical marijuana, CBD is the cannabis constituent with medicinal value. However, the medicinal benefits of THC4 are slowly coming out and there are plenty.

• THC has been validated to be a powerful anti-inflammatory drug. A wide range of diseases become complicated due to Inflammation. THC is now being used to treat and contain the inflammation.
• People suffering from chronic pain can skip the addictive opioids and replace them with a more effective and safer remedy. THC.is a pain-reliever and when used releases dopamine in order to treat pain and other related symptoms. THC works best for the relief of temporary muscle soreness as well as persistent neuropathic pain.
• Even the FDA has recognized THC’s ability to correct digestive disorders. It has been proven effective to soothe pain and lessen nausea and other symptoms linked to gastrointestinal distress. Patients suffering from HIV, cancer or other diseases usually experience decreased if not loss of appetite. THC has the power to stimulate appetite.
• THC is also helpful to people suffering from insomnia and other sleep disorders. Prescription sleeping pills can work wonders in the short-term but would lose its efficacy in the long haul. THC can relax both mind and body while some cannabis strains have stronger tranquilizing effects than others.
• The most promising finding thus far is the potential of using THC as a major treatment for cancer in various locations – breast, brain, lung, and even prostate. Early results of recent studies are indicating THC has cancer-killing properties. Researchers are also hoping that THC might also be capable of shrinking tumors and reduce the presence of cancer cells.

A major development happened recently on June 25. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, for the first time, a cannabis-based drug5. The drug is known as Epidiolex. U.K.-based GW Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturer of the drug that can treat two types of epileptic syndromes: Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Continuing research and studies in the cannabis industry

When you look at the current state of the cannabis industry, the view is no longer skewed to the negative. However, caution is still advised. The important thing is to be aware of the health implications, whether good or bad.

Researches and studies on cannabis and its major components like THC is a continuing process. The regulatory barriers, especially at the federal level, are somehow slowing down the progress.

Nonetheless, it won’t be long before a new round of fresh findings emerges. Everyone should remain hopeful. More amazing things than what cannabis and THC have already proven looms in the very near future.